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Just like fashion, interior trends are constantly evolving. We spoke with Louise Foote, one of our talented Interior Designers, about the trends she has seen emerging and has been creating in our customers’ homes, as well as what her predictions are for the year ahead.

The influence of lockdowns is still being felt, “people are more aware of how their furniture feels not just how it looks. They’re looking for furnishings which are comfortable, homely and safe.” People are really paying more attention to the tactile and sensory aspects of their design, choosing pieces that are a delight to lounge in and touch rather than being purely decorative. Natural materials like wood, linen and wool all lend an earthy quality and feel grounding and authentic which is what many people are craving in these times.

Belle 2 Cameron tableBelle Interiors Collection Calibre Side Table

Sheer billowing linen remains a strong trend for window furnishings. Light material creates movement and filters sunlight beautifully; they’re especially beautiful if they’re floor to ceiling and wall to wall. “We’re seeing cozy textured sheers coming through as people want to add some personality and interest to their sheers too. Tactile drapery with interesting weaves is showing an increase and is a beautiful twist on the popular sheers trend.” Textured or patterned sheers such as Lizzo Lost Island Collection or Casamance Acqua Viva add that grounding organic quality.

Interior Trends blog CasamanceCasamance Acqua Viva & Galleria Collections

We’re seeing many interesting ways to combine different window treatments, such as layering sheers over blockout roller blinds or thermal lined curtains over sun filtering roller shades. “Protecting from the sun in summer is just as important as insulating the room in winter and so much time at home has really made this apparent.” Layering sheers with thermal-lined curtains enables you to keep the room temperature comfortable year-round whilst also looking beautiful.

RB 1438 ZONDER SCHULPENLuxaflex Light Filtering Roller Blinds
20144 Ellipse sofa 3seater ashEthnicraft Ellipse Sofa

“Working from home has also influenced an overall shift away from open-plan living, because of factors like warmth and noise. Distinct rooms play an important role in maintaining the temperature of a house but also allowing privacy and sound-insulating when people might be working from home with families. In houses where there isn’t a separate room for a home office, we’re seeing a lot of pantry-style home offices in the main living area, where a desk is recessed into a cupboard with bi-fold doors that can close the area off when you’re trying to relax.”

Francis Dusk  Velvety GreenFurninova Francis Dusk Corner Sofa & Ottoman

Coziness is really important if you have a larger space. When arranging furniture in a large space, it’s all about creating pockets of intimacy within the space through placement of furniture and anchoring it with a rug. Rugs made with natural materials such as jute or wool feel soft and cosy underfoot whilst also softening the space visually. “Clients are often surprised at what a difference these small changes make.”

Assam Saddle SceneMulberi Assam Rug

Grey and white painted walls are falling out of favour as people are getting tired of looking at the same four walls, so they’re moving away from clinical white to a more ‘lived in’ look. “People are very open to warm colours and not just painting everything white. For neutrals people are moving more away from greys toward cream, beige and straw.” These colours add warmth and cosiness while still serving the requirements that people often turn to white for.

JD Fusion Cocoon Effortless 02 HighJames Dunlop Fusion Cocoon Collection

We’ve seen a rise in deeper colours along with earthy natural tones, again signaling a shift away from cool neutrals. A grounded, comforting feeling is what people are wanting especially as we move into winter.  “We’re seeing less of the greys, whites and blacks and lots of earthy tones; brown, cinnamon, terracotta and even some murky deep colours like greens.”

Interior Trends blog Warwick ArubaWarwick Aruba Collection

Deep and muted greens provide a great contrast to brown and since it’s nature’s palette it really brings the outdoors in. Colours such as sage have a soft understated quality while deep forest green can feel really grounding, like you’re being cocooned by nature.

Jewel tones can provide a pop amongst the deeper colours that are trending to add depth and interest. You can still have some white walls but just adding some colour or texture with wallpaper wrapped around two walls can make a really big difference. The days of a single feature wall are done, however, as it can often look out of place. Go for at least two walls so it envelops the interior more.”

Interior Trends blog AtelierLiberty The Modern Collector Fabric & Wallpaper Collection

Blue is always a classic colour. “Blue and brown is one of my favourite colour combinations, it means the blue is not too cold and it crisps up the brown. Together they provide great contrast and overall balance. In fabrics, the teals and blues I mentioned earlier really pop in velvet which again is one of those tactile fabrics that you really want to touch.” says Louise.

Warwick PlazaWarwick Plaza Collection

Blue is always a classic colour. “Blue and brown is one of my favourite colour combinations, it means the blue is not too cold and it crisps up the brown. Together they provide great contrast and overall balance. In fabrics, the teals and blues I mentioned earlier really pop in velvet which again is one of those tactile fabrics that you really want to touch.” says Louise.

Belle Liason Showroom 900pxBelle Interiors Collection concept space in our Christchurch Showroom

Are you inspired by any of these trends? Our Interior Design consultants love what they do. With an extensive range right at our fingertips we can work with you to create truly beautiful spaces. Book your complimentary Interior Design Consultation online now.

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