2018, such a great year for architecture and interior design! Just when you think it can’t get more sophisticated and creative, it does! It goes to show that there is no limit to the creative imagination and to the reach, pull and interpretation of history and culture.
Inevitably, what goes around comes around, but in a different form reflecting the zeitgeist: the well of inspiration endless and those that mine it presciently make us the richer for it!
The situation at the end of 2018 speaks to a more creative and eclectic look on the whole; on lifestyle based architecture and interior design – in the west at least. For instance, those at the vanguard of architecture and design have realised there is little point having your physical requirements taken care of if your surroundings represent a spiritual death trap!
Following on from 2018, the Dulux trends for 2019 encourage “spontaneity and experimentation”. Don’t be afraid to be bold, unconventional and inventive with the mix of colour and form, much of which relies on ideas lifted from the archives of the 1970’s through to the 1980’s.
Among other things, the Dulux trend forecasting team attends the annual Milan Salone del Mobile as well as working with “global colour authority” Colour Marketing Group to arrive at their predictions – a prudent starting point I think!
Here are some of the ideas in summary:
…a diversity of influences, fed by technology and the information age, a focus on self-care and an increasing social consciousness have informed the resulting palettes…a multi-pronged approach to finding the essence of life and favouring the natural and holistic over what is superficial and fleeting.
The underlying theme of this year’s forecast is Filter: reading between the lines this means filtering out the superfluous and opting for lasting over fleeting by culling consumption; strive to engage positive experiences while focusing on a lifestyle ground in broad aesthetics, to wit, what really matters.
In an over-comodified world, it is heartening to read about a change in our psyche to focus on sustainability; to being more selective and to be happy with what we already have without the need for the next new thing!
Wholeness
In a nutshell: Mindfullness, self-awareness and connection
Bottom line – digital detox, eschew multi-tasking, relax in minimal surroundings with your closest:
…our brains are in overdrive, craving simplicity, silence and a disconnection from screentime. In our search for wellness and ‘wholeself’ we look to clear the mental clutter by making our homes our temple with a calming, distraction-free zone.
Identity
Identity palette encourages individuality and imagination. More playful than its predecessor, it draws upon a host of disparate influences united by the idea of non-conformism, which rejects labels and embraces self-expression.
Bottom line – bold self-expression:
… we join the brave and confident non-conformists, reject labels that don’t fit, shed our conventional camouflage and take on a more flexible view of the world with fun, spirited energy and spontaneity. Gender is fluid, weird is wonderful and to express yourself is the true path to happiness…the Identity palette is all about bold experimentation combining block colour, clashing patterns, texture and mixing gloss levels, resulting in an ‘anything goes’ look that is playful, optimistic and youthful.
Repair
Repair turns to the shifting fortunes of our natural world and draws inspiration from the dichotomy of its strength and fragility. “Repair is not only about using and reusing what we have, but also about respecting our environment and celebrating what it entrusts us with.
Bottom line – look after ourselves and the world around us, connect with nature and make do with less:
…the unpredictability of Mother Nature is a reminder that life is fragile – reduced biodiversity and overpopulation casts a shadow over our carefree existence. We are now taking a considered approach to the objects we use, to repair our relationship with nature and the world around us to ensure a positive impact is created.
Legacy
Continuing this thread of awareness and responsibility, considering what we leave behind underpins the theme of Legacy. Particularly in a fast-paced world, wisdom and tradition become cherished and this palette is directly influenced by a respect for craftsmanship, timelessness and the marriage of old and new.
Bottom line – recreate interiors with what you already have, or what is in front of you – add new life to existing objects with paint and your unique personality; celebrate the way the past can impact the future:
We are distancing ourselves from damaging consumerist habits, recognising that every action has repercussions – a long-lasting legacy that will be felt for generations to come…The result is a nod to the elegant past and present, combining eclectic patterns and block colour.
Much of the aforementioned dialogue centres on holistic approaches (I was going to say eclectic, but in a sense eclectic means holistic; that is approaching space and design intuitively, drawing from myriad influences and focusing on multifarious outcomes, rather than merely following trends). For more information go to the Dulux website.
