Interior Design Trends: What Is In And What Is Out!

Fashion is often a fickle beast, constantly changing and evolving with tastes. Furniture design and interiors, although slow-moving compared to clothing fashions, also change with the turning of seasons.  When you are investing in fitted furniture for your home, you’ll want to know that it won’t look out of date by next year. You want something that stands the test of time and won’t need refreshing every few years.  Here is a look at what furniture and interior design trends are in and what is on its way out.

What interior design ideas are popular now?

Explore a few ideas and inspiration for designing and redecorating your home. Whether that includes a total renovation or simply adding some additional storage or statement pieces, there are ideas to suit every palette. 

Emphasis on functionality and space

No matter how big or small your home is, maximising the space available is very much on trend. Modular furniture that can be moved around is back in fashion, particularly for apartments with limited room.  Fully-fitted bespoke living room furniture, or indeed for any room, can help with making the most of the awkward corners and alcoves. Think shelving for bookcases, media walls that melt seamlessly into alcove storage and kitchens that are both functional and efficient. Also in are spaces that do more than one job. In a world where many work from home, being able to use rooms for multiple purposes is key to a happy work/life balance. Consider investing in bespoke fitted furniture that suits your specific needs for desk space and more. 

Bold colours

Bold does not necessarily mean adding bright pinks and mustard yellow cushions on the sofa. Strokes of deeper hues such as olive or dark blues in bespoke fitted furniture, contrasting with lighter and brighter elements such as a rug, can work together in harmony. 

Patterns

Perhaps it is just a cushion or two, or maybe a few walls of patterned wallpaper. Plain is out for the season, and dynamic statements and accents are in. The key is not to follow micro trends too closely and work with your own personal style to find what you love.  

Texture

Texture is currently king in the interior design world when it comes to wallpaper, window dressings and soft furnishings. Adding texture adds interest and tactility to a space.  It can also be applied to fitted furniture, where beading, flutes and grooves can be used for decorative effect on cabinetry, and unique handles can be added. 

Wall panelling

If you are already blessed with a home that features wood panelling, then updating it may only require a lick of paint. For other homes, beaded frames and panels can add architectural interest and can suit even a newer building.  Whether stained or painted, the panels can be seamlessly fitted to match the rest of the room. If you are installing some bespoke cabinets, cupboards and shelving, you can make sure the detailing and colour either complements or is an exact match.

Quality craftsmanship

The time of the MDF flatpack is long gone, and the authenticity of handcrafted, tailor-made furniture is back in vogue. Investing in quality craftsmanship is worth it for the solid timbers, traditionally made furniture that is designed to last a lifetime.

Comfort and cocooning

Throughout the current interior design trends is an emphasis on comfort and creating a cocoon-like quality for your living space and bedroom. Using darker, richer colour palettes that replace cold neutrals can add to the effect without being too dark in winter months. 

Heritage style

William Morris-style patterns with baroque, floral and foliage motifs in multiple colours are experiencing a revival right now. And patterned soft furnishings aren’t the only interior design trend looking to the past for inspiration.  Vintage and heritage designs are back in a big way as part of a lean toward curated nostalgia and ‘Grandpa Chic’. Timeless designs that evoke a sense of classic comfort can give a space character.  This return to vintage does not just apply to patterns but to furniture too. Bespoke Shaker-style cabinetry with its simple, clean lines is popular not just for kitchens but also for lounges and bedrooms.

Art Deco

For those who prefer a little luxury, Art Deco is also in. The concepts first popularised in the early 20th century have had an update but retain their sculptural shapes and textures.  The key is subtle influence, not drenching. Think statement-piece vintage mirrors and lighting, geometric sharp edges and highlights of metallic shimmer, layered in with softer, more comforting touches.

What interior design trends should you avoid?

High-shine surfaces

Chrome and glossy finishes have been popular for several years now, and design experts believe they have had their day. Too much shine can leave a room feeling cold and empty.  Not to say that all reflective smooth surfaces should be banned, but that they might need updating to a brushed metal, for example. 

Beige

Beige, that stalwart of the neutral colour palette, has been oscillating between in and out for decades. Recent trends for completely, perfectly beige rooms - walls, upholstery and furniture, everything - are once more on their way out in favour of a more varied palette. Expect some beige to remain but alongside highlight colours that complement and enhance the calm vibe. 

Overstyling

Particularly aimed at shelving and coffee tables which have been cluttered with art, vases and knick-nacks, are soon to be a thing of the past. Interior designers recommend a less is more approach and editing the pieces, prints and other items taking up space.  In this way, your highlight pieces can breathe, and the space gives the impression of luxury. Using built-in lighting for the shelving and spaces specifically designed to showcase and show off your favourite pieces can add to that. 

Brown sofas

While brown is still a top colour for many interior design projects, the sofa should not be a part of it according to interior design trend-setters. It may be a neutral colour, but it should not be dominating the living room.  Mixing it up with patterned upholstery or bold coloured velvets might be a good alternative, but only if you really love it.