Categories
Designers Expert Tips

12 interior trend predictions for 2017

With 2017 just around the corner, Houzz, the leading platform for home renovation and design, have shared what they expect to see more of in our homes next year.

1. Green is meant to be seen. With a surge in eco-consciousness and garden-to-table living, leafy, botanic greens have been dug up in homes this year. Couple that with Pantone’s colour of the year Greenery promising a fresh, reinvigorated start and we think green will be a big colour for 2017.

Image: The Room Illuminated | Houzz
Image: The Room Illuminated | Houzz

2. Porcelain surfaces. While porcelain isn’t a modern material, it’s a relative newcomer as a surface material. It’s hard-wearing, virtually non-porous and can take on a variety of looks that could make it ‘the’ material of the future.

3. Experimental tiles. We’ve had a lot of fun with tiles this year from oversized slabs to striking 3D shapes, and even fun new ways of laying tile patterns. Expect to see more of that next year.

Image: Alexandra Crafton | Houzz
Image: Alexandra Crafton | Houzz

4. Free-spirited decorating. Homeowners are increasingly inspired to experiment with styles and products that suit their personalities and not necessarily follow trends. It’s the idea that a home is decorated for us, and inspired by us.

Image: Lisa Atkinson | Houzz
Image: Lisa Atkinson | Houzz

5. Nomadic nuances. We’re seeing primitive, raw materials, an increasing appreciation for artisan objects, crafts and techniques, new patterns inspired by exotic global cultures, and rich desert tones such as tangy oranges, dusky pinks and buttery yellows.

6. Rough and ready fabrics. Natural, textural fabrics will continue to set the mood for 2017 – think raw fabrics such as linen, heavy cotton, canvas, hemp and wool; roughed up with unfinished edges, salt-washing and even tea-dying.

Image: Nikki To Photography | Houzz
Image: Nikki To Photography | Houzz

7. Swinging seventies. We’ve already seen the ’70s influence popping up, but Houzz experts predict we’ll continue to revisit this era in 2017. Look out for house plants, jewel colours, macrame, surfer artwork, terracotta, and bright kaleidoscope and abstract patterns.

Image: Tamara Armstrong | Houzz
Image: Tamara Armstrong | Houzz

8. Forget the upper cabinets. We’ve seen some fun alternatives to upper kitchen cabinets this year, with many homeowners opting for easy-to-reach open shelves, striking bench-to-ceiling feature splashbacks, or neat niches. What’s next for 2017?

9. Rethinking beige. Once a mainstay in homes across the country, beige has sort of been getting a bad rap in recent years with the popularity of greys. But designers are starting to rethink beige-based neutrals, giving the palette a refreshing update for the modern world.

10. Playful bedside pendant lights. Forget boring old table lamps. Pendant lights free up bedside space for nightstand essentials, especially helpful in small rooms.

Image: Andrew Snow Photography | Houzz
Image: Andrew Snow Photography | Houzz

11. Romantic bedroom colours. Most homeowners strive for a calm and cosy bedroom by sticking with walls painted in soothing whites, greys and blues. According to a recent Houzz Bedroom survey, intimate or romantic falls behind as the fifth-most desired atmosphere for a master bedroom after calm and cosy. Bring the love back and look to colours like raspberry pink, deep ruby red, caramel and even black.

12. White and wood kitchens. When it comes to cabinets and splashbacks, the colour white dominates in kitchens. To keep the all-white look from becoming too sterile, designers and homeowners are introducing wood accents to help break up the look visually and provide much needed warmth — we expect to see more of that in 2017.

Image: Suzi Appel Photography | Houzz
Image: Suzi Appel Photography | Houzz

–With a community of more than 40 million unique monthly users and nearly 1.5 million active home renovation and design professionals, Houzz has unique insights into how people are designing their homes.

Categories
Designers Expert Tips

The top 10 interior design trends for 2016/17

By Kerena Berry

When it comes to self-expression, interior design has become every bit as important as the outfit you’re wearing right now (hopefully you’re not reading this while wearing an ancient pair of trackie dacks). Like fashion, design trends change with the seasons, but here are 10 movements in interior design that will be making waves for the next 12 months.

1. Two-tone kitchens

Image source: Gisbert Poeppler
Image source: Gisbert Poeppler

Stark and bold, the two-tone kitchen purposely limits colour range to create diversity in other ways, most notably finishes. From afar, the simple palette is deceptive because on closer scrutiny, brave combinations of textures reveal the complexity of the design. Rustic finishes on cabinets may not marry well with marble benches in your imagination, but in reality can work beautifully, creating a dramatic textural statement brought to life by the two-tone approach.

2. Wall tiles outside the kitchen and bathroom

Image source: Bonnie and Neil
Image source: Bonnie and Neil

Wall tiles are on the move, no longer trapped in their traditional domains. They’re migrating from kitchens and bathrooms to become features in common areas, and the effect is stunning. Now that they’re making their mark as ornamental bling in living areas, the humble tile is now enjoying a rapid evolution as designers compete to think outside the box and produce work that is aesthetically and practically superior. Tile designers are pushing the boundaries of shape, colour and functionality.

3. Mirrors as decor

Image source: The Hoxton
Image source: The Hoxton

They’ve always been a handy way to trick the eye into believing a room has greater dimensions (or simply to make sure we’re gorgeous), but mirrors are now being used much more creatively. With an increasingly diverse range of shapes and colours, you can throw out your old notions of where a mirror belongs, and start considering them as a feature that will add vibrance to any room. As with the more unorthodox use of tiles, consider using mirrors as decorative elements rather than functional items.

4. Wallpaper becoming more a part of the room

Image source: Clarke & Clarke
Image source: Clarke & Clarke

Finally shedding the yolk of tradition, wallpaper is making a comeback by becoming a more active element in a room’s styling. Rather than a backdrop, it becomes a partner for furniture by matching wallpaper pattern with fabrics. This brave combination generates a striking effect on the eye that is currently inspiring a wallpaper renaissance.

5. High-gloss cabinetry

Image source: Kate Coughlin Interiors
Image source: Kate Coughlin Interiors

Always preferred for its durability, high-gloss is now producing startling results in modern designs. Rich and vibrant, high-gloss is a finish that continues to surprise, using its relationship with light and reflections to offer a range of bold and unpredictable effects.

6. Pendant lights

Image source: Edward Linacre
Image source: Edward Linacre

Initially used to produce clean lines and hidden sources of light, pendants have evolved and are refusing to be concealed. With rising popularity, they’re being used more creatively and can now be seen creeping into design plans as decorative elements. No longer limited to select spaces, we’re seeing pendant lights as a general preference, even in powder rooms. With the right planning, it’s easy to use these lights more artistically by creating interesting sequences and patterns.

7. Moody colours

Image source: Debi Treloar
Image source: Debi Treloar

Expect deep and moody colours contrasted with two-tone walls. This is the trend of the year and although it may seem brave, this stark juxtaposition seldom fails when designed well. The same combination can also create a lighter, upbeat atmosphere but there’s no doubt that the use of deeper colours creates a sense of comfort. For added impact within the darker tones, a feature mirror can add spark.

8. Sustainability

Image source: Elle Decoration UK
Image source: Elle Decoration UK

The customer is always right and more clients are insisting on materials that satisfy their ecological standards. Although designers don’t usually embrace limitations, we certainly welcome sustainability. The preference for organic, recyclable and upcycling materials is now a mainstream trend. Aesthetics and textures are no longer enough. Rather than a hurdle for designers, embracing this trend can lead to the use of materials with greater character.

-Kerena Berry is an interior designer and co-founder of Designbx, Australia’s online interior design solution.

Categories
Designers

Belle Coco Republic Interior Design Awards 2016 winners

This year’s Belle Coco Republic Interior Design Awards were dominated by the outstanding projects of designer Fiona Lynch, who topped off the night by being the first woman to win the top prize of Designer of the Year. She also took out the top award for Best Residential Interior for the Balwyn Residence (pictured) and Best Bathroom Design for the Hargreaves Residence.

Fiona Lynch_Balwyn Residence_2_preview

At last night’s 2016 Awards, Australia’s interior design community came together to celebrate and identify the very best in Australian design talent. One of Australia’s most prestigious design accolades, the Awards acknowledge excellence in Australian interior design and decoration and set the benchmark for expertise, creativity and vision in what is a highly competitive and progressive industry.

Fiona Lynch_Balwyn Residence_1__preview

This year, Belle’s style-director-at-large Steve Cordony, transformed Coco Republic’s Alexandria showroom, evoking a modern geometric theme with hits of ultramarine blue to the delight over 250 industry and media guests. This year’s judging panel included publisher and design expert, Karen McCartney, Coco Republic executive directors, Anthony Spon Smith and Jeremy Byrne, Dinosaur Designs creative director, Louise Olsen, Timothy Oulton, founder and director of Timothy Oulton, Belle editor Tanya Buchanan and Steve Cordony.

Fiona Lynch_Balwyn Residence_6__preview

Tanya said: “Congratulations to all of the designers and firms who entered this year’s awards, which had the most entries ever with more than 300 projects submitted for judging. The calibre of entries was incredible and the judges really noticed a dynamic aesthetic and sense of innovation running through the body of work. It was great to see some of Australia’s best design talent Fiona Lynch, Whiting Architects, Arent & Pyke and Woods Bagot, recognised for their outstanding work. So many design schemes take years to plan and execute so I know how they must feel to win an award for one of these projects which are always challenging but ultimately rewarding.”

Fiona Lynch_Balwyn Residence_7_preview

Fiona receives return flights for two to Paris to visit Maison & Objet in September courtesy of Cathay Pacific, a $5,000 Parisi voucher, a $1,000 Coco Republic voucher and of course a one-year subscription to Belle. All the award winners are profiled in Belle’s June/July 2016 issue, on sale on Monday 16 May.

Fiona Lynch_Balwyn Residence_5__preview

The full list of winners

Best Residential Interior Fiona Lynch, Balwyn Residence

Best Commercial Interior Woods Bagot, Paramount by The Office Space (see it here)

Best Hospitality Interior Arent & Pyke, Alex Hotel

Best Residential Kitchen Design Whiting Architects, O’Grady Kitchen

Best Residential Bathroom Design Fiona Lynch, Hargreaves Residence

Belle Coco Republic Interior Designer of the Year Fiona Lynch

Best Residential Interior – Readers’ Choice Arent & Pyke, Double Bay House

Categories
Dining Furniture Homewares

Get excited about staying in with OZ Design’s new collections!

Sponsored by OZ Design Furniture

Even if you prefer sunnier weather, if there’s one really good thing about winter drawing in, it’s the chance to layer up and get cosy at home, changing your look for the new season. As if interiors addicts need a reason to change their décor though?!

The Coco 3-Seater
The Coco 3.5-Seater

OZ Design Furniture have some beautiful new furniture in store this week to take winter interiors to the next level! As our thoughts turn to hibernation weather, our homes become our favourite place to stay in and have friends over. OZ Design Furniture have created their new collections for living and dining spaces inspired by the latest interior trends so whether you’re curling up and reading a good book or entertaining, home is the most inviting place to be. As usual, the brand has its four key looks to choose from: abode, global, coastal and arthouse.

This season, OZ Abode showcases how to create a relaxed feel which is also sophisticated and functional. It’s all about warmth and layered texture. Muddied hues of on-trend blush and deep blues create the perfect backdrop to allow the layering of multiple finishes and colours. Moody pastels are showcased through matt accessorising, thick weaved cushions and a hint of a luxe with velvet touches (my favourite!). Metallic and marble accents (these trends aren’t going anywhere any time soon!) and floral and abstract patterns in textiles, keep the look fresh and playful.

The ever popular OZ Global collection reflects cultural inspiration from around the world, where the combination of soft brown leathers, raw timbers and tribal colours is key. The sleek lines and soft tan leather of the Boulevard sofa combined with the rustic finishes of the new Penfold range are reflective of this look. Natural hides thrown over surfaces heighten the warmth and depth, and slimline silhouettes are given volume with throws, graphic cushions and a hint of leather. Gold and copper accent homewares and botanicals add to the raw, earthy and organic vibe.

PENFOLD COFFEE AND SIDE
Penfold coffee and side tables in clear lacquer and Boulevard sofa

Don’t expect any cliches from the OZ Coast collection! This is the beach vibe reinvented! With natural textures and whitewash timbers still being at the heart of every coastal setting, this season OZ Design Furniture show a different take by styling neutral tones with hues of grey, complemented by muted pastels. The use of basket weaves, linen and thick knit wool throws creates a sense of warmth. Another distinct look comes from the use of rustic brown timbers with muted greens and over-scaled botanicals to create a tropical room setting. We love the light and bright Darby dining setting (pictured below).

DARBY DINING SETTING
Darby dining table, chairs, bench and buffet in white/chocolate and Darby bookcase in white

OZ Arthouse is an eclectic blend of mid-century style with a contemporary edge. This season, the collection is about the balance of sleek lines and light timbers, complemented with accents of monochrome and pastel to create a modern and refined room. Check out the new Violet dining setting, Marilyn buffet and Porto desk. The Scandi influence is very obvious, and works perfectly with geometric, faceted, copper and organic finishes in accessories.

TATLER SOFA, SARI COFFE, BOOKCASE RAGE
Tatler 2.5-seater in wave fabric, Sari coffee table and bookcase in clear lacquer, Scout rectangle ottoman in Alix fabric.
VIOLET DINING
The Violet dining setting

Find out more and/or shop online

Categories
Kitchens RENO ADDICT

The latest trends in kitchen benchtops for 2016

Ruba Jaajaa, colour expert and showroom manager for Cosentino, shares the following tips…

1. Blue is the new black

Blue hues will replace the traditional use of black for a bolder and warmer look in the home. Black tones can often look harsh and overpower other colours, whereas blue is the perfect complement to any space without compromising depth or style. It’s a new look that is both chic and daring!

Trend 2

2. Matte finishes are a must-have

Matte finishes lend a stylish feel to any space, offering a modern edge that will add greater interest to the overall style.  You can add a subtle, elegant touch to your home with Silestone® Suede finish, a unique matte texture, perfect for modern designs. Suede is available in more than 30 colours across Cosentino’s signature Silestone® range. From the celestial, cool tones of Lyra,to the earthy hues of  Blanco Capri!

Trend 2 Suede (second option)

3. Nature knows

Nature-inspired design has become a popular part of home styling, which will only grow in 2016. Incorporating natural,warm, earthy tones of the beautiful Dekton Sirius and Keranium worktop is a perfect example of how to bring a contemporary nature feel into your home!

Trend 3

Photo Credit: The Japanese Kitchen Studio

4. Traditional goes modern  

Don’t feel that you need to remove those traditional favourites from your space, instead try and give  them with a modern twist! Take inspiration from winning couple on this season of The Block, Shay and Dean, who updated the Scandinavian look in their apartment to make it a crowd favourite! The couple used contrasting benchtops in Blanco Orion on the island and Cemento Spa with a suede finish.

Trend 4Photo Credit: The Good Guys Kitchens

5. New neutrals

Neutrals are a key component of creating a comfortable and sophisticated atmosphere in your home. In 2016 neutral trends will continue to grow, highlighting the beauty of muted hues that offer a timeless look. Tones such as Makai from Cosentino’s Dekton Spring Colour range, complement a neutral palette perfectly!

Trend 5

Categories
Competitions Designers

So it continues… entries open for 30th Dulux Colour Awards

Entries are now open for the 2016 Dulux Colour Awards, which marks the renowned program’s 30th year of fostering and showcasing the use of colour in built environments.

DCA Theme Image (004)

An esteemed judging panel has once again been handpicked to deliberate on the winning projects, combining leading names from Australia and New Zealand’s design and creative industries. Chosen for their differing areas of expertise, the panel consists of: Meryl Hare, principal at Hare + Klein Interior Design; Clare Cousins, director at Clare Cousins Architects; James Harper, principal at BrookingHarper and director at Design Institute of Australia; Matt Gibson, director at Matt Gibson Architecture + Design; and Alex Fulton, director at Alex Fulton Design (NZ).

Last year's Grand Prix winner: Lexus Pavilion by Mim Design. Photo by Sean Fennessy.
Last year’s Grand Prix winner: Lexus Pavilion by Mim Design. Photo by Sean Fennessy.

The 2016 Dulux Colour Awards is accepting entries across nine categories between now and February, giving architects, designers and interior designers the opportunity to submit work across residential and commercial environments.

Last year's Single Residential Interior winner: The Courtyard House by Aileen Sage Architects. Photo by Tom Ferguson.
Last year’s Single Residential Interior winner: The Courtyard House by Aileen Sage Architects. Photo by Tom Ferguson.

Each category winner will receive prize money and a certificate. All entries, except for the student category, will also stand the chance of taking out the Grand Prix title. The Grand Prix winner will receive $5000 cash prize and certificate. Entries for all nine categories are open until Monday 8 February 2016, with winners announced and celebrated at a gala function in Melbourne on 10 March 2016.

Enter now.