insideKENT Magazine Issue 26 - May 2014 | Page 125
INTERIORS
2014 Interior Trends
INTERIOR DESIGNER PHOEBE OLDREY OF SMARTSTYLE INTERIORS, HAS SEEN MANY
NEW TRENDS TAKE THE INTERIOR DESIGN MARKET BY STORM AND CHANGE THE WAY
WE DECORATE OUR HOMES OVER THE LAST DECADE. insideKENT CAUGHT UP WITH
HER TO ASK WHAT SHE PREDICTS WILL TAKE OUR EYE THIS YEAR.
“I have always been a big fan of ‘Classic
Contemporary’ style, which marries traditional
design with a contemporary feeling and I am
delighted that it seems to be back in fashion.
With smart on-trend fabrics covering traditionally
shaped chairs and the return of antiques, which
bring bags of personality to a room.
“There is a big influence coming from the Art
Deco period with people embracing a desire for
luxury with an eye for detail. However people are
still sensitive to price, so are going with quality
over quantity, which is resulting in uncluttered,
sleek and smart interiors. There’s also a new
trend for displaying classic prints in unusual ways
to form other pieces. Group modern frames
together that feature timeless prints of nature for
a really punchy look.
“All new trends start very quietly with the first
signs in the products themselves; after all we
designers love to play with fun products, as they
are the key to great interiors. Over the last 11
years I have sourced a lot of fabric for various
projects. The dynamic of how we dress our
rooms is also changing. Wallpaper has dominated
recently but now it is the turn of textiles to become
the star of the room. I’m really excited to see
how digital printing is changing what is possible
in textiles. With this revolution, patterns can be
made to extraordinary sizes and are no longer
restricted by pattern repeats the size of a silk
screen. With this comes the possibility to use
fabric more like a canvas. I often look to the
catwalk and big fashion houses to see how they
are developing themes. They have been hitting
us with some stunning dresses which have classic
floral prints and volumes of fabric – something
we haven’t encountered since the mid 80s.
“I think we might start dressing our windows with
larger volumes of fabric and I am sure of the
comeback of bigger window
treatments. Manufacturers now have the ability
to print larger areas so fabrics can become
statement pieces. Suddenly a set of curtains can
be a complete work of art using a lot more volume
to give a big impact.
this craze is opening the door to a return of gold
and have recently seen a very elegant set of gold
taps by Coox.
I am a big believer that a space should reflect
the people who live in it – without that it never
truly feels like home. Use mementoes around
the house but display them in unusual ways and
they will bring a lot more fun to a space. Frame
personal pictures in a more artistic way such as
family photos in black and white or children’s
artwork or sentimental baby clothes and they
become great display pieces and make a house
a home. No trend can replace that.”
“Instead of having a feature wall we will see
feature sofas and chairs, with a return to floral
upholstery. For those not brave enough to take
the big plunge, digital print cushions bring a real
kick of colour to a room.
“We all love an accessory and it is a great way
to finish a room and bring in your personality.
For those ‘bling’ accessories, the hot metal of
the moment is copper. It has a mellow warmth
to it, which isn’t as harsh as chrome. Tom Dixon’s
Copper Pendent light is amazing and the
centrepiece of many of kitchens right now. I think
125
For help or advice contact Smartstyle Interiors
on 01892 524 036,
[email protected]
website www.smartstyleinteriors.com