Desire for design
Today more than ever, lifestyle trends are driving home design and décor. No longer is a home valued merely on aesthetics and financial worth, but rather the lifestyle that it offers. And nowhere is this more evidently expressed than in the local interior design scene.
Back to basics
Getting back to the simple pleasures in life is a trend that has been sweeping through society the world over. It is almost a backlash to the lavishness and materialism of the ‘80s and the ‘90s – today’s consumer seems to be far more interested in seeking balance in life and making the quality of life a priority. This shift in consciousness first blipped across trend-watcher’s screens around the beginning of the new millennium and it has been gaining in momentum ever since.
It is this cocoon boom that has led to the lust to return to the simple life. Taking hold is the realisation that a career is an inadequate source of personal fulfilment, and as a result, relaxation, doing things for fun, nurturing relationships with friends and family, enjoying the outdoors, exercising, and the like are taking priority in today’s world, instead of the backseat over the quest for material wealth. In fact, today’s trendsetters are opting more for a work-to-live ethos, instead of a live-to-work one – whether it is spending time with loved ones or on a cherished hobby – people’s homes have become their sanctuary; a retreat from the stresses and strains of the outside world. And now more than ever, home design and décor reflects this.
Fashion influences décor
Today, more and more consumers are seeking to dress up their homes in a similar fashion as they dress themselves. The association between home and fashion is obvious when one notes how similar the trends are in both the fashion and décor industries – both seem to be leaning towards simple patterns, lots of blended textures and layers, tailored embellishments and of course, the use of colour. Colour has become especially important – today it is being used with a degree of cultured restraint. Hues that fall into the term, “sophisticated brights” are very popular – these include rich colours that are opulent and luxurious, without being too overwhelming.
Healthy living
The desire for healthy living is definitely on the increase – people want to live longer and enjoy a better quality of life in their old age. This aspiration is reflected in modern décor and architecture in many ways; however the most obvious trends are those which incorporate making the kitchen the centre of the home, as well as bringing the outdoors indoors and the drive towards clean, fresh lines.
A bohemian refuge
There is an ever increasing realisation in the design community that the world is not flat – on the contrary, cultural influences from around the globe seem to be seeping in everywhere, adding new texture and depth to their surrounds. Exploring the richness of various exotic heritages and traditions, and integrating them with western influences has become an exceedingly fashionable décor trend.
Urban living
One of the newest trends on the local design scene is the upsurge in appreciation of urban living. In South Africa, there has been a gradual increase in homeowners who have opted to leave the suburbs in lieu of the benefits of living in the city. This trend goes hand in hand with the escalating popularity of enjoying life and not wasting time commuting to and from work every day – rather live, play and work in one easy-to-access area. Apartment and loft living also boasts a number of added benefits, such as less expensive rates, better security and less maintenance is required.
Making it yours
All this said however, it is important to remember that trends are not cast in concrete – they are merely there to serve as a guideline and to inspire. The most important trend remains that of individualism and expression – so feel free to take only what suits you from delineated trends and amalgamate them all to create something truly unique that suits your personality and taste. - Antonella Dési
Pictures courtesy of Rooms on View: www.roomsonview.co.za
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