We love to keep an eye on what is inspiring and informing the interiors industry and after talking to some of the world’s leading trend forecasters, and scouring the globe through travel, publications, and social media, we look at several insights and market trends that we'll be seeing in 2018.
Wabi-sabi
A Japanese principle inspired by the imperfections of life and finding beauty in repair. Comforting spaces have a low-maintenance, tactile warmth that sees a return to timeworn materials, aged surfaces and brings a longevity to interiors. Embrace the use of organic materials, pieces made with inherent imperfections and natural authenticity.
Image - Daroco Restaurant, Paris
More is more!
This maximalist theme explores a daring and bold mix of colour and pattern and pulls inspiration from a variety of sources. After a huge presence in Milan last year, this theme is predicted to become a key design trend, initially on a smaller, boutique scale, then reaching mass market in 2019.
The Majorelle collection from Catherine Martin by Mokum is the epitome of this maximilist trend.
Image - Martyn Thompson's New York loft
Image - Interior of Henri Samuel’s apartment in Paris, 1987
Tone-On-Tone
Monochromatic simplicity creates a sophisticated and calming effect with tonal interiors that layer shades of the same colour. The perfect interior solution for minimalists, this theme requires self-control and discipline in the home, but it makes for Instagram gold.
Image - Pasticceria Marchesi, Milan
Image - The Paris apartment of Cyril Laborbe
Market Trends
INVESTMENT PIECES
Consumers are wanting to invest in well made, quality pieces for the home that will have a longer life, can be passed through generations and repaired as necessary in order to raise value and break the cycle of a disposable lifestyle.
SHAREABLE INTERIORS
2017 saw the desire to create interiors that photograph well on social media. This trend will continue to grow in 2018 but we’ll see interiors getting bolder and more dramatic (as we see with the 'More is More' theme above) for the covetable Instagram factor.
SHELF EXPRESSION
The consumer becomes the creator, particularly with bookcases, shelves and display units. #shelfie – the tag given to Instagram pictures of curated books, objects and art – has more than 900,000 posts on the social network, and allows consumers to show off their personal design style.
WELLNESS
Health is important and consumers will surround themselves with products and colours that have a positive impact on their bodies and minds as a result. Yoga and meditation spaces will start to expand throughout the entire home.
WALL ART
Forget blank spaces, wall art is BIG. Pinterest reported saves for ‘big wall art’ up by 637% in 2017. Bold wallpapers, large posters, works of art and photography prints will continue to grow in 2018.
Image: Architectural Digest - The home of artist Brian Donnelly (aka KAWS) and Julia Chiang
2018 appears to be reinforcing and growing themes seen in previous years. Authenticity of construction, design and colour continue to gain ground, while our need for bold and dramatic presence in our interiors is increasing.
