There’s a reason us Brits are known for producing some of the greatest music, literature, art, fashion and creativity in the world – the British weather.
As our days get shorter and the nights get darker in the UK, we excel at hunkering down and getting creative – especially when it comes to interior design. We love to craft our homes into faithful expressions of our personality and attitude, and there are some exciting trends happening in 2019 that will help you do just that.
Saying ‘trends’ can sound like we’re just listing a few things we’ve seen popping up out there – but there’s actually a wider, organic rhythm that ‘trend pickers’ observe making waves around the world – coming up from streets and homes all over the world – which dictates everything from fashion to art, design and interior design.
While some trends come and go in a flash, some stay with us longer. In our list you’ll discover trends you can co-opt in a multitude of ways to either update your home or completely revamp it. Either way they’ll be a breath of fresh air.
Here are 5 of the most creatively on-point trends for 2019:
Global Nomad
If you’re a globe trotter – or an aspiring one – this trend is for you. Interior designers are a well-travelled bunch and it’s part of their vocation to be constantly scanning their environment for aesthetically pleasing touches to inspire us with.
Your global artisanal inspiration can include everything from shabby chic fincas in Northern Ibiza to homes bedecked with intricate Indian block prints, rich tones and rugged textures.
The key is in the warm, earthy colour palette and the handcrafted detail – fusing decorative Ikats with paisleys, hand-thrown terracotta pottery and hand-dyed and woven textiles in rich, earthy pigments. Think tassels, pom poms and macrame detailing on everything from cushions to wall art. For this look, there’s no such thing as too much print.
Learn to mix patterns from cultures as far flung as you can fling and your home will be an invitingly warm celebration of the planet on which you live.
Retro Fusion
Mid-Century Modern might have reached its teak peak but it’s still in its nostalgic swing. In fact, its quality is so solid we don’t think it will ever go out of style.
However, the Retro Fusion trend is about mixing it up all over the 20th Century. Cut and paste Art Deco scalloped shapes with 50s signature Bakelite, accent walls in 70s colours and 60s out-of-the-box shapes.
If you can picture your decor in an MGM or Stanley Kubrick movie scene, it’s bound to be a hit this season and in 2020 too.
When it comes to colours, mustard is especially hot this year – Pinterest searches for ‘mustard’ are up 45 per cent. Paired with Scandi neutral tones in previous seasons, now in 2019 it’s being used to ‘pop’ with richer tones like ‘night-watch green’ and tan. ‘Spiced honey’ is also the Dulux Colour of the Year and is infinitely matchable with a number of equally ‘poppy’ colours that would go well in a Retro Fusion lounge.
Curved upholstered furniture is experiencing an upward curve itself – with rounded 3-seater sofas allowing us to have more well-rounded conversations rather than staring at the side of each other’s heads as we chat.
And lastly, textures feel good. With velvet and fringes on the rise, paired with wood and buff leather, there’s an understated louche and luxurious vibe going on. So, like the Dude from The Big Lebowski, pour yourself a White Russian, lie back and relax.
Modern Neutrals
If you’re looking to create an inviting space to retreat and switch off from the world outside, modern neutrals are your first stop. This prevailing trend does come with a warning though: with colours ranging from canvas white to natural buff, this isn’t a look for young families to embrace – perhaps wait until any sticky fingers can wash themselves.
Modern neutrals offer an understated, paired-back look that makes a big impact and looks effortlessly stylish. It’s a sunny, optimistic trend that can be the perfect antidote to darker nights – and would certainly ‘spark joy’ for Marie Kondo, the queen of tidying up and minimalism.
Instead of mixing colours or prints, the key for this look is to mix tactile textures to add achingly subtle interest and depth. Wool, sheepskin, wicker, earthenware and Ash or natural, sun-drenched woods are also key for this calming, harmonious look.
If you want to push the boat out a little, you can use Autumn maple, copper or brass touches as warm accents with personality.
Wild Botanicals
Us green-fingered Brits love to bring the great outdoors inside. Tropical and floral prints have been rising in popularity for a few years and the trend seems to be growing ever subtler, with more painterly lines and a desaturated colour palette blooming.
However, bold wallpapers, such as tropical leaves, show no sign of withering on the vine this season. From designer names to the high street, we’re seeing naturally vibrant and bold prints breathing new life into fabrics, walls and rooms of all sizes.
We’re not talking strictly prints either. The ‘au naturel’ vibe is being taken one step further with indoor vertical gardens being cultivated in flats and houses everywhere. Whether the vertical climb is to create more of a statement with greenery, to utilise small spaces or to sustainably produce your own vegetables and herbs, it seems anything grows.
Dark (Blue) Kitchens
Rich, darker shades are set to create a cosy but elegant ambience within our homes this autumn and winter.
One of the strongest colour trends that has come through in 2019 is the colour blue, and this is most apparent in the true, social heart of the home; the kitchen. Bringing sultry sophistication to classic Shaker-style kitchens and chic and minimal modern spaces, whether it’s on walls, floors, cabinetry or splashbacks, it seems blue has replaced grey as the go-to, on-trend colour.
A timeless classic, navy blue is set to be huge this Autumn and Winter in interior design. A darker shade of blue, this sophisticated tone is perfect for both a traditional design style and for those looking to achieve a bold, contemporary look.
In fact, online searches for black and navy blue kitchens are up 93% in the past 6 months. This is ‘Scandi noir’ exemplified and super on-trend for 2019/2020.
Would you go navy blue? If so, remember to lean more towards matt and powdery finishes than gloss or sheen, for a much more sophisticated feel.
