Five top interior designs trends

Krystal from Manly asks:

I am ready for something completely new in my home! What are the hottest interior design trends right now?

Jane says:

It can be fun and exciting to completely reinvent your home. Some fabulous interior design ideas are taking off this year. Here are five top trends for you to consider.

1. The retro style with bold geometric patterns has enjoyed many phases of trendiness since its inception in the WWII era. Think bold colours combined with straight lines for an energetic retro design that is ideal for the upcoming summer season. This design can have white as its base on walls and floors for a new, trendy look that can be updated inexpensively when it is time for the next trend.

2. Sophisticated and rustic may not seem like terms that go together, but they are ideal for describing a new trend that is Earthy but not overly countrified. For example, envision reclaimed wood floors with shaker style furniture and oil rubbed brass fixtures. Consider it an upscale cottage style. A colour scheme of muted grey-blues and grey-greens looks great with this style.

3. Grey is the new beige. If you’re looking for a neutral palette that can be updated and changed through use of fabrics and accessories, consider using a colour scheme of greys as your base rather than tired old browns. Brighten up this base with reds and yellows for the summer or tone it down with blues and greens for the winter. This is a great way to create a versatile design base that you can change as often as you like.

4. Going green with natural woods can create a gorgeous and earth friendly interior design. Use bamboo, wicker and rattan for your renovation, and create a modern atmosphere with clean lines and neutral colours or a tropical resort feel with comfy seating and bright accessories. These woods are renewable resources, so they are ideal for anyone looking for a new design for their home that is also environmentally friendly.

5. Bring the outside in and the inside out. As part of your design, open up your home as much as possible to make it feel larger and more inviting. Large windows and sliding patio doors are a great way to make the spaces flow together. Use natural materials, such as wood and stone in your interior to minimise the differences between the inside and out. Create seating areas, a fireplace, or an outdoor kitchen outside so that it is as comfortable as being inside.

Whenever you’re choosing an interior design plan for your home, make sure that it complements the home’s exterior and areas that you do not plan to renovate for a cohesive, flowing design. When considering trends, try to choose one that will be simple to update or one that you love enough to keep around for years to come. A local Brisbane interior designer will be able to give you clearer guidance on pulling your whole home renovation scheme together if required. Good luck!

Jane Eyles-Bennett is a Brisbane Interior Designer and the founder of Hotspace Consultants. She has over 20 years interior design experience and her business has helped over 500 home owners and property investors in the past 7 years alone.