It’s the new year, and people want to know what’s next.
I ask my fashion friends what they are wearing and my travel tipsters where they are planning to go. But when people ask me what’s hot in interiors, I struggle a bit. I mean really, I read an article about the new movement in design being “cautious optimism”. Huh? Sorry, but I don’t get it.
I’m just not one for trends, especially when it comes to a big investment in a home. Whether it is contemporary or traditional, I always lean into clean, classic design that feels graceful and atmospheric. And timeless.
But life changes, as do interiors. So here is what I see evolving in my field. These are not flash in the pan trends. Instead, this is a list of some of the concepts that I believe design will be embracing for the foreseeable future.
Sustainability
As it refers to design, sustainability can mean a lot of different things, and it is a word that comes up all the time with both industry people and with clients. It can be about using responsibly sourced materials (bamboo, for example), or designing for energy efficiency. Using vintage and antique furniture and accessories is a great way to get on board with sustainability. Reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Comfort and Durability
I know…gratuitously cute dog pic. But what a great illustration of the way we want to live today. We want beautiful things that don’t have to be covered in plastic for protection.
My mother’s living room was a no-go zone when her four kids were growing up. She did have cream carpeting after all…which she vacuumed weekly with the sole purpose of being able to see footprints on the carpet. So that she could then mete out some form of punishment for having trespassed in that pretty, but way too precious space.
Now manufacturers are making really beautiful things (like this “Dream” Tibetan knot rug from Perennials) that can stand up to dogs, kids, and spills. And this isn’t the Crypton of my youth. These textiles are butter soft to the touch and many are bleach cleanable. Why would you want anything else?
Individual expression
You do you. I gotta be me. The point I’m trying to make is that a home should mirror the people who live in it. It’s wonderful to work with clients who have collections, who love to read, and who’ve traveled because we get to tell their stories.
Personality and individualism make for a much more interesting house, no matter the style.
Shapeliness
Shapeliness is defined as “the quality of having an attractive form”. I love that we’ve seen a real movement towards a sculptural quality in home furnishings. Whether curved or more linear, fresh shapes have taken over the industry. You have to go for it, push the boundaries a bit. Look for bold, sinuous shapes or strong, crisp angles. And don’t crowd them in the room. These pieces have sexy lines, and they like to show them of
Emotional Design
We’ve learned a lot over the last couple of years, and one of those things is that your environment has a direct impact on your emotions. In fact, we believe that the most important line on our New Client Questionnaire is “How do you want to feel when you are in your home?”. Of course you want to feel (happy, relaxed, stylish, comforted, inspired–you pick the adjective) in the place you spend most of your time. And this awareness isn’t going away anytime soon. We are going to lean into happy colors, plants, and furniture and objects that spark joy. Go ahead. Take a risk. And have fun!
