There has been much discussion regarding the design trends set to characterise our living spaces for 2018, and while few people have the resources (or time) to spend on a revamped look every year, it’s always handy to know what’s newly in vogue and what no longer is not.
Colours and Tones
There was a lot of talk about ‘Millennial Pink’ last year, and while it was certainly popular, its longevity has been questioned. In a recent Homes To Love article, London-based trend forecaster Victoria Redshaw noted that, while powdery pinks work well with a range of subtle shades, there’s a real risk of these pinks quickly becoming dated. Like most designers, Redshaw suggests using fashionable colours in textiles and accessories, which can be easily and economically changed after a few seasons. In contrast, the more natural tones continue to assert their dominance, albeit with new fresh tweaks and fine-tuning. To the surprise of many, brown is set to make a comeback according to Domain.com.au design writer Amelia Barnes. Fortunately, there is little to suggest a return to the bland, gut-churning umber and caramel tones of the 1980s, but instead an embrace of earthy, natural hues such as cognac, russet and sand. Think also woody colours contrasted dramatically with metallics, which conveniently leads us to…
Materials
Natural elements have stamped their authority on 2018 it seems, with metals, textured stonework, wood and concrete leading the charge. Even terrazzo flooring is hinting at a resurgence. Louise Smithers wrote in the men’s online style magazine d’Marge, that concrete is set to hold its popularity, and even extend itself into furniture and fittings. While this may be a dramatic departure from the usual polished concrete flooring and walls – and indeed Smithers does warn against overuse – it does set the foundations for bolder yet earthier applications. The brutality of concrete is likely to be softened by darker woods, charred and re-milled timbers and patterned plants. These timber tones also work well with that other emerging design trend for 2018 – the bold metallics. While metal elements on the whole are perennial favourites, their sub-sets go in and out of fashion with alarming speed. In the past, burnished silver has made way for bright chrome, which was then discarded for pale gold only to morph into copper shades. That gentle evolution has seen the emergence in 2018 of the more golden brass hues according to Victoria Redshaw who predicts the not-to-distant return of silver metallics.
Accessories
From patterned plants to oversized art and reclaimed furniture, 2018 is destined to be a year of interest and intrigue. A novel, yet highly revealing survey in January by Vogue Magazine Australia, predicts the new season’s must-haves and must-dos based on increased Pinterest trends. Amongst its findings, big wall art, resort-style bathrooms (think rattan baskets and freestanding basins), decorative foliage and statement doors are all being heavily targeted by the Pinterestocracy. Other design trends that Vogue’s study uncovered included terrazzo’s return to favour, a 120 per cent increase in searches for ‘statement doors’ and a whopping 423 per cent rise in the popularity of ‘mixed metals’.
Conclusion
It would seem from the expert commentary that the key elements of 2018’s design trends are drawn from earthy tones and textures with plenty of natural or re-milled timber in darker tones contrasted by brassy metals and a touch of concrete. Eschew real flowers for bold floral prints and leafy plants, discard pretty pinks for rich juicy browns, and embrace mystery in favour of minimalism. Or alternatively, stick with what you have, wait a few years and watch it all to come back into fashion again!
Image: Coco Republic
