ForLook Interior Design

The trends of 2007 will be based on the new movement of “trad-modern” i.e. the fusion of modern materials and traditional designs. So expect the continuation of retro, Art-Deco, Modernism & Baroque but with a modern twist.

Here are the top elements that will define modern and trendy interiors:.

Wallpaper

The revival of wallpaper will come to fruition this year. There are many fantastic wallpapers available on the High St, in fact the choice is almost endless. The new trend is to go for large, bold patterns - preferably in a textured or glossy finish. Check out the WOW wallpaper range from Graham & Brown or the chic collections at Cole & Son. Remember that wallpaper is used on only one wall in the contemporary interior!

Customised wall art

Given that wallpapers are reaching their peak on the fashion scale, the new trend will be to create unique, personalised wall coverings - be that a large digital image, a mural, customised wallpaper, creative stencilling (yes, it’s back!), wall hanging or installation art.

Layered patterns & textures

Matchy-matchy or subdued decorations are over. The new trend is to combine many different patterns, textures and textiles. However, you’ll need to be very careful with this approach - not everything goes with everything; there has to be a uniting or connecting element (colour, pattern, shape or form).

Design Fusion

A couple of years ago East-meets-West was the new chic design combination. This style will continue on some level, but a more important fusion will take over - the fusion of old and new. Vintage & modern pieces mixed together; modern furnishing placed in traditional spaces; traditional shapes manufactured in modern materials; unique pieces mixed with mass-produced item will create unique and eclectic interiors.

Customising

The revival of arts&crafts is a sign that most of us have started to react against mass-produced items; that we’d prefer to commission one-off pieces, make our own ones or customise mass-produced items. In fact, more and more people are taking on sewing, knitting, woodworking and other types of crafts in order to make their own homes reflect their own individuality.

Colours

Black will continue to be the dominant colour - but it must be glossy. It can be combined with white, powder pink, turquoise or red to achieve a glamorous & modern look. On the other hand, the trend to be natural and green will also continue. The new shade is gray - so any tones and hues with a gray shade will be suitable. Think duck-egg blue, slate green, earthy browns…

Materials

Lacquered and polished wood, plastic, glass and metal will continue to be strong materials for a contemporary look. On the other hand, the natural interior will have lots of bamboo, slate, hardwood and other natural materials.

Finishes

Shiny, glossy finishes will verify the chic interior, combined with metallics - silver, bronze, copper and gold. There is new trend for distressed or antique metallic finish, which will suit the natural interior particularly well.  Even the natural interior will have some shimmer - even though it’s bit more pearl-like, but nevertheless no longer the flat matt finish that we’ve become  used to. Rough, irregular finishes and textures will also be popular.