DESIGN TRENDS REPORT: Now is the time to be thinking quite seriously about what interior pieces you’re purchasing for 2018. Whether you’re buying for retail, clients or yourself, understanding the dominant trends for next year will put your nose out in front.
We’ve got some recommendations from leading UK Trend Forecasters Scarlet Opus on some of the major colours and materials that will be huge, as well as some fabulous examples of pieces from Decor + Design exhibitors.
Explore Wabi Sabi
One of the most exciting trends that is emerging for 2018 is inspired by the poignant Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi. Stretching back centuries, this fundamental element of Japanese aesthetics celebrates imperfection and transience. Characteristics include asymmetry, simplicity and roughness.
It is quintessentially about finding the beauty in the flawed. One of the most famous examples of Wabi Sabi is the art of Kintsugi, which visibly incorporates the repair of a broken item by using gold, silver or platinum.
Japanese Kintsugi Bowl, Wikipedia
Victoria Redshaw, Leading Futurist for Scarlet Opus, says products influenced by Wabi Sabi are one of her top tips for 2018.
“Look for products that actually become more attractive and interesting as they become love worn and time worn from use.”
Keep an eye out for items that will reveal new layers of colour and texture, crackled effects and weathering.
Pink is Still Pretty
Pink has been having a moment over the last few years in interior design…and will continue to be everywhere in 2018 design pieces. While powdery pinks with an exuberant punch are tempting, Redshaw recommends investing wisely when it comes to this delightful pastel, as she feels it will begin to fade out of favour over the next few years.
“It’s better to use these pale pinks for textiles and accessories or as a paint colour that can be changed in the next few years rather than big investment pieces or more permanent installations like tiles.”
Go for a terracotta with an earthy tone which has more longevity. This colour works particularly well with the Australian colour palette. We love this chair from Calibre Furniture, exhibitors at Decor + Design. Its sleek frame taps into the brass trend, making it the perfect seat of the moment.
Pink Chair from Calibre Furniture
Silver Metallics
Metallics have really crossed over into being the new neutral, so beloved are they now of the interior design community. Scarlet Opus says that while brass is the metallic of the moment, they’re forecasting a return to favour for silver metallics.
Silver can be used boldly or with the lightest touch. These silver nickel hamam bowls from Decor + Design exhibitors Inartisan are a conflation of design trends, incorporating the increasing taste for traditional craftsmanship. They were handcrafted in Turkey, which has a rich history of metalworking.
Turkish Nickel Hamam Bowls, Inartisan
Dark Woods
Finally, there’s been a shift away from light beech-coloured woods towards darker woods which create atmosphere and provide a stark, moody contrast against vibrant colours and greenery. These Anglia chairs from regular Decor + Design exhibitors Gallery Home are perfect in a conservatory or living room.
Anglia Chair from Gallery Home
Scarlet Opus will be back at Decor + Design 2018, 19 – 23 July in Melbourne. They will be forecasting trends for the next year as part of the Australian House & Garden International Seminar Series, which features design thought leaders from around the world.
The Decor + Design exhibition is co-located with the Australian International Furniture Fair. Together, they feature over 250 leading companies from the furniture and interiors sectors. Subscribe now to stay in the loop on who will be speaking and exhibiting at the show.