Timber iQ February - March 2019 // Issue: 42 | Page 12

TIMBER ON TREND Timber hots up for a trending 2019 Timber has played its part in functional and aesthetic design and construction for millennia and remains just as relevant today in the homes we build, the furniture we produce and in the ways we adorn our most beloved spaces. 2019 promises to be another good year for wood as its popularity across all spheres continues to grow. Read on for our predictions for wood in 2019. ONWARDS AND UPWARDS HELLO, DARKNESS, MY OLD FRIEND As a construction material with huge potential for real sustainability, timber’s popularity as a material for any alterations or additions to an existing structure is on the rise in South Africa. For many homeowners, the best way to make more space is upwards and they are seeing the value of timber, with its light carbon footprint, design flexibility and quick erection time, as the go-to material to realise their new spaces. Black painted or tinted wood surfaces are making a spectacular comeback and will trend long into 2019. Think sultry black surfaced cabinetry and a moody feature walls that make lowlights the highlight of the home and workspace. Black is most certainly back in 2019. DECOREX SA CONNECTS YOU WITH THE BEST 2019 DÉCOR, DESIGN AND LIFESTYLE TRENDS RECYCLE, MICHAEL! Not only beautiful, but a hearty nod to conscious consumption, wooden furniture made from repurposed timber is set to hit the spot in 2019. A perfect accompaniment to a slick new work space or a rustic beach house, recycled wooden furniture can take on any appearance, from highly polished clean lines to rough, mismatched pieces still adorned by charming peeling coatings of yesteryear. The African continent is positioning itself as a global style icon, fusing the influences of international trend-makers with the unique colour and vibrancy that characterises its people and cultures. The impact of this colourful continent on the 2019 lifestyle trends will be brought home through the features and products showcasing at Africa’s biggest décor and design exhibition. “We are at a crucial moment in the evolution of technology, both globally and here at home,” explains Anita Bloom, creative director at Decorex SA. “The incredible advances in artificial intelligence, virtual augmented realities and 3D printing are about to transform every aspect of our lives. And in response to the imminent digital revolution we are re-focusing on what it means to be human, and this is taking us back to our African roots. Consumers are at a crossroads asking profound questions about their place in the world. How do we hold onto our identity? How do we stay emotionally aware? How do we re-connect with the world around us? By creating a calm, home-style space that gives our minds the freedom to wonder. A space to embrace a positive, new approach to life.” Decorex SA reveals the revitalising trends to look out for in 2019 and beyond: TIMBER IN THE MIX Timber remains an excellent material to use in combination with a host of other materials used for both building and design. We’re looking forward to seeing hybrid timber construction, as well as an innovative combination of woods and other materials, like resins, metals and textiles for furniture, shine in 2019. A LOVE FOR LOCAL Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword on everyone’s lips, but a real concern for the industry and many a homeowner. Supporting local craftspeople and carpenters not only boosts our local economy but empowers local talent to do more and puts homegrown materials centre stage. Local is always lekker, but 2019 will be one for the books! GETTING A FEEL FOR IT 10 FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 // The average human interacts with a digital surface more than 1 000 times a day. This constant technological interaction leaves us craving a tactile experience with soft, porous surfaces that breathe life. Walls, fabrics and even counter tops are taking on a more tactile sensation through ceramic tiles, 3D printing and textured paint. New interior design materials – including grounded tiles, recycled plastics and materials – with more traditional materials, like marble and granite, are all finding their place. SURFACE TACTILITY www.timberiq.co.za