DIY & Decor

If you want to remodel or redecorate your home this year, it’s time to start thinking about what you want, what you like and what you dislike. If you go to your local home stores, you might find it overwhelming because almost every interior style is catered for - so which one to choose?

First of all, decide whether you want a timeless or a trendy home. Timeless means that it is unaffected by the latest design trends, or it’s an ideal canvas for updating a space when needed. You should only remodel your home to the latest trend, if you want to move soon or are prepared to redecorate in five years or so. It is much more sensible to create a neutral or natural canvas and use trendy accessories and details.

So here are the latest must-haves that make an interior trendy:-

Design

The new trend is the trad-modern style - the revival of antique shapes and forms using modern materials.  Look for traditional shapes with a modern twist or combine vintage pieces with ultra modern furnishings. The other trend that will continue is a reflection of our desire to be eco-friendly and green - the use of natural & sustainable materials, recycling old pieces of furniture and making our own decorations.

Colors

Black will still be the main color. However, only use it in a glossy finish and in moderation - i.e. as detailed patterns or ornaments. You might see in magazines whole walls being covered with glamorous black wallpaper - in reality these rooms look dark and gloomy.  Also, don’t invest into black furniture - this trend will not last for a long time, instead use black on accessories.  Other colors that will set trends are turquoise, green, red, yellow & pink but in a gray tone - so think duck-egg, slate green, dusty pink and earthy yellow.

Walls

Wallpapers will continue to dominate interiors - big, bold patterns - in retro, funky, traditional or Oriental styles. However, their texture is more shiny than before - or metallic or textured. Be careful with dark colors, they make a space appear smaller and darker. Also, remember that wallpapers are not to be used on all four walls in a room - only on one. Large digital prints and customised wallpaper are the current avant-garde.

Textures

This year’s trend is the combination of many different textures and patterns.  However, this doesn’t mean that you can mix and match anything! You have to choose carefully contrasting, balancing or linking patterns, colors and textures. This task can actually be quite a time consuming job - yet the result must look effortless - so don’t go over the top!

Finishes

Most terndy surfaces and finishes are glossy & shiny. Use lacquered wood, acrylic, glass or mirrors.  As far as soft furnishing is concerned, silk, damask, velvet and satin cotton will suit the look.

Read more about glossy interiors.