I won’t lie – there’s a lot to skim over and some awkward moments of stall holders trying to get your attention when you have no interest in their products (think of the ugliest garden statue you’ve ever seen…). The supplier’s man their stands, so proud of their products on display. I know so much hard work goes into setting up these stands.
It’s a bit of an exciting day for me, and for all the designers really. It’s a chance to see what new trends and new products are going to be coming up. Most of the time we know stock won’t be available for a while, but we can start specifying and get a feel for new looks coming. Here is a run down of my latest findings!
Colour is Back (well, it never went anywhere…)
Personally, I think we went through a period where people were just too scared to use it! It’s time to ditch the monochromatic palettes and start injecting some colour in spaces! One of the most fun items I saw were these adorable and fun lighting options. The electric blues, violets, peaches, and greens were a breath of fresh air. I love paring lamps with artworks on buffets and think these lamps would be perfect.
Paola and Joy’s range is just divine.
Embrace the Curves
Soft rounded edges are fast becoming a design trend everyone is jumping on board with. Builders are using these on facades, bathrooms are curving show screens and furniture shapes are rounding out too. I love using rounded shapes in tight or boxy type spaces to help soften the overall aesthetic.
Just Because They Are Faux…
The quality of faux plants these days is really something else! I have no objections to adding a faux plant in my interiors! Not only do they look real but if you struggle to keep things alive then you need a faux tree! Be warned though. They are not cheap. It’s an investment. You’ll never need to replace the fiddle again. Speaking of fiddle have you thought about a different species? We are seeing a huge trend to moving away from the standard fiddle to options like Ficus, Orange Blossoms, Macedon, or Eucalyptus varieties. Don’t get rid of the Fiddle though as you could just update the look with a new pot!
Personally, I think the pot can make or break the look. Too small and it looks silly. Too big and take over the look. My tip is to probably pick one that it a little bigger than smaller. Add some old foam or boxes to the bottom to lift it up and fill the void with coconut fibre or faux moss.
I love a good textured pot. I find this adds more interest especially if it’s going in a void or area that needs a little something. If you are needing a statement, go for a cluster. A tall and medium option should do the trick!
Raw, Earthy, Organic
We have seen this décor aesthetic for a while now and it really is loved so much. The texture and warmth it brings to our homes is a beautiful touch to create a layered palette.
Think white textural, chalky vases, worn timbers and soft chunky linens. We are seeing wavy décor bowls, sculptural vases, and beautiful timber coffee tables.
I think this would be one of my favourite decorating styles as I find it adds so much warmth to my styling. It pairs very well with modern furniture and always adds depth to the space. I also find it works with a variety of trends and can cater for all interiors. If you are channelling a modern farmhouse vibe it’s perfect but then can work so well in a warm, coastal interior.
Travertines & Marbles
Jumping on the back end of the raw, earth and organic movement, there will always be a place for this surface in our interiors! But one thing I did see is a shift towards warmer hard finishes of travertines and warm marble tones in oats and beiges instead of the grey/white colourway we’ve seen in the past. These colours add a little more depth and homely appeal to the end look.
What I love most about working with travertines and marbles is being able to pull certain tones from the veining into my styling and cabinetry finishes. To highlight the stone, I’ll often work with the darker or lighter colourway which pulls it into focus for the space. Then add some styling accents to contrast the tones!
One thing for sure is I am always a fan of styling to your home and likes. I never like to push trends onto my clients as these come and go so quickly. I am all for a classic and timeless approach and love to use colour, shape and tone as a contrast when it comes to styling. These can be easily changed seasonally and also catered to what you like.
As always, life is too short for a boring interior…
