Hot Design Tips to Ensure your Home Interior is Right on Trend this Year

New Year's resolutions most often apply to ourselves, but what about applying some to our homes?

Perhaps this year is the time to make a few changes to our home interior. And let's face it, our immediate living environment directly impacts on the way we feel.

But it's helpful to know what's on trend for home interiors this year. After all, it's better to catch the wave as it starts, rather than jump onto a trend when it's virtually over.

With this in mind we have come up with a list of resolutions, straight from the heart of your home, which hereby resolves to:

1. BE MULTIFUNCTIONAL

Rooms are no longer just for one thing only. Designer Sonya Cotter says this is the biggest trend for the year ahead. "We are always looking to save space and money, so spaces that can be used for dual purposes are ideal. Kitchens are dining areas, bathrooms are workout spaces or wellness retreats and verandas are treated as rooms."

It all comes down to the way these spaces are decorated. They need to make us feel welcome enough to hang around, not just a space we pass through.

While a home office is often best suited to a corner of the family living space, it can be set up in any room.

2. PROVIDE A GREAT LIVING ROOM

Consider what type of seating you need and how it can be arranged. There is no rule that says chairs and sofas must be up against the wall. If possible, pull them into the room and create a more free-flowing circulation. And make sure the furniture is close enough to allow for easy conversation. Invest in small side tables that you can move around when you need somewhere to place a glass.

Mis-matched furniture has replaced the traditional lounge suite. Interior designers are even putting together clashing colours and looks, with the layering of patterned fabrics.

Contrasting glossy surfaces with textural elements adds plenty of visual interest. "The mixing of materials is something we are going to be seeing a lot more of," says Wellington designer Libby Beattie.

And remember, it is perfectly acceptable to incorporate antique or vintage items alongside modern – in fact it is to be encouraged. "Mixing a retro chair with a deep, buttoned sofa is typical of this mis-match of furniture styles," says Beattie.

Furnishings that have a story to tell are especially worthy.

Scandinavian design, which has influenced interior styling from the Mid-century to the present, is continuing to prove its popularity.

Myelz Moss of Freedom Furniture says clean lines, minimalism and the contrast of light woods with crisp whites are synonymous with Scandi design and Mid-century-inspired furniture. "This will continue to be a strong trend for 2016."

Light furniture that appears to float above the floor has the added advantage of making a small room look light and airy, and consequently more spacious.

4. GLAM IT UP

Think Park Avenue penthouse. Metallics, especially copper, bronze and gold, luxe detailing and pearlescent and opalescent finishes were all big in 2015 and are right on trend for 2016.

Chandeliers are coming back again, but are larger and more contemporary than in previous years. Look out, too, for drinks trolleys, especially vintage versions, which are highly sought after. 

Marble-look travertine finishes will remain popular this year. Wallpaper also fits right in with this trend, especially flocked and textural designs.

Read Full Article Here:  http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/home-property/74807161/Hot-design-tips-to-ensure-your-home-interior-is-right-on-trend-this-year

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