Variety the key to great design
Colour and design trends are not as clear cut as they used to be. Designers are noticing a number of different decorating themes, allowing you to pick and choose elements.
Leading trend consultant Lucy Sutherland from The International School of Colour and Design (ISCD) said the current trends are mixing interesting colours, objects and textures from different cultures in a way that works.
So we have slick modern interiors which are decorated with antique Moroccan lanterns and artifacts, or beautiful Japanese traditional fabrics and colours, Sutherland said.
One of the strong themes that has been identified by the ISCD is Vintage Value, where we embrace objects and finishes that are timeworn and handmade with a sense of history to them.
Mosaic is another theme that is emerging, which is about developing our personal decorating style through travel and observations of different countries and cultures around the world.
In order to stay on top of the trends but at an affordable price, it’s recommended to buy small pieces to update the look of your room such as cushions, vases, or small pieces of art.
Always ensure that you get a large sample of your wall colours before you actually paint the room. Buy a sample pot and paint it out onto a piece of paper and hang it on the wall, Sutherland said.
Look at it during the day and at night to see if the colour is exactly what you wanted. Don’t buy large furniture pieces such as lounges in fashion colours. They will date quickly and it can often be an expensive mistake. Use fabric, cushions and accessories to add colour and design elements to your home.
While making sure the colour and design of the interior is up-to-date, it’s important to have the outdoor area just as smart. Entertaining guests is a big part of the Australian lifestyle and one of the most popular leisure activities for most people during summer. With this in mind architects have started incorporating indoor/outdoor areas in house plans. For many, it has become an extension of the house itself.
Managing director of Domo Collections Frank Novembre said outdoor furniture had almost become a household commodity and is no longer an afterthought.
When buying outdoor furniture, consumers always make decisions based on visual appearance. However, we are now seeing purchase decisions affected by the furniture’s life span, he said.
Woven material features strongly in outdoor furniture. There has been a decline in the use of fabric in outdoor furniture as it doesn’t last very long. Minimalistic outdoor furniture is also very contemporary -” it’s about form and function rather than fancy intricacies.
The most critical feature for outdoor furniture is ensuring the material your furniture is made from is weatherproof and made to last. It’s important that people thoroughly investigate the furniture brand they are considering and differentiate high-quality furniture from the less durable copies.
info: For more details on the International School of Colour and Design check out their website on www.iscd.edu.au and for Domo’s furniture range go to www.domo.com.au.
