The world of interior design is desirable, dynamic, exciting, and thrilling. We could go on with the adjectives and superlatives, but we’d have with no time to talk about what the trends actually are!
One of the best things about interior design is that there is a number of trends that remain constant and are never far away from the front of glossy magazines, website homepages, and the now huge number of design based television shows. At the same time, the constant evolution, and sometimes revolution, we see in particular trends also help to make the industry what it is.
What are 2013’s top trends, and do they represent a huge shift or a slight tweak from the norm?
Brass as a Decoration
When we think of brass, we tend to think of light switches, door handles, and perhaps even ornamental shotguns or candlesticks. With the popularity of vintage trends continuing to grow, brass is emerging as a ‘must have’ feature in many homes.
We’re not just talking new door handles, either. Picture frames, clocks, lamps, and even standalone brass ornaments are all in high demand. Old brass is classic and timeless, and charity shops, car boot sales, and auction houses will be bursting at the seams this summer as people flock to find brass bargains for their home interior.
Welcoming Kitchens
Historically, kitchens have gone one of two ways. They either have been very rustic, or have been clinical and robotic to the point where they resemble a doctor’s surgery.
Today’s kitchens are moving towards a combination of the two. Yes, modern appliances and chrome finishes are still big, but tiled floors and worktops, in earthy colors, and large wooden tables and stools are starting to creep into even the most straight laced of kitchens.
Kitchens could well become the perfect example that modern and vintage can co-exist in the same room, which is likely to inspire future trends around the rest of the home.
Artwork
Art, like wine at the start of the 21st century, is starting to make the move away from being seen purely as an elitist endeavor.
This is driven by the fact that, today, you can buy art anywhere. Some great pieces can be picked up at thrift stores at bargain prices, while modern art is often displayed in coffee shops, especially if you live in or near a town with an art college.
Whether you prefer a Banksy print or something eclectic from an emerging local artist, it is a great opportunity to add color and depth to your home.
Loud Paint
Speaking of color, loud and brash is the trend for 2013. After years of soft shades and pastel colors, the interior design industry has finally decided that it is time for even the most common colors, such as red and blue, to be loud and daring.
If you’ve been something of a color-phobe in the past, you might want to stick with creating a feature wall for now, but keep the rest of the paint can handy for when you’re ready to do the whole room.
Spacious Design
In the past, spacious design meant painting everything white and having a lot of mirrors to reflect the light around the room and create the illusion of space. While you can still choose to do that, you might prefer to keep it simple, like buying a tall table and stools that fit underneath for the dining room, or sliding wardrobe doors to give yourself some extra space in the bedroom. As space becomes more expensive, making the most of what you’ve got will become ever more crucial. Put these design ideas into practice in your home now, and you’ll have a property worthy of the best websites and magazines in the design industry.
Robert is an interior designer with a wide range of clients all interested in the latest trends and design ideas for their home. In his spare time, Robert plays a variety of sports with his children.
