2017 Interior Design Trends: What to Watch

We set out to discover the interior design trends that we’ll be swooning over in 2017.

But first, let’s take a look back…

2016 really was a mixed bag. Blush-pink shades made a big comeback, found in elegant spaces with copper and marble accessories. Simple, Scandinavian-style interiors stayed popular along with airy grey palettes and geometric patterns. And, a more luxurious take on living thrived. Indigo blue walls and opulent vintage patterns featured in rooms full of period influences and plush fabrics. That’s not to mention our love for natural indoor greenery, a growing fondness for Hygge and of course, the pink flamingo!

But what exciting looks will 2017 bring to the interiors scene? Has rose gold lighting lost its shine, will minimal still be magical and have we seen the last of grey? Discover what you’re going to want in your home this year.

Terracotta

2017 interior design trends terracotta

Yep, you read that correctly! It’s predicted that terracotta will be the next ‘old-school’ material to be on-trend in 2017. This rich shade it set to replace the minimal white tones we saw in wall and floor tiles throughout last year. Yet it’s unlikely to be found in the rustic style we’re used to. Lauren Macer from Australian interior design studio Sisalla thinks terracotta tiles “will have a natural matte finish and be used as feature walls in bathrooms or for cladding fireplaces”, believing the trend “could add character and warmth to interiors again.” We think terracotta everything will be here by spring!

Cork

Here goes another blast from the past…cork! We’re set to see this material grace furniture, walls and accessories, bringing warmth, texture and a sixties edge to rooms. Molly Forbes from the Roost blog thinks cork will be making its biggest comeback as a practical feature: “I’m seeing it used to cover entire walls in stylish home office spaces, and as an alternative to the DIY blackboard feature walls that were so popular a couple of years ago. Used against a monochrome colour palette cork adds an extra layer of texture and interest which really works well in a room that needs to function as a practical working space.” 2017 is going to be the year of #corkiscool.

natural touches

2017 interior design trends natural

Natural materials in all forms will be popular this year with the concept of bringing the outdoors in, staying on trend. Ceramics, hardwood floors, rattan and houseplants are all still on so you might want to keep those potted cacti! Award-winning interiors blogger Kimberley Durran shares her thoughts on why we continue to crave a return to these earthy features: “Immersed in technology from day to night, people are looking to surround themselves with objects that ground a space and bring them back to nature, reviving a sense of balance to their lives.” That leafy plant in your living room could be doing you more good than you think!

Green

2017 interior design trends green

Goodbye indigo blue. Green, you’re up. Leading colour experts Pantone have chosen Greenery as their Colour of the Year. They describe it as a “fresh and zesty yellow-green shade that evokes the first days of spring when nature’s greens revive, restore and renew.” House Beautiful think it will “breathe new life into interiors” and Interior Stylist Maxine Brady predicts we’ll see it “on walls and on velvet upholstered furniture.” This bright and bold colour will bring a vibrant twist to the muted pastels that have been popular for the past couple of years. And we love that the colour is from nature’s palette. Green is found everywhere in our natural environment from luscious grasses to the swaying leaves. Use it to make your space pop.

BLUE

2017 interior design trends denim drift

Dulux have set a rather different tone for 2017 after revealing their Colour of the Year is Denim Drift. They see it as “a beautiful, timeless and versatile grey-blue that takes on a different characteristic depending on how it’s used, perfectly capturing the mood of the moment and embodying our lives for 2017.” The shade has been described by House Beautiful as “a versatile and neutral palette that allows different textures and materials to take centre stage” and award-winning interiors blogger Kate Watson-Smyth feels “it goes with just about everything.” If this is to go by, it seems subtle, pastel colours could still play a big part in our home design this year.

Metals

2017 interior design trends metal

The polished look of rose gold and imitation copper is set to fade from the interiors scene with a more antiqued, authentic finish taking favour. Interior Designer Anna Wilson thinks other burnished metals will be big: “I’m afraid to say that copper is on its way out. Look out instead for black steel and antiqued brass.” And Rowan Downs from Grace & Favour Interior Design can see a decline in copper too: “yup, copper is beautiful, but with cheap imitations flooding the market, it seems that copper isn’t so cool any more. Black steel and burnt metals will be the next thing…goodbye copper lamps!” It’s time for a more traditional take with oxidised and worn metal accessories set to find their way onto our side tables and mantelpieces.

HANDCRAFTED OBJECTS

2017 interior design trends handcrafted

Our love for handmade beauty will bloom this year as we continue to seek a uniqueness in the items we choose for our home. Journalist Fiona Reid talks around the reason why we love to find something a little more special: “I’ve seen a growing appreciation of beautifully handcrafted pieces – pieces that are made to last, where you have a sense of the maker and the work that has gone into something, and this is true of everyday objects like ceramics and textiles. It’s less of a trend than an appreciation of craftsmanship and the value of handmade pieces, and this is something that’s just going to grow and grow.” Think of swapping your off-the-shelf ornaments for more unusual, found pieces to create a space that’s a lot more original.

DARK WOODS

2017 interior design trends dark woods

Lighter shades of wood flooring and furniture have been all the rage for the past few years. Yet, London trend forecaster Victoria Redshaw predicts “the welcome return to favour of dark wood tones after many years of blonde woods getting all the attention.” We’ll be seeing richer shades of oaks and walnut in flooring, panelling and furniture. And following in suit, blogger Bianca Hall believes that our love for brown will re-emerge in other elements of our interiors, “bringing some much-needed warmth and life into homes. Think deep dark chocolate, right through to pale camels and tans.”

Cosy Zones

2017 interior design trends cosy zones

Moving away from a styling our homes in line with a trend or look, Blogger of A Beautiful Space Becky Goddard feels that more interesting home zones will become popular in 2017. She sees the idea as “a meditation spot, a reading nook, an art corner or perhaps a sewing space”, believing that it’s all about ‘carving out little spaces to say what you love matters and they really can be as individual as you are.” Think comfortable chairs or floor cushions, a cosy reading lamp, overfilled bookshelves and window seating. Becky thinks we’ll be turning our focus to making our house a home and a “place to nurture interest, relax and really be yourself.”

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