Bold colours, focused lighting main trends this year

Like fashion, the interior décor and design world has trends that keep coming and going.

So let’s revisit 2017 and establish which trends to expect, which ones to continue with, and which ones to let go.

Mr Risley Nelson Kavu, an interior designer and the CEO of Castle and Gardens, predicts an exciting and luxurious 2018 for interior design lovers.

With more people becoming more adventurous and receptive to new ideas, here are some pointers:

Trends to expect

Lighting: Traditionally, a fluorescent or incandescent bulb at the centre of a room was good enough for lighting. However, 2018 will be all about strategically placed focused lighting in both commercial and residential spaces, thanks to increased demand.

Mr Kavu says that in addition to providing lighting, bulbs can be used to illuminate pieces of art or family portraits, create moods in specific areas, accent a wall and also be ornamental. He also predicts a shift towards sophisticated lighting techniques.

More colour: Last year saw an increase in bold and colourful furnishings and accessories. Colourful throw pillows, curtains and furniture were highly visible while traditional neutral colours like brown, which have always dominated the interior décor world, took a back seat. Mr Kavu predicts that 2018 will be more colourful.

One area that has been deprived of colour at home is the walls which, Mr Kavu predicts, will have more colour. People are beginning to appreciate bold colours in their spaces. “Clients have become more interested in colour effects, especially on their walls, and this trend is likely to dominate in 2018,” Mr Kavu says.

For instance, accent walls, which are a different shade or colour from the other walls, have become quite trendy. They are often used to provide a backdrop for the entertainment centre. Furniture pieces and accessories are also expected to add more colour into spaces, including in the normally neutral boardrooms.

Minimalist: Like the name suggests, a minimalistic theme entails having minimal furniture and accessories. Mr Kavu says the approach has been around for a while now. This saw the exit of large wall units, which were replaced by TV stands and TVs being mounted on walls.

He adds that this approach is likely to increase in 2018, with individuals beginning to appreciate decluttered spaces. As a result, certain elements that were considered decorative accessories in the previous year are bound to become obsolete.

Anything that does not play a significant role in a space is deemed unnecessary clutter. This means excessive furniture, excessive wall hangings and decorations will have to go

Trends to retain

Wallpaper: These made a major comeback and did well in 2017. They found their way into residential as well as commercial spaces. Mr Kavu says wallpapers are here to stay and will be carried over into 2018. So if you have been planning to accent your walls with wallpaper, don’t be afraid to make that move this year.

L-shaped sofas: These interesting pieces of furniture made their way into the interior décor world way before 2017 and have continued to gain acceptance.

Mr Kavu explains that they will continue to grace homes in 2018 because of their convenience. They complement the minimalistic approach and are convenient.

Their ability to accommodate more people while taking up less space in comparison to traditional designs makes them ideal.

Comebacks

Traditional dining sets: Just like the fashion world, trends are recycled in interior design. Dining sets never exited the scene but they changed in terms of design, shape and size.

Mr Kavu hints that people are getting nostalgic over the traditional sets which consisted of upholstered seats. These sets are making a comeback, but with a modern touch.

For instance, the upholstered seats might complement a particular theme reflected in other furniture pieces in the house. You might also watch out for ornamental wall clocks, which are on the verge of making a major comeback, but in a more artistic style.

Trends to let go

To accommodate the above trends, some have to go. For instance, a minimalistic approach entails minimal accessorising. So carpets might have to bee side-lines for a while. They would be considered unnecessary clutter. But Mr Kavu recommends their use if necessary, especially in cold spaces.

As the interior décor world keeps evolving it’s not just designers who can set the trend; you too can. So if there is a trend you loved from the past, do not be afraid to reintroduce it this new year, as long as it’s comfortable and convenient.