Have you been toying with the idea of revamping your house in 2016 or moving into your new apartment that you just bought? Then before you hire an interior designer, am pleased to share with you the design trends for year 2016. Mark my words, it has something for everyone – from subtle bling with brass and copper to eco-friendly trend to reuse old wood to embracing the work of the local artisans. I don’t just have colours of 2016 but also the trends in furnishing world. Here are my top 5 trending tips for this year:-
1. Pantone Colour of the year (Rose Quartz + Serenity) –
As much as we celebrated the marsala red last year, 2016 is more about the warmer rose tone and tranquil serene blue. It is also the first time when Pantone has taken out two colours as the colours of the year. You can easily use them as cushion colours or even better, as the colour of your wall with a subdued shade of white or Griege (a mix of Grey and Beige and still a safe trending colour). It is not about having to paint each wall blue & rose but more like striking a balance or just use them as pop up colours.
2. Metal is here to stay –
Several of you might already know brass and copper are trending lately whether as light fixtures or metal jaali dividers. You will find it everywhere and its here to stay! In no way is this new to India, which is already ethnic-chic – once can look at Kerala brass work with dark teak wood for inspiration. Although many high end interior designers are going for rose gold. Which surely is one notch ahead of the trend.
3. Minimalistic kitchens –
When I say the “minimalistic” kitchens, you might think its fit only for a magazine and not a real “Indian Home”. However, I beg to differ. In the recent times market is flooded with companies that make modular kitchens. They might be Italian, German or Indian, but choosing the right fixtures can completely make your space look big and clean hence minimal. It’s about the material used on the cabinet as much as fixtures inside. Who doesn’t like a clutter free space where they do not need extra switch plates everywhere or have enough space to put in different kinds of cutlery in specific trays/drawers, a hassle-free hob with a built in microwave. There are some companies that even give space in the skirting of their boxes now.
4. Mix ’n’ Match furniture –
Remember those days when your parents would buy a whole set of furniture for the living room with the same style and furnishing? Well the trend is different now and thanks to bespoke designers[I would refrain from using “god” – humility goes a long way.] for that! Its much more contemporary than ever before, partially because of the urban space restrictions. It’s interesting to have 6 different type of chairs to a dinning table or have two jewel tone chairs to complete a grey linen upholstered sofa. But this can go very wrong and end up looking like a furniture store in no time. So follow this trend carefully. The measurements and material vis-a-vis the look of the room is very important. Talking about furnishing, the tile prints and floral patterns are here to stay.
5. Eco- sustainability –
Cultural trends always have an upper hand when it comes to acceptance of international trends in any geographical region. Especially in a country like India with a myriad range of beautiful craftsmanship, its easier for us to welcome this trend with open arms. For instance, reusing old cabinet with a contemporary polish. Or being curious about the eco-friendliness of the products when one chooses the material that goes into the design use in the interiors.
Hope these trends would help you know what to look forward to instead of picking up a generic product that claims to be safe. I believe a house is a mirror reflection of the person who inhabits in it. It’s not ruled by a trend. However, if you have the playful streak in you and would like to stay stylish, then join the party!
