TRENDS: The Decor + Design show in Melbourne is a highlight of the Australian design calendar for homewares and soft furnishing retailers, interior designers, decorators and stylists. It is THE place to scope trends and get ahead of the consumer curve.

If you’re placing an order this month, we have some beautiful pieces and materials currently available from exhibitors, which interweave classicism with on point trends for the coming year.

It’s All in the Details, Baby

Antique Brass Door Knob with Tan Leather – Hepburn Hardware

Celebrating the Maker and craftsmanship is a fundamental part of the Conscious Design movement.

Conscious Design is a macro extrapolation of the ‘Analogue Workshop’ trend described by UK Trend Forecasters Scarlet Opus. It is characterised by attention to detail and a slower approach to design which is sustainable and thoughtful. Conscious Design is the new reality. The design community, as well as consumers, have awakened to the fundamental importance of being aware of processes and impact, as well as incredible aesthetics.

Hepburn Hardware make distinctive products for doors and cabinets which are are organic and handmade using ceramic, wood, resin, glass, brass, leather and rope. This Antique Brass Knob with tan detailing is made from handstitched Italian leather. Visit Hepburn Hardware at Stand C26 of Decor + Design.

Natural Surfaces

There’s been a huge swing towards using natural slates and stones to make unique, stunning slabs for the kitchen or bathroom. This particular trend is here to stay, creating major features out of incredible materials. Add a high gloss finish and you have a lasting piece that will have guests subtly checking out your surfaces.

Cosentino is one of the world’s leading producers of architectural and decorative solutions made from natural stone. The sophisticated technology applied to the stone reduces porousness and micro-defects that cause tension or weak spots, resulting in a material that is as strong and versatile as it is beautiful. This high gloss tundra surface is the perfect focal point for a modern kitchen. Visit Cosentino at Stand J37 at Decor + Design.

High Gloss Tundra Kitchen Top from Cosentino

Indoor Life

Indoor Plant Holders from Albi

Not since the 1970s have indoor plants proliferated so luxuriantly through urban apartments. The Organic Matter trend forecast by Scarlet Opus in 2016 has reached new heights in interior design through features such as incredible vertical indoor gardens, as well as the liberal use of Pantone’s 2017 Colour the Year, Kale. While many of us may wake up to cityscapes, we’re surrounding ourselves with lush greenery to remind us of our earthy roots.

Aside from aesthetics, there are some excellent health reasons to add plants to a home – especially for inner city dwellers in a smoggy city. Indoor plants help purify the air of carbon dioxide, reduce headaches and improve your quality of life. A potted dwarf lemon or orange tree will add an instant pop of colour and organic produce.

Get imaginative with your plant support act. Leading homewares supplier Albi have a delightful range of plant boxes and vases to match any theme.  Visit Albi at Stand 126 at Decor + Design 2017.

Botanical Fresh

Botanical Cushions from Urban Road

Flowing on naturally from the explosion of indoor greenery, sprawling and vivacious botanical prints have crept into soft furnishings.

Botanical prints are a fun use of colour and natural patterns that add personality to a neutral background. These gorgeous, plump cushions from Urban Road will perfectly offset the use of on-trend mineral greys or the deep cream of organic bed linen.

Urban Road have an extensive collection of homewares and wall art, including a recent collaboration with Shaynna Blaze. Visit them at Stand D26 of Decor + Design. 

Decor + Design is Australia’s No.1 Interiors Event and is co-located with The Australian International Furniture Fair. With 11,000 trade visitors expected over four days from July 20 – 23 and 250+ exhibitors from across the design industry, it is an unmissable event. Entry is for trade only – register now to get your free pass.

Retailers, visit the list of exhibitors now to pre-shop the D+D Collection or plan your visit.