Latest Design Trends – An Insider’s View from Décor + Design 2016 (Melbourne)
It was an exciting weekend for us at Designs to Inspire as we headed to the annual Décor + Design Show in Melbourne – or as I refer to it as “my inspirational hub”.
Home Stagers, Stylists, Interior Designers and the like flock to this annual event that showcases the latest in interior furnishings and products from leading brands nationwide.
Highlights of the show
The show’s exhibitors outdid themselves this year – from huge contemporary art pieces to lush botanical displays – I was feeling completely heady and spoilt for choice.
It was evident that the top trends of 2016/ 2017 forecasted by Victoria Redshaw of leading UK trend forecasting agency Scarlet Opus were featured throughout the show.
As Victoria terms ‘Organic Matter’, wild natural elements are incorporated into the designs.
Indoor plants/foliage and lush green botanical influences on soft furnishing create a nature-inspired space.
Another key trend that stood out was the Tribe. This trend is urbanised by bold images of women and tribes. I would personally not have considered this trend in my designs. However, a few small touches in this style can add warmth and interest to a room. It can also work well with the enduring Scandinavian trend.
Seduction of the Senses
Emerald green and sapphire blue were standout colours of the show and were splashed across the displays in inspiring fashion. I am quite excited about incorporating these rich colours in my designs, and I envisage them in stunning velvets either on the occasional chairs or soft furnishings.
Soft furnishings like cushions and throws are not as embellished nor as bright and bold. Instead, they are neutral and have intricate designs that make these pieces versatile and complimentary of their surroundings. As a nod to the 1970s, macramé wall hangings and fringing on cushions also featured in the designs lending an organic feel to the rooms.
On the other end of the spectrum, the artworks were spectacular – contemporary pieces made of interesting materials like glass, 3D foil, and huge portraits, tribal photographic art and abstract landscapes adorned the rooms. Interesting to note that equestrian artwork still features prominently as it did last year. A unique sculptural piece was actually at the Australian International Furniture Fair (AIFF) held in conjunction with the D+D show. The OFYR, a contemporary outdoor piece, makes a grand statement in a garden as both a sculptural feature and functional barbeque.
Go Forth & Decorate
As a home stager and interior designer, I have seen my fair share of homes that take a key trend and get too carried away. For me, it’s not so much the trend that you should completely replicate, but it is taking the bits and pieces that complement your lifestyle and expresses your personality.
A simple and affordable way to update a room is to replace cushions or soft furnishings with pieces in the current colour trend. A small investment in a decorative piece, wall art or an occasional chair, ottoman or rug can give your home an ‘a la mode’ look without having to break the bank completely. Perchance you have a bigger budget and are able to purchase larger items like sofas, I would recommend investing in versatile pieces in neutral tones versus items that are on trend. This will allow you to evolve continuously with the trends against a neutral backdrop.
I hope you have enjoyed this review of the Décor + Design show and key trends as much as I have enjoyed writing about it.
Until next time,
x Georgia K.