With the new year fast approaching, it’s time to get up to date with what’s in and what’s out in Interior design for 2017.
The last year saw many natural materials enter the home. There was a desire for a reconnection with nature from city dwellers, who sought a breath of fresh air in the midst of the concrete jungle. It was the year the sharing economy boomed; we shared workspace, taxi cabs, holiday condos and apartments; our spaces had to serve many functions, be adaptable and smart – just like us. Instagramming, tweeting, Facebooking, all became part of the job, whether it was personal or professional PR, with many online entrepreneurs working from the comfort of their own homes.
The bedroom was often required to function as a study or even, in the age of ever decreasing apartment SQ meters, sometimes also the bathroom and/or kitchen. We saw palms and plants breathe life into the stark anti-decoration, concrete walls. Personalized prints adorned the walls of our bare minimalist, yet multi-purpose rooms. We saw the return of marble in both the bathroom and kitchen, and copper was no longer confined to behind the scenes, but beckoned forth to serve as a clothes rack or bottle opener.
The bedroom was often required to function as a study or even, in the age of ever decreasing apartment SQ meters, sometimes also the bathroom and/or kitchen. We saw palms and plants breathe life into the stark anti-decoration, concrete walls. Personalized prints adorned the walls of our bare minimalist, yet multi-purpose rooms. We saw the return of marble in both the bathroom and kitchen, and copper was no longer confined to behind the scenes, but beckoned forth to serve as a clothes rack or bottle opener.
Here’s a quick rundown of what’s in and what’s out for 2017.
Flexibility is key
With ever more of us living in small apartments or houses, we need spaces that are adaptable to suit our varying needs, be it sleep, work, cooking or the washroom. In 2017 there are many young designers to look out for that are designing furniture to do just that. Whether it’s a fold-away sink for the bathroom, or a multi-purpose desk for the bed/workroom, these designers have found innovative ways to combine the retro and natural, with an industrial twist. It’s a great way to add a personalized touch to your apartment and also support a local artist. Materials include wood, hessian, weave and concrete, with many curves and a retro frame. The piece might be a little pricey but it will certainly make a statement.
Check out designers local to you, as well as international up-and-coming young designers such as Mexico City based txt.ure.
Return to nature
The theme of nature is set to continue through 2017 but due to the influx of easily available fixtures, fittings, prints and the minimalist style, in particular online, those wanting to stay on the cusp of what’s fashionable should seek out more personalized, bespoke pieces. Materials like marble and copper were somewhat exhausted in the last year, but they continue to feature, just in more creative and intricate forms, incorporating retro patterns and breathing life into the machine made. Go beyond the mass production and commission a piece of your own.
Earthy yet vibrant colors
For 2017, the trend moves away from clean white and invites some color to the pallet. Draw inspiration from Sri Lanka’s Geoffrey Bawa, renowned for blurring the boundaries between the inside and out. Bring materials and colors normally associated with outside, inside and re-contextualize, to give your home or office space a feel of nature’s freedom. Combine warm earthy colors with organic materials, such as wood and clay, retaining the link with the outdoors. Metallic and chroma are also present, inviting some retro influence into the home.
For further inspiration, check out TV series Vinyl or Madmen, and Woody Allen’s Café Society.
