Article: Future-Proof Building
Better Living Spaces
Design Trends in Living Spaces
Advocates of great design, FPB Ellerslie Renovation Home interior designers Yellowfox are always on the lookout for new design directions.
At this year’s Eurocucina expo in Milan, Italy, they witnessed European trends that will influence New Zealand’s interior design direction in the year to come. Here are their predictions.
Organic Evolution
2011 will see an evolution in the use of materials, with things like plastic, heat-treated wood and lacquered materials used in more organic forms. Corners are curved; forms are simple, with no room for extravagant embellishment.
Simplicity Rules
Furniture is becoming less complicated, with a focus on function and simplicity. Timbers and metals will be used either raw and unfinished with exposed edging, or super polished and highly glossy.
Plastics feel comfortable and are luxurious when teamed up with bright floral prints.
Simple, round side tables are in, made from bright chrome, transparent glass or something as simple as a rough-sawn tree trunk. Clear plastics, black iron and tortured silvered metals are warmed with honest honeyed wood grains.
Responsible Reinvention
Trends in fabrics are towards natural fibres and if patterned, it is on a large scale. Chairs have simple retro styling with tapered legs and textured woollen or muted linen fabric. The key with furniture is to invest in timeless pieces and restore classic, designed furniture.
If on a tight budget, renovating your existing furniture can give it a new lease of life. This is not only budget-conscious, but also environmentally responsible. Recycling and using resources wisely will become increasingly important this decade.
Bright Touch
Accent colours are solid, bright, influential and simplistic. Crisp whites set against deep charcoals will provide a sense of air and space. Sweetness can be added with baby pinks and duck egg blues creating cool, airy, feminine interiors reminiscent of the ‘shabby chic’ style. Interest can be added to neutral palettes with soft- toned couture wallpaper or fabrics.
Textural Delight
Thick, plush carpets and rugs on polished concrete, weathered wood or honed tile floors prove contrasting textures can work together in a combined space. The focus in lighting is functionality. Surface-mounted lighting is both industrial and beautiful, featuring heavy metals, formed wood and exposed bulbs.
