In the past January issue of homes+ magazine I was asked to define the upcoming interior trends for the 2016. Stone and Handcraft came immediately to mind.
In my travels I am lucky to see trends appearing in one part of the world and resonate to the other. Nobody really knows how or where these originate, but like a virus they end up affecting the most receptive people at first, the creative ones, and continue through their work to affect all until the consumers. From fashion, to art, to design, to food… or the other way around? Nobody really knows, and it really doesn’t matter. But it happens, and we are take part in this process, may we be creative or purchasers. We must enjoy the ride and explore the fashion and transform it through our personal taste.
Marble-top Coffee Table from lifeinteriors.com.au
In 2016 interiors, the natural stone proved to be the long-lasting trend for our home detailing and decoration, with Carrara and Calacatta marble standing their ground as the winners. Also affordable nowadays, marble decorating items, have continued showing up and easily are absorbed in all home styles. And they are here to stay.
Macrame Wall Art from etsy.com
Handcrafted items carry warmth, and remind us of history and cultures we fortunately seem to prefer to mass-produced replicas. Concrete a sure winner, it falls in between two categories, well conveying the earthy feeling of handmade together with the firm personality of the stone. This one also is not a short lived trend.
Dark Sky Tower from unitedinteriors.com.au
And colours. These come and go, too fast at times, but when the trend is happening you know that sooner or later you will end up giving it a go. Then start by adding a few accents of these trendy colours to your space and watch the room become contemporary. In 2016 the Peacock Blue, Pretty Peach and Mint Green were celebrated and still go strong.
Vanity Top by Dylan Falecki
Finally, my advice is to let the trends happen and have fun with them. Give these your own personal twist though, and watch them change the look and feel of your environment. Stick to your taste and make the changes as personal and unique as you are. New cushions, one artwork, a fruit bowl or a new coffee table… you can achieve a new feel, younger and in vogue without spending a fortune.
But avoid cheap and disposable goods that we know too well will soon end up in the trash and affect our environment. Quality items will indeed make you feel good and survive the passing of any fashion.
James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James has three decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design and regularly shares his knowledge and experience in adding value to properties through effective design & styling. Watch his free videos on YouTube, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for more free information.