We ask the experts to predict 2010’s biggest trends
Interior styles
“A key trend I picked up at Maison & Objet in Paris and Abitare il Tempo in Verona is that interior styles are more subdued,” says Garden and Home Decor Editor Andrew Mackenzie.
“There’s a leaning towards timeless interiors with people investing in quality pieces which will last, rather than trendy styles that will change.
“There is a return to the past, reminiscent of the great depression, in which colours are more muted and fabrics are heavier as well as being more textured.
“Palettes are leaning towards sombre colours, such as grey and black. Colour makes an appearance in bright accents, like glassware, trays and paintings.”
Fabric and wallpapers
“One of the most evocative trends is the focus on all things glamorous with hints of Hollywood and the New York high life. Fabrics are contemporary in character whilst others hark back to the glamour of yesteryear,” says Haidee Kramer, Home Fabrics’ Marketing and Design Director.
“‘Organic’ is another important trend which focuses on natural materials, natural colour and loads of texture like wool and linen.
“There is a huge trend to incorporate wallpaper in the home with feature walls continuing to be popular. Digitally printed images or wall art with huge photographic images are featured along with drawings and text.
“Culture is another important theme, where traditional crafts ranging from embroidery to beading are reinterpreted in an up-to-date way.
“New interpretations of animal skins with patterns abounding in colour and shape are also very prominent.”
Kitchens
“As we move out of the recession, I think we are going to see a lot of exciting developments,” predicts Brian Slavin of Slavin & Company, one of Johannesburg’s leading kitchen manufacturers. “Kitchens today are more contemporary; the look is sleek with no handles. As a result, new opening and closing mechanisms have been developed. Some work on touch while others are powered electronically. High-gloss finishes have been in fashion for a while but indications are that the industry will be moving to a matt look.”
Brian believes there will be more focus on islands. “They make for a social kitchen and concentrate a lot of usable working surface in one place. The trend is to combine two islands with one wall of fitted cupboards and appliances, If you make your storage space work harder you don’t have to plaster every wall with cabinets, which is why drawers are now replacing cabinets. You get 30 percent more use out of cupboard space by using drawers fitted with compartments and dividers to keep everything tidy and in its place,” he says.
On the appliance side there has been a move away from large, traditional and industrial ranges and a return to built-in, eye-level ovens and other appliances which complement the modern look. “Pioneered by Miele and Gaggenau, refrigeration is becoming very sophisticated with a price tag to match,” he says.
Upholstered furniture
“Contemporary styling is still going to be big this year,” says Peter Wunder of Wunders, one of Cape Town’s premier upholstery works.
“People still want sleek, modern lines but they will also go for extra comfort with slightly higher backs and wider arms,” he says. “We will also see a continued emphasis on detailing: chrome legs, chrome studding, stitching detailing and contemporary quilting with deep buttoning to add interest.
“There will be continued emphasis on plain fabrics,” he says, “mainly because of the economic times. People believe that they will have to hang onto furniture for longer.
“Corner units will continue to be popular because these are so space saving and provide a lot more seating. Another strong trend will be towards more organic, fluid forms.
“Dual-functioning furniture will also be increasingly popular. We are introducing an ottoman with drawers for use as a coffee table and for storage of items such as linen and CDs.”
Decor accessories
“The whole idea of ‘living green’ is massive. It’s been coming at us like a tsunami; now it’s here to stay. Sustainable living is the biggest trend of all,” says Paul Duncan, Head of Design of Homeware for Woolworths.
“In these credit crunch times we’re looking for ways to bolster a sense of feeling good at home. We want to be reminded of where we come from and who we are. Handcrafted objects or, at least objects showing their imperfections and inconsistencies are key. It’s all about authenticity: drinking glasses with bubbles in them, hand-blocked tablecloths and crockery where there are colour variations to the designs on the individual components. There’s a sense that human hands have been involved with the manufacture at the expense of machines.
“On a lesser note, there’s a lot of over-scaled paisley about and massive-print damask.”
Carpets and wooden flooring
According to Bernhard von Heynitz of Flooring Depot, technology is the driving force behind new flooring trends. Wood flooring will remain popular as products improve and become more eco-friendly.
The more expensive laminates now have the texture, feel and look of real wood even down to slight bevelling on the edges that replicates genuine wood planks. The surface look of laminates is being synchronised to the base structure. In other words, the composite under the veneers matches the grain and the knot visuals of the surface for a more real-looking product.
Engineered real wood floors are a huge advance into more sustainable eco-friendly flooring. Instead of slicing a tree into planks, new technology peels the trees in much the same way as we might peel an orange. These ‘peels’ are then used to veneer base boards of sustainable timber such as pine. This technology gives a better yield and allows for wider, longer planks. These floors can be clipped into place in much the same way as laminates.
Bernhard says that where carpeting is used – usually in bedrooms – the trend is moving toward much more luxurious and softer, deeper piles.
“People still love the natural fibres, like coir and sisal, but there is a definite trend towards rugs on wood flooring,” he says.
Text by Andrew Mackenzie, Coba Kodelitsch, Mary Jane Harris and Diana Wemyss. Photos by Coba Kodelitsch, Vanessa Lewis, Peter Whitfield, Sieg Behm and Supplied. Taken from the January 2010 edition of Garden and Home.
Related Content
