We’ve all got spaces to fill. The question is how to fill it.
At Habitat, our outlook for design trends over the coming months is simple and can be defined in six key terms; big, small, young, classic, urban and eclectic. To give you some interior insights and help you turn your empty spaces into ones filled with character, here are our top trends that are making moves in the décor world.
Saturated brights
There’s an overall feel of warmth and earthiness this season in our colour palette which layers on top of some of our soft, dustier colours (sage green, dusty pink, fennel and neutrals). Elsewhere combinations of spicy, bold, bright colours – notably with the introduction of violet, turmeric and magenta – provide an opportunity for unexpected colour synergies.
Neutral naturals
In contrast, you’ll also notice a lot of monochromatic and natural tones this season and the inclusion of raw, organic materials like untreated wool and jute with inherent texture. We’ve also explored a variety of product techniques used to create texture and visual depth – some subtle, some extreme and all built around this predominantly monochrome palette.
Modern folk pattern
The tone of modern folk is youthful, eclectic and energised with pops of vibrant colour and reworks of retro pattern. We’ve introduced a series of bohemian-inspired patterns from designer Martha Coates across a series of laid-back textiles and hand painted ceramics to our offering to support this patterned style.
We’ve seen great success with upcycled textiles, so for AW18 we’ve designed a new trio of rugs made from the fabric offcuts sourced from the Indian fashion industry. These offcuts are re-dyed and then hand woven into new designs. Tiger Face is a particularly beautiful new design in which every tiger’s expression is woven slightly differently, so each takes on its own character.
Oak
The Sabine range is our modern take on a look inspired by the Ibizan countryside, with emphasis placed on using oak as the main material. The oak designs are identified by exaggerated turned wooden feet, rounded edges and use of a dramatic wood grain patina. It’s chunky handles and top highlight this rural feel but in a clean, pure way with elegant detailing that gives the collection a sense of refinement.
Handcraft
We’ve been championing modern handcraft on the high street for the last six years and we’re seeing no sign of its popularity dying off. Imperfect shapes, reactive glazes, thumbprints and obviously hand painted pieces in contemporary colours and patterns give each product an individuality and story that make them an obvious talking point.
Japanese influence
The Belami dressing table and benches, designed by Matthew Long, mark a return to simplicity that typifies Japanese design aesthetic.
This design, with its pale wood construction, exuberates calm and maximises a sense of light and space so that it doesn’t overpower a small room. Belami comes with both table and benches which can be easily hidden away when not in use.
Curves
The use of curves is an emerging trend especially in furniture design, with the obvious softening of corners, giving a more fluid, rounded profile. The figured walnut Dakota coffee table, designed by James Cottingham, juxtaposes a rounded top on an angular base for a 1960s American vibe. While his Cornelia spindle coffee table, inspired by English vernacular furniture, is a nod to the 1950s.
Luxe layering
One for the maximalists out there. This look layers together a combination of high finish, contrasting materials such as marble, highly polished metal, leather and elegant woodwork for a high impact, luxe look.
Key here is to add richly textured, hand woven textiles that bring warmth and personality. We also want to show that maximalism doesn’t have to mean dark and moody opulence – you can create a light, fresh and modern take on this idea.
