Hot home interior and design trends for 2018

Want to know what’s hot and what’s not for 2018? Here are our home and interior design trend picks for this year.

TREND #1 – Colour in kitchens

With so much inspiration now at our fingertips in the form of Pinterest and Instagram, many of us are taking more risk with colour. Although ‘classic’ palettes such as white and plain wood will never go out of style, more of us are choosing to play with the possibilities in the form of unusually textured or coloured tiles, accessories and countertops.

The experts say: Mix neutrals with rich, warm colours to create a unique feel that’s not overpowering.

We say: Play with the look on a budget by re-painting units and adding new door handles.

Winchester Residence Chateaux Ormeaux tiles, Original Style

These bright colour block tiles, from £4.75 each, tick a number of trend boxes this year including bold colour and global. Available from Original Style.

TREND #2 – bright florals

Think bold, stylised, contemporary and graphic rather than cute, chintzy posies. Big, modern splashes of eye-catching, contrasting colour are due to hog the limelight this year. Expect to see them on everything from wallpaper to upholstery.

The experts say: Be bold. Mix over-sized floral prints with contrasting textures and patterns.

We say: Erm…maybe not too bold! This is an ideal trend to dip your toe into by way of accessories – cushions, prints and bedlinen.

Teasel Ombre silk cushion, Clarissa Hulse

The Teasel ombre silk cushion has been hand dip-dyed to create a beautiful merge of chilli red and neon pink, and is a real show-stopper, perfect for building an eclectic collection around. £69, available from Clarissa Hulse.

TREND #3 – vintage lighting

We’re delighted that vintage lighting is making a comeback – somehow, it’s so much more satisfying than superstore spotlights. Particularly in vogue are lanterns, pendants and chandeliers. If you’re planning to DIY, check that your car-boot or vintage shop find is suitable for use with modern fittings. Most can be converted, but may be expensive. Slightly battered metal pendant light shades add a quirky edge to a sleek, modern kitchen.

The experts say: Vintage lights are often better made, better quality and better value than modern equivalents.

We say: If you’re not confident about your DIY skills, stick to vintage lampshades and team them with modern fittings. Chandeliers may look stunning, but can be real dust traps and are hard to clean.

Antique GECoRAY wall light by GEC

This very early glass reflector by British manufacturer ‘GEC’ dates from teh 1920s and is an original ‘GECoRAY’ wall light. The lights were salvaged from a church in Surrey, UK and recently removed during a period of renovation and refurbishment. £595 excluding VAT, available from Skinflint Design. 

TREND #4 – global inspiration

From India to Africa, interiors are travelling the glove this season. Think artisan textures; rustic materials such as wood, wicker and raffia; a handmade look and lots of rich, earthy colours in terracottas, blues and reds.

The experts say: The more traditional the better. Think fairtrade, workers collectives, who are still producing their work in the time-honoured way for an authentic look and feel.

We say: Don’t feel you have to stay in one country – mix and match patterns, colours and locations with soft furnishings.

Unique cotton Kantha throws, Ian Snow

These cotton kantha work throws are made using vintage fabric saris in the age-old sewing tradition of kantha, where women would lay worn out fabric on top of each other and sew them together to create a new and usable piece. The effect is unique and takes a regional art form into a relevant and modern design. £69, available from Ian Snow.

TREND #5 – metallics

Yup, metallics are still going strong. Last year’s favourites, rose gold and copper, are starting to step aside though in favour of the bolder brass. Add a touch of brass in the shape of accessories such as lamps, picture and mirror frame and vases.

The experts say: Brass is the most organic of the metallic palette and adds a touch of luxury to any room.

We say: Keep brass accessories small or choose a lacquered or brushed finish, unless you really love polishing.

Brass Linear metal table lamp, Cult Furniture

This modern Linear desk lamp has been crafted from durable metal in a brushed brass finish, ideal when using in an office or living room alike. £49, available from Cult Furniture. 

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(Featured image courtesy of Shutterstock)

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