The social trends of our time exert a considerable influence on interior design trends. This is reflected in the need to make our living space a sanctuary and the increasing need to slow the pace of our lives. People are beginning to find that they need to reflect on the ‘purpose’ of what is in their homes, rather than acquire design elements which seem fashionable. There is a shift towards making interiors more timeless in their appeal and not necessarily conform to what is perceived as modern. The individual is now centre stage and one’s own aesthetic expression is taking precedence over designer acquisitions. This has also meant that there is a move away from cloned, mass produced design.
DESIGN IN REWIND MODE: The New Year will herald a surge in design that draws its inspiration from the past. Technology and modernism learn to accommodate rustic elements from the past and design is not judgemental about the mosaic of treasures from another era. Grandma’s chaise longue finds a new friend in the austere contemporary sofa. Steel no longer winces at gilded contours and monochromes learn to embrace a heady mix of colour. Hi-tech no longer sneers at its traditional predecessors. They find they have much to learn from each other, and in doing so, a whole new design trend is set in motion.
ECLECTIC ECHO: It is about acceptance of differences and co-existence. Carved antique chests rest beside steel and glass and no longer need to be kept in different confines. Floral patterns in bright colours complement textured subtlety in neutral tones. Modern design shakes hands with vintage elements and technology befriends rustic tradition. Eclectic is given a definition, so that the echo isn’t a cacophony.
SIMPLICITY REDEFINED: There is a renewed interest in keeping things simple. But simplicity has not been reserved for modernism alone. There is a stress on the practical, utility outweighs technology. Innovation in materials and form has turned designers into craftsmen and while the blast from the past is a reassuring element of today’s design, there is no room for the frivolous and superfluous. Everything needs to make sense, even the drama.
FUCNTIONAL PURPOSE: Pretty much the same way as we analyse our investments and keep a tight rein on our budgets, the interior dimension has also seen a move towards restraint. Function and form are not compromised even to indulge grandeur and luxury. Design within reason and a reason for design. That seems to be the new mantra.
ECONOMY FRIENDLY: As spending patterns have changed and the global economy has forced people to redefine their budgets, interiors have become more wallet friendly, with people focussing on integration and outlining their needs more specifically. Even then, there is an increased awareness that within a tight budget, the essential aspect is ensuring that the overall thematic element is maintained. There is a realisation that a well planned project is not too constrained by the financials.
CROSS-CULTURAL CONNECTIONS: Drawing inspiration from all over the globe, boundaries are disappearing. The look is more representative of a world where geography no longer dictates design. The arrow seems to be pointing eastwards for the most part, with Asian design elements acquiring more importance. However, the visual aesthetic is more international now, again mirroring a mindset that is exposed to various cultural influences.
DESIGN SANS FRONTIERES: Professionals in the field are being inspired by life itself, and modular logic is being redefined by breaking all the rules that confined their expression. Arts and Crafts have inspired a new generation of design that sees no need to stick to any boundaries. Comfort is paramount and indulgences a prerequisite. Fluff is back and soft comfortable furnishings reflect the need to bring luxury into the interior dimension in these uncertain times. The dance of the sensex doesn’t seem quite so overwhelming when you head is places on a soft velvet pillow. We find that we need to cushion our existence in every way possible and indulge even while we conserve our resources to deal with the breakneck pace of our lives.
BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: A long period of recession has seen people seek solace in the vibrancy of colour and form that existed earlier. Prints are back with a vengeance and pattern is bold and dominating. The difference is that they co-exist with their neutral, subtle brethren as never before. Like the sand dunes of Rajasthan which serve as a perfect foil for the riot of colours in their attire.
CANVAS OF COLOUR: Close on the heels of pattern, colour has set its own agenda this year. Monochromatic modern tones need to make room for glamorous purple and spicy orange. Black is still kingpin but seems to have nudges its way into new areas within the home. Greens, yellows and all things ‘earth’ reinforce our shift towards nature. Vibrancy is seen as a necessary element of decor and design.
ECO-LOGIC: Sustainable design is the way forward in today’s world. Increased environmental awareness has ensured that design is moving towards eco-friendly options. Nature is no longer an exterior ‘concept’ and has now entered our homes and consciousness as we become more responsible inhabitants of this planet. We seek its protection as we deal with the ghosts of our own creation.
UBER LUXE: Luxury is no longer restricted to the wealthy. You will find more people introducing elements of luxe in their homes, albeit in small doses. The occasional mosaic backsplash, crystal chandelier, trendy fittings or high-end furnishings may be just a small addition that even the middle class will splurge on. However, it is not so much about show but an increased need to indulge oneself. It’s like we are saying to ourselves, “After all that I have to deal with, I deserve this treat”.
VINTAGE ALLURE: heritage is under the spotlight the coming year and the past will become a siginifanct slice of the contemporary. We are not afraid to look back to see the future, finding instead that vintage is a perfect companion to connect modern design to its illustrious heritage. Perhaps it has walked alone long enough.
EMBELLISH AND DETAIL: Every single aspect of design now places great emphasis on detail. Whether it is pattern----inspired by animal prints, floral detailing, herringbones and geometrics, birds and plants----or just the need to embellish in some form. Gilding is quite the rage again, and embroidery, patchwork and appliqué have a new found pre-eminence. Inlay work, beads and glass mosaic----till recently---was considered passé. Flooring with borders and pattern, wallpapers with crystals and basket weaves, furniture with stones inlaid or embroidered drapes---all here in a new avatar, inspired by centuries of craft and given a contemporary form.
CURVES ARE BACK: Not just on our physical forms!! Interior design has become fascinated with curves and the trend will continue in the year ahead. Sofas no longer have straight lines and neither do cocktail tables. Nature inspires form and round had broken its long silence and taken linear logic head-on.
TRANSLUCENT UNDERTONE: It’s all about layers and voiles have become a primary element. Even furniture and accessories will have glass, acrylic and translucent materials. Furnishings will see that trend in a more pronounced manner. There is a deliberate softness to everything taking away the harshness of the recent past.
TEXTURED TIMELESSNESS: Texture continues to rule the roost, pretty much like greys and neutral palettes. Everything from flooring to furnishings has been influenced by a focus on texture, regardless of colour and pattern. The sense of touch has acquired a new status in the world on interior design.
THEATRICAL INDULGENCE: There will perhaps be an element of illusion and drama in a lot of design in the year to come. A touch of mystery will find its way into many features. Sculptural details are being incorporated in furnishings, accessories and other design functions.
UNLIKELY COMRADES: While the clean lines and neutral palettes continue to exert their considerable influence, they will find that they need to accept the kitschy look and overtones of shine and shimmer. Reflective surfaces will find their way into every nook and corner of your home and grudgingly acknowledge the bohemian elements with a smile. Metal and steel make it abundantly clear that they are firmly entrenched but minimalism has shed its cold arm-lock and is now willing to embrace the romanticism of a bygone era.
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