 Interior design trends don’t emerge from a vacuum. If you watch design trends generally, you will see the flow-through of ideas from other areas of design such as architecture, furniture and fashion. For example, the latest colour palette in fashion design or shapes in industrial design will flow through to interior design trends.
Every aspect of design is now embracing the eco-friendly trend, for instance, which is clearly the sensible response to the state of the planet. Interior design is embracing the natural look of wood, metal and other elements found in nature. Greens, earthy browns, rustic silvers, brushed coppers, sky blues, golden yellows and other nature-inspired colours are adding a glow to the interior décor palette. This is seen in the choice of colours and finishes for walls, rugs and soft furnishings. Tony Bannister, of Scout Trend Forecast, is even more specific in his observations about colour trends for the home. According to Tony, “A strong sub-trend is the huge uptake of the use of the colour green.” He believes our growing “green awareness” is responsible for this surge in popularity. But as Tony points out, “It’s not bright greens; it’s rather soft, natural and earthy greens — drawn from nature.” Another trend is that reflected by the current economic conditions. In a word, the new look is simplicity. Showy, gaudy and overdone is now considered bad taste in a world feeling the painful repercussions of unfettered greed. Luxury no longer means more but rather tasteful simplicity, with decorating styles that enhance the feeling of tranquility. Creating a harmonious atmosphere that inspires peace is the goal. Your home should inspire a sense of sanctuary, though simplicity should not be considered the same as cold, uncomfortable minimalism. We asked three of Australia’s busiest interior designers to reveal their interpretations of the latest trends. While opinions vary between them, they share many observations on current directions as well as the belief that hiring a professional designer has its advantages. According to Susie Thompson of Coco Republic, “A designer has access to a broad range of products that are not always available at retail. Many of the pieces used in my projects are sourced through small trade-only suppliers. “A designer can manage all elements of a project and co-ordinate all the trades involved to ensure minimum disruption and a professional finish within a budget. Ultimately, time and money are saved with professional advice; the job is considered as an overall project, even if it’s executed in stages and all elements are assessed, such as spatial planning, colour, texture, lighting and selection of furniture and fittings. The more explicit you can be with your brief and budget information, the faster and more effective the result will be. “People are finally embracing colour and the mixing of styles to reflect a more personal look rather than a strictly staged feel. We are mixing ethnic items with retro furniture and fabrics and the classical with more organic pieces. There are still lots of metallic finishes in furniture and fabrics, while the earthier driftwood look will stay popular. We are finding our clients are eager to improve the family/dining areas, which tend to be integrated into their kitchen spaces and open out to terraces and outdoor areas. “Unfortunately, some people still view their projects in distinct stages, where a designer will be called in after building works are completed. We look at the room’s layout and consider issues such as where sofas and beds will be placed; whether there’s a need for power into the floor or on a particular wall; and how a window treatment will be handled with an awkward window or door. “It’s always smart to have another set of eyes involved in those early planning stages and that way many of the usual mistakes are not made. The Baxter project (pictured), for example, was a case where our client sought guidance from the beginning. His brief was to create a sophisticated urban, club-like feel for this city apartment and we developed that from streamlining the floorplan, disguising structural impediments, recolouring the floors, selecting graphic wallpapers and creating a feature with the kitchen tile layouts.” Colour is obviously one of the most important aspects of interior design. Judith Briggs, of Colour Consultants Australia, explains the importance of consulting an expert in colour to achieve the right effect at home: “I never impose my tastes when it comes to someone’s house. A home’s décor should reflect the personalities and lifestyles of the people who live in it. It needs their character and soul. “Currently people are really appreciating natural products — stone, leather, timber and organic shapes. There are also some amazing new tile finishes that create beautiful reflections when light hits them. Metallic finishes are still really big, but we’re getting different effects due to new technology. This is especially relevant to tiles where you see metal mosaics, ground-metal effects and glass tiles with metallic and mother-of-pearl reflections. Reflections are also evident with crystals on cushions and fabrics — even some outdoor furniture fabrics. “Wallpaper is really taking hold as a statement in interiors. Super-sized motifs are popular, too. The line between art and homewares is blurring, with graphics and graffiti fabrics and wallpaper. Art hotels are popping up and there are certainly lots more colour and colourful combinations – a 60s revival with fluoro, acid brights and rainbow colours. Rooftop and garden walls (both inside and out) are big, so indoor plants will regain popularity. “The bathroom is probably the room most people now seek assistance with to make a luxurious haven rather than just a functional room. They want their fittings and finishes to reflect this. Kitchen advice is always in demand, as this tends to be the hub and the most expensive room in the house. I’m finding more and more people are looking for something special in their bedroom décor that personalises the room and provides a touch of escapism. The outdoor room is also very popular as an extension of the house, with outdoor TV screens, pizza ovens etc now becoming popular. “I prefer to work with my clients off the plan with new projects, but sometimes people are confident they can handle it themselves. TV makeover programs have a lot to answer for — they make it look so easy and the job gets done very quickly. Many people come to me disillusioned when they find out what is really involved and how long it takes. And, either during or after the renovation, I have been called in a number of times to help rectify problems caused by poor colour choices, for instance. This is hard because, while the effects of some problems can be minimised, it is never a perfect outcome, and with some professional advice in the planning stages, these sorts of problems can be avoided.” Barbara Bromley, MDIA of Bromley & Tate Interiors, believes interior designers, like any other professional, “bring with them knowledge, experience and confidence in their field. Like a banker who has financial knowledge, interior designers have interior-specific knowledge and skills, such as the ability to work with many different interior and exterior environments. We have a wealth of national and international contacts, which generally results in a high purchasing power, which can mean lower prices for clients. “Approximately 65 per cent of my clients come to me for advice on colour schemes for the interior or the exterior of the home. Usually with the colour consultation, they require accessory advice and fine-tuning of their homes. I find that most of my clients are initially quite shy about asking for professional advice from me as an interior designer/colour consultant, but once I am in their homes and we have formed a bond, I find they have numerous questions and a thirst for ideas and inspiration. My job, starting as a colour consultation, often ends up being a full interior consultation. “Kitchens and bathrooms are areas where there is a lot of wear and tear, so they require a lot of love and attention. If budgets are tight, my clients tend to spend their money on bathrooms, kitchens and a fresh coat of paint before they consider a full renovation. This is a great way to breathe fresh air through a home without over-extending financially. “During my history of interior designing and colour consulting I have had experience before, during and after renovations. Domestic situations usually require my input initially with the builder’s for colour schemes, floorplan layout advice and input, floor and countertop finishes. Then, after the building is complete and it is ready to furnish, it is my job to work closely with my client towards co-ordinating the furniture and soft furnishings with our chosen colour schemes.” As with all design projects, research, planning and patience are the keys to a successful outcome. Working with a professional designer can help you find the solution to turn your dream interior into reality. | 
