Each year the Heal’s buying team travels the globe, scours social media and visits fairs to discover the latest trends. This year is no different so we’ve compiled our top 2020 design trends for you to learn more.
Key trends we’re envisaging for 2020 include a focus on sustainability, green and pinks, fluted accents and rattan accessories. We’re certain these trends will sweep their way onto our Instagram feeds, Pinterest boards and homes in the next 12 months.
Colours
Every year our buyers visit the world’s most renowned furniture and interiors shows, including imm Cologne and Maison et Objet. The colours we’re seeing emerge for 2020 are dark green, light pink and jewel tones, whilst natural hues and autumnal reds remain popular.
Dark green & pink
Ever since Dulux’s Colour of the Year 2020 was announced as Tranquil Dawn we’ve seen the soft mint green hue everywhere. The trend has led into a fascination with all things green. From restful sage to cool cucumber and emerald, there is a plethora of green hues to play with.
Experts are pairing it with pale peach and pinks hues like Millennial Pink, which continues to remain popular. An easy way to get the look is adding pink accessories to a green space, or introducing green foliage to a rose-hued room.
Rich autumnal colours
Warming cinnamon, terracotta and russet hues will be sweeping our homes in the coming year. These natural red colours feed into the world’s reignited love for organic, sustainably sourced materials and fabrics. You can be really playful with these colours by layering them throughout a room.
Use paint, textiles and furniture to create a multi-faceted colour palette. If you’re looking for smaller red touches, combine rust-hued linen bedding with ochre and cream cushions and throws to create a textured and welcoming bed.
Jewel tones
We’ve found vibrant jewel tones making a statement at every industry show we visited this year. Think splashes of ruby, emerald, sapphire and amethyst. Whilst using these colours on the wall makes a real statement, we reckon small accents are the way to get on top of this trend.
Explore options like vintage coloured glass accessories and vibrant textiles. Want to follow this trend with maximum vigour? How about a statement sofa or accent chair with jewel-toned upholstery?
Neutrals
You’ve probably seen neutrals making more of an appearance in homes recently. Neutral whites, ivories and creams perfectly complement our love for more sustainable materials like wood, linen and cotton. For our walls, we’re dropping basic white and exploring more natural hues that lend warmth to a room rather than washing it out.
Other 2020 design trends feed into this love of neutrals. For example, pair terracotta and rich autumnal hues with deep whites and beiges for a textured aesthetic.
Materials
This year sustainability will take centre stage in the materials we choose for our homes. Materials made from recycled plastics, natural marble and rattan will all become increasingly popular.
Rattan
One of our predicted 2020 design trends is rattan. From the lights to the furniture, we reckon it’ll be everywhere this year. Across the globe we’ve seen a surge in people trying to connect with the natural world via their interiors and that’s where rattan comes in. Along with cane, bamboo, wicker and straw, versatile rattan is making waves in the design industry.
WHAT IS RATTAN?
Rattan is a naturally occurring vine that grows in more tropical locations like Australia, Asia and Africa. It is often used to create wicker weaves which is why its name has become synonymous with woven furniture.
This abundant material is beloved for its lightweight and flexible nature, not to mention its durability. The way rattan is harvested is incredibly important as if it is cut too young then it cannot regrow. For this reason, synthetic rattan is often used.
HOW CAN I USE RATTAN IN MY HOME?
Rattan is great for making a statement and, if you’re committed to the trend, looks particularly splendid on furniture. Invest in a headboard, sofa or chair with rattan accents for a bold look.
Alternatively, infuse small rattan accents through your lighting or decorative accessories for a hint towards one of our favourite 2020 design trends. Rattan, of course, also looks great outside. So why not enliven your garden with an outdoor rattan sofa set or coffee table?
Marble
Marble has always been a popular material when decorating homes. However, for 2020 we’re predicting that intricately veined marble will become even more popular.
WHAT IS MARBLE?
Marble is an incredibly hard rock that is quarried across the globe in many different colours and sizes. Popular types of marble include Calacatta, Carrara, Emperador and Nero Marquina. Centuries ago marble was still one of the most sought-after materials.
As such, polished marble can be seen in all walks of life, from art galleries and palaces to street pavements. The beauty of marble is that each piece is completely unique, so you are always guaranteed a one-of-a-kind design.
HOW CAN I USE MARBLE IN MY HOME? Marble is incredibly heavy and this can prohibit where you can use it. For example, if you live at the top of a lift-free building then lugging a marble-topped sideboard up six flight of stairs could prove impossible. If this is the case for you, then how about using marble accents in decorative accessories or lights?
Recycled materials
As the world pushes to become more sustainable, we’re seeing an increase in recycled materials. Thanks to years of technological experimentation there are now countless materials and techniques to help make design more sustainable. We’ve chosen to showcase the Designers Guild Tejo fabric for SS20, but there are increasingly more options to be found.
Sustainable design
Sustainability is one of the 2020 design trends that we’ll be seeing the most. Influencing everything from colour to materials, we hope this eco-focus is here to stay. There are many ways to be more sustainable in terms of design so it will feed into our homes from everything from paint choices to pre-loved furniture.
What's new in sustainable design
Ink made from algae, fabric woven using recycled cassette tapes and nappies crafted using seaweed and eucalyptus are just some of the latest sustainable materials to hit the market. Ongoing experimentation means that by the end of 2020 there will be even more sustainable materials available.
Sustainable designs hitting our shelves include recycled glass vases, upholstery woven from fashion industry offcuts and Mater’s Ocean Collection. This outdoor furniture is crafted using fishing nets that are salvaged from the sea to help clean up our oceans.
How can I make my home more sustainable?
Even the smallest changes can help to make your home more sustainable. If you’re decorating, why not consider a sustainable paint? Do your research and find the right one for you.
We recommend starting with this article from Sustainable Kitchens for a thorough overview. Scour vintage shops, antiques fairs and attics for pre-loved furniture and accessories instead of buying new. The options are endless.
Old is the new new
Whilst new furniture is often the right choice for you, buying vintage or pre-loved furniture can be a more sustainable option. New furniture is often crafted using materials from all corners of the globe before being shipped across oceans to get to you.
Buying something second hand, but just as nice, can be more sustainable. Design classics can be found in good condition at local antiques shops and online auctions. Buying this way can also offer a more competitive price than buying new.
Vintage chests, tables and chairs come with the merit of having developed a characterful patina over the years, meaning they fit right into your home.
[ INSPIRATION ]
Trends & Lifestyle
The Heal’s Modern Craft Market is back and this year our focus is on the exquisite crafts from the ancient Japanese city of Gifu. Delicate and expertly-made crafts have been synonymous with Japan for centuries, and today there is still the same emphasis on intricacy, legacy and tradition.
Our celebration of Japanese crafts aims to shine a light on the independent makers from Gifu as well as the beauty of their products – by connecting creator and consumer, we hope to paint a picture of “authentic Japan” in all its beauty.
Besides crafts, Japan is known for its recognisable design aesthetic. Closely tied to the principles of its ancient crafts, many designs from Japan are made from natural materials and tend to feature traditional elements and pared back forms.
In this blog, we’re taking a closer look at what makes Japanese design so special.
What is Japanese Design?
When people think of Japanese design, they envision minimal, uncluttered spaces with a few select designs scattered throughout. Sliding doors, natural materials and low lying furniture are all synonymous with the country’s interior design.
Contemporary Japanese designers, whether consciously or not, have carried on the legacy of Japanese arts and crafts, and this enabled them to create their particular code - simple, white, delicate and meticulous - now seen by the world as Japanese design.
When it comes to furniture, the approach is similar – natural materials, organic shapes and a pared-back aesthetic tend to be prevalent.
The Noguchi Table, designed by Isamu Noguchi in the mid-20th century, channels the Japanese-American designer’s fascination with surrealism and zen gardens. It was developed using traditional Japanese materials and remains one of his most iconic designs. Its asymmetry owes much to Noguchi’s Japanese artistic education.
Our Japanese Craft Market also features select furniture from Hida. The Kinoe Chair and Bench, designed by Ibuki Kaiyama for Hida, are both made from cedar wood and feature delicate yet sturdy spindles that shape around the body.
Another piece of not is the Seoto Chair designed by Motomi Kawakami. It perfectly balances beauty and functionality and is made from white oak, making it light in colour and in form.
The Kinoe Chair and Bench by Ibuki Kaiyama for Hida
More than just an aesthetic
But Japanese design is more than just an aesthetic – it’s a philosophy rooted in ancient ideals and schools of thought. These ideals include wabi, sabi and yugen.
These three main principles, as well as a handful of others, underpin the Japanese aesthetic which elevates it an integral part of daily life rather than just a way of thinking.
Wabi (rustic simplicity) and Sabi (taking pleasure in the imperfect) refer to a mindful approach to everyday life. Over time their meanings converged to form wabi-sabi, an intuitive way of living that encourages you to find beauty in the imperfect, impermanent and incomplete. It inspires you peacefully embrace the natural cycle of growth and decay. It is made up of seven core principles follows:
Kanso — simplicity or elimination of clutter
Fukinsei — asymmetry or irregularity in design
Shibumi — understated aesthetic
Shizen — naturalness without pretence
Yugen — showing more by showing less
Datsuzoku — freedom from habit
Seijaku — tranquility, stilness or solitude
When it comes to applying it to interior design, think of earthy colour schemes in well-balanced rooms that are free from clutter and chaos. Wabi-sabi spaces never appear ostentatious or overly decorated.
The Hiiro Sky Pot by Talk features a 'flame colour' which wraps around the centre of the pottery. It is a natural interaction during the firing process which balances against the matte glaze and clay.
These ancient principles are still seen in modern Japanese design. MUJI, for example, sells a wide variety of quality products which embody Zen design. With the help of Japanese graphic designer, Kenya Hawa, MUJI has strengthened the concept of “emptiness”, whereby their products and packaging enlighten people’s daily lives by wasting no energy or resources on non-fundamental, non-essential elements.
Naota Fukasawa has also been instrumental in the brand’s development and has a talent for making designs feel just right. Fukasawa has designed for a number of eminent design companies all around the world yet all retain his signature pared-back style. Fukasawa compares his work to that of a chef:
“I’m always trying to make good soup. The seasoning of the broth differs according to different countries, cultures, and brands, but I always end up with delicious soup.”
Hon-minoshi paper is made through a series of ancient techniques such as soaking it in clear shallow waters.
The future of Japanese Design
Designers such as Hara and Fukasawa solidified the idea of Japanese design as a minimalist exercise. Traditional craftsmanship and a minimalist aesthetic have found favour amongst Western audiences as the shift towards well—made, deeply cultural products overtake cheaply produced, disposable items.
By leveraging Japan’s key cultural resource and traditional aesthetics, Japan has a bright future in design. Japanese designers are increasingly looking to the past and their roots to inspire designs of the future.
Baku Sakashita is a Japanese designer summed it up well in a recent interview: “The spirit of adapting something from the past is not about it being old or retro — it’s good design. It’s taking good components of older design and incorporating it into something new.”
Unfortunately, the Heal’s Japaense Craft Market has now finished. Luckily, you can still view the edit online.
Lighting is one of the most important aspects to get right when furnishing your home. It dictates the atmosphere and feel of your space, as well as proving beautiful designs to complement your existing furniture. There are some types of lighting that won’t ever go out of style (classic glass pendants or functional table lamps, for example) but there are new styles pushing the boundaries of lighting design that are definitely worth our attention. Our buyers travel all over the world visiting design shows to identify the latest trends in home and lighting. From Stockholm to Milan, they’ve gathered their insight and curated a list of three lighting trends set to rise to prominence over the coming year. -
White Lighting
First on the list is white lighting. It’s often thought that cooler ‘white light’ makes a home feel cold and clinical. But developments in technology have allowed beautiful white finishes to emit a softer, warmer glow allowing us to bring these stylish pieces into our home. Copper and brass have dominated pendant and floor lighting for many years and still prove to be popular. But white offers a contemporary alternative – designs look particularly stylish against a dark, coloured backdrop or are equally perfect in minimal spaces with a restrained colour palette. For Spring/Summer 2019, we introduced a brand new range of white lighting that is gentle, feminine and perfect for minimal interiors. With finishes such as hand-blown glass, brushed brass and delicate tassels, this collection ticks all the trend boxed whilst remaining quietly understated.
The Silk Pendant
Celestial-inspired lighting
Designers have long looked to the skies for inspiration when it comes to lighting. It’s an easy jump to make – the ultimate sources of light are the sun, the moon and the stars. But now the trend is evolving from simply referencing their look to exploring the paths these celestial bodies trace across the skies. These designs play with proportions of vertical and horizontal space and incorporate modern chandeliers and multi-arm designs. These are meant to mirror the trajectories of planetary and lunar orbits, rather than the reference the planets themselves. The Mega Junction Chandelier and Joule Collection are perfect examples of the trend with bright orbs of light sitting at the end of linear arms, alluding to the movement of the sun, moon and stars.
The Balance Multi-Arm Chandelier references the paths the sun and moon takes across our sky
Layered Lighting
Linear pendants over kitchen tops and dining table will remain popular but a new way to style lighting is also emerging. Hanging pendant lights at different heights, in different sizes and in clusters are a much more striking way to draw the eye. Think of it as layering but for lighting. Hanging differently sized pendants at different heights is an interesting alternative to simply hanging 0one oversized design above a dining table or bed.
A stylish layered lighting configuration featuring the Kyoto pendant range and Madrid dining table
Our new collection for Spring/Summer 2019 has arrived at Heal’s. This season we’ve been inspired by the simplicity of Japanese design as well as colourful, characterful pieces that encourage you to explore your creative side.
Having visited the major design shows across Europe, our buyers developed two collections based on the key colours and trends that were coming through. The result was two different but complementary collections - Urban Sanctuary and Creative Escape.
We’re taking a closer look at the ranges, from concept to completion, discovering the inspiration and ideas behind some of our signature pieces.
Urban Sanctuary
Inspired by the simplicity of Japanese design, the neutral tones of our Urban Sanctuary collection create a sense of calm with uncomplicated craftsmanship and a minimal aesthetic.
We wanted to encourage people to see their homes not just as a place of shelter but also of sanctuary, where they could shed the stresses of daily life and switch off from the outside world. Matte surfaces are offset by texture and hints of pattern while architectural elements add a sense of drama and scale.
Below are a few images used on the buyers' inspirational mood board that they used to shape the collection.
Luna
Handcrafted in Italy, the beautiful Luna sofa has voluminous dimensions, generous soft seating, and on-trend slim metal legs. The sofa can be arranged in multiple configurations to suit any space or style, allowing large open spaces as well as compact homes to enjoy the comfort of Luna.
We wanted to create a sofa that was highly contemporary without compromising on comfort. Its elegant silhouette gives it a truly modern feel but the high back and supportive seat make it more than just a beautiful piece to look at.
The Luna Modular sofa can be arranged in any configuration
Eden
Our Eden bedroom collection was created with Japanese design in mind. We’ve seen the Japandi trend slowly begin to dominate the pages of interior magazines and Instagram feeds, so we wanted to create a calming bedroom collection that focussed on uncomplicated craftsmanship and a minimal aesthetic.
We collaborated with bespoke furniture maker Emile Jones, the designer behind our popular Clifton range, to create this simple yet considered range. Comprising a bedside table, dressing table, floor mirror and bed with leather headboard, the Eden range is perfect for creating your very own sanctuary.
The Eden Bedroom Range is made from solid oak and features crafted peg detailing
Creative Escape
In contrast, the energy of our Creative Escape collection encourages exploration of our more playful side when it comes to interior design. Centred around a warm colour palette, creativity comes from the mixed materials, tactile layers and unique forms of the designs.
Drawing upon Spanish farmhouse influences, the range gives you the freedom to express your individual style through colour, pattern and texture.
Monroe
The new Monroe headboard has joined our collection offering a statement winged design that wraps around the edge of the bed, cocooning you as you sleep. Designed in house, the headboard effortlessly mixes generous proportions with feminine, sweeping lines creating a sense of scale and drama.
Senior Upholstery Buyer, Kris Manolo, says, “the Monroe is one of my favourite pieces from the new collection. Its winged headboard is as eye-catching as it is understated, combining the ultimate in comfort with elegance.”
The Monroe Headboard is available on this Columbus Linen Mace and all other Heal's fabrics
Lighting
Our new lighting collection sees colour updates to classics such as the Cohen lighting range and new statement pieces from some of the world’s most impressive designers. Highlights include the new Diploria and Ginkgo range, created exclusively for Heal’s by East London design duo Vezzini & Chen.
These ethereal pieces draw their inspiration from nature and are handcrafted from Parian porcelain, evoking a beautiful interplay between light and shadow.
The Cohen Pendant by Heal's
To explore our new collection in its entirety visit our Spring Summer 2019 collection page.
Materials are the building blocks of design, forming our most loved and most iconic pieces of furniture. A large part of what makes a design popular is the materials that it is made of. While many materials have lasting appeal, there are recognisable trends to what we choose to use in our homes.
For example, dark woods such as walnut have become more prominent in furniture design and we’ve seen velvet make a huge comeback when it comes to materials for upholstery. We’ve chosen a handful of materials that we think will start to make their way into homes over the coming year and - most likely - beyond.
Biophilia
Biophilia refers to designs or buildings that utilise natural materials to form them. Popularised in the 1980’s by American psychologist Edward O Wilson, the term addresses the increasing rate of urbanisation and the resulting disconnect we have with the natural world.
In 2019, we expect to see even more natural influences within our home. Our society is more focussed on health and wellbeing than ever before and people are turning to greenery and natural materials to act as a calm and restorative force.
According to Pinterest, searches for ‘vertical gardens’ were up +287% on last year and cactus arrangements up 235%.
Tom Raffield utilises the traditional craft of steam-bending wood to create expressive and practical lighting Not only will we see the rise in popularity of house plants, but also of furniture made from natural materials that connect us to the outside world. Biophilia is based on the idea that humans have innate connection to nature, so it’s only natural that in our digital world we crave more exposure to natural materials.
Designs that utilise natural materials span a wide range of styles, from ‘Global Nomad’ to ‘Minimalist Modern'. Biophilia can incorporate everything from smooth marble stone to timber flooring to natural fragrances filling a space. When it comes to designs, the trend will go beyond traditional wooden chairs and glass tableware. Think wooden lighting by Tom Raffield, rattan sofas and chairs and clay tableware.
Unfinished interiors and surfaces
Building upon the Japanese-inspired trend of wabi-sabi, which celebrates the beauty of imperfection, is a new take on the style – unfinished interiors and surfaces. This look has been popular within hospitality spaces for a short while, but we predict it will start to make its way into our homes throughout 2019.
The Eden Bed, launching later this year, set against a backdrop of raw concrete
The trend is likely to be most prevalent within kitchens, where raw concrete is a stylish alternative to glossy surfaces and worktops. When it comes to other living areas, peeling plaster and dangling wires add lots of character to a space.
Not only can it reveal a home’s history but also create an authentic and intriguing atmosphere. In a time where we are encouraged to celebrate our imperfections, unfinished homes are the perfect antidote to over styled, overthought spaces.
The trend works in everything from rustic farmhouses, where bare walls and ceilings can highlight a house’s raw country charm, to ultra-modern homes where sophisticated, polished furnishings contrast well with bare concrete surfaces.
Terrazzo
Although not necessarily a new trend, terrazzo seems to be here to stay. The versatile composite has been appearing on Pinterest boards for a while now but has since gone from strength to strength. Its endless potential means it can be used on everything from kitchen surfaces to decorative accents and its hardwearing properties mean it’s likely to last a lifetime.
Terrazzo used for a kitchen surface
In a time where we are bombarded with digital information, homeowners are craving something more tactile and tangible in their private spaces. Terrazzo does just that, allowing people to express their creative side through colour and texture. We see its influence extend past its use on flooring and surfaces into soft furnishings and even onto walls and upholstery, highlighting its longevity.
Read about terrazzo in more detail here.
Soft Touches
When it comes to putting the finishing touches to our home, we are seeking out tactile surfaces like never before. From fluffier rugs to bold and bright wall hangings, we predict an evolution to our soft furnishings throughout 2019. We are likely to see more variation in colours, materials and finishes with the aim of telling more of a story through their design.
Modern rugs may have different pile heights or use metallic threads to create a different finish. Retro wall hangings are becoming much more popular, thanks to the resurgence for all things 70s, yet they are mixed with brass and silk elements to bring them into the modern age.
The Bandas Rug by Gandia Blasco feature oversized stitching and use a mix of materials and colours.
While larger furniture and lighting have changed with the times, soft furnishings have more or less stayed the same for centuries. 2019 might be the year when textiles finally catch up with technology. At Milan design week in 2018, Google commissioned designer Kiki can Eijk to create six custom-designed wall hangings for its first ever presentation.
Each depicted a cosy scene with traditional everyday objects alongside more modern elements such as virtual reality goggles, mobile phones and smart speakers. It gives a new perspective into how this traditional art form can be modernised while adding deep tactility to the home.
For more material inspiration, visit our Materials for Living guide.
With the New Year on the horizon, we’re setting our sights on the design trends set to sweep their way onto our Instagram feeds, Pinterest boards and homes throughout 2019. The coming year promises developments of existing trends as well as brand new styles meaning there is something for every home in the year ahead.
Terrazzo
In a time where we are constantly bombarded with visuals, design needs to work harder to stand out from the crowd. In 2019, there is an increased focus on creating sensory and emotional responses through design – whether that be through bold colours, vibrant patterns or unusual textures.
It’s no surprise then that we saw the first signs of Terrazzo making its way into homes this year. The hardwearing material is being used on everything from flooring to kitchen surfaces and shows no sign of losing popularity throughout 2019. Pinterest pins with the term “terrazzo” are up by more than 300% on last year.
What is terrazzo?
Terrazzo is a composite material, consisting of marble, glass, granite or even wood, set in cement or resin. Originally from Italy, terrazzo was used for floor and wall treatments, but due to the endless possibilities of colour, pattern and finish, it has become a popular material used in other areas of the home too. Despite this sudden surge in popularity, terrazzo has actually been around for years - centuries in fact. Originating in 15th-century Italy, it was used for flooring in grand palazzos. Many may recognise it from the 1970s where it was often used on the floors of school and train stations. Now the composite material has been given a new lease of life.
Why is terrazzo making a comeback?
Coined as the new marble, Terrazzo is now frequently used for kitchen countertops thanks to its hardwearing properties. Terrazzo is made with chips of marble, quartz, granite and even glass set into concrete or clay. The chips come in many sizes and colour combinations – from monochrome patterns to vibrant colours allowing for a myriad of design possibilities.
This wide variety of options means it can be incorporated into almost any style of home, from pastel-hued bathrooms to sleek, monochrome kitchens. Its beauty is also anything but skin deep - the pattern goes all the way down, so it can be scuffed for centuries and still repolished to rescue its original beauty.
While the base is usually made from concrete (not a material typically considered to be good for the environment) the rest can be up to 80% recycled material. Recycled plastics and resins in a spectrum of colours are often used for the flecks as well as waste collected from the stone and marble industries.
Tom Dixon's Terrazzo Candle is an easy way to add the texture to your home
How can you use terrazzo in your home?
Terrazzo is most commonly used for kitchen top or bathroom surfaces, adding a quirky, colourful feel to a space. If you’re not quite committed to the idea of terrazzo for your surfaces, introduce it through soft furnishings and home accessories instead. Little touches of terrazzo add personality and pops of colour, breaking up monochrome colour schemes in a subtle way.
Our ever popular Bristol range is available in a white terrazzo finish, and the Terrazzo candle by Tom Dixon makes for the perfect gift. Similarly, the Mini Cut cushions by Ferm Living are an easy way to introduce the trend to your home.
The Bristol Table Lamp in a white Terrazzo finish
Mid-Century Italian Design
The new year is a time to set goals, make resolutions and set our sights on the future. But one of the key interior trends for 2019 is all about looking back. Our love of mid-century design has been prevalent for many years, but 2019 will see us looking to a different mid-century movement for inspiration – the classic luxury of 50s and 60s Italian design.
The trend is all about embracing and reinventing the highly stylised design movements of the mid-20th century and incorporating them into the luxurious interiors of today. The Hepburn sofa
What does mid-century Italian design look like?
Many will be familiar with the work of Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, and Eero Sarinen who are closely associated with iconic design from the 50s and 60s. They placed an emphasis on function and form, with a simple and uncomplicated aesthetic. In comparison, mid-century Italian furniture is known for its beautiful colours, fine craftsmanship and luxurious materials.
Shapes are often simple but have a feeling of old world elegance about them. This look has been updated for the modern day – 1960s inspired colour clashes are encouraged with burnt red, peach, hazelnut and navy acting as the main hues. Dark walls form a dramatic backdrop to these sophisticated colour combinations. Materials are on the dark side too with a preference for walnut over oak as well as green and brown toned marble as an alternative to traditional white.
Clashing colours bring mid-century Italian design into the modern age. Image credit: Vogue
Why is it making a comeback?
For many years, Scandinavia has been the place to look for cutting-edge interior design. But with people now looking to express their individuality through different avenues, the home is seeing a shift from bright whites to moody hues, from simple materials to more luxe styles.
The exaggerated curves and luxurious finishes of mid-century Italian design has been given new life, creating clean and modern spaces that are also moody and immersive. Dubbed the new minimalism, it’s easy to see the appeal.
How can you get mid-century Italian style in your home?
The key to this trend is to opt for designs that have an almost sculpture-like quality. Clean lines, elegant shapes and luxurious finishes create the sophisticated, elegant aesthetic synonymous with mid-century Italian design. The Clay Round Table by Desalto was designed by prominent Milan designer, Marc Krusin.
Each piece is hand finished with lava from Mount Etna using only a pallet knife. The circular top of the table balances, precariously, on top of a conical base adding a feel of refined drama. The Disc Side Table features a dark green or brown marble top, as opposed to traditional white, making it an incredibly chic option for homes looking to channel the trend. The Clay Round table is finished with lava from Mount Etna
Responsible Design
Responsible Design was a recurring theme throughout the shows of London Design Festival 2018 and it’s set to get an increased focus throughout 2019 and beyond. Plastic was nominated as the material of the year by the London Design Fair with designers elevating the possibilities of waste plastics and championing support for plastic alternatives.
At time when the planet is on the brink of disrepair, homeowners are carefully considering the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions. It’s no longer desirable to buy off the shelf - instead, a ‘waste not want not’ mentality is creeping its way into interior design. Reclaiming, reusing and recycling is becoming the norm.
Tala's lighting designs are both beautiful and sustainable
What does Responsible Design look like?
Responsible design has come a long way over the last 10 years. Innovation and experimentation has led to impressive material dupes that are indistinguishable from the real thing. Items made from recycled materials no longer look ‘eco’ meaning that responsible design isn’t restricted to any one style. It’s all about the materials, the processes and ultimately the environmental impact that the production of a design has.
Responsible design can be applied to everything from furniture to lighting to homewares making it increasingly easy to buy items for your home that have a low carbon footprint. From the use of natural pigments through to unconventional discarded materials, expect to see much more responsible design heading to our homes.
How can I make my home more sustainable?
An easy place to start is your lighting where a number of brands are committed to reducing their environmental impact. Tala produce striking, contemporary bulbs inspired by nature. Not only are their designs exceptionally beautiful but they are efficient as well.
They select methods and materials on their environmental impact, and remain committed to reducing carbon emissions in the atmosphere. They also donate a percentage of their revenue to reforestation programmes in the UK, US and around the world.
Tom Raffiel's Wheal Noctis range is exclusive to Heal'sIn a similar vein, Tom Raffield puts responsible design at the heart of everything he does. From his sustainably sourced timber to his efficient design processes, no scrap of wood is wasted in producing the recognisable wooden designs.
Drawing on techniques that are altogether friendlier towards the environment, like natural air-drying and steam bending their timber, he is able to lessen the impact on the very thing that inspires him– the natural world.
Greenery
Another current trend carrying on into 2019 is the explosion of greenery and patterned foliage that has found its way into every unused corner of our homes. According to the Flowers & Plants Association, the UK’s flower and indoor plant market is now worth £2.2bn and the National Garden Survey reports that 30% of all US householders bought at least one houseplant this year. https://www.instagram.com/p/BoDW8snj_fC/?taken-by=melissamlo
Why have indoor plants become so popular?
Increased population density and urbanisation has resulted in smaller homes, especially in London where many of the city’s dwellers are lucky to have any green space of their own. The issue extends beyond the capital - almost 31.4% of properties on the market across the UK’s towns and cities don’t have a garden.
Indoor house plants are an easy way to feed the desire for more natural surroundings. They provide a way to personalise your home and express individuality, as well as inject colour, pattern and scent. They are also linked to the nation’s greater focus on health and wellbeing, and are confirmed to improve household air quality.
Which houseplant should I choose?
For beginners, plants that need minimal care a great place to start. Aloe, Snake plants and cacti require little to no upkeep – a splash of water every fortnight is usually enough to keep them alive. Other varieties such as Monstera, Calathea and fiddle-leaf fig need slightly more care and attention but have proved incredibly popular over the last year, adding splashes of green to many styles of home.
This indoor greenhouse by Design House Stockholm is perfect for homes with no outside space
However, 2019 ushers in a new variety of indoor greenery: the fern. As urban gardeners grow in confidence they want to invest in larger, statement plants that make styling more effective. Ferns are leafy, luscious and help create the illusion of height. Look out for Chamaedorea and the Kentia Palm in the most stylish homes next year.
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