When it comes to renovating or building a new home, there will always be trends and popular styles to follow. But, choosing a look that won’t date is a bit of an art - and that’s where a good interior designer can help. They can pull your ideas together with key trends to create a cohesive look that will stand the test of time.

Personally, I dislike the idea of trends when it comes to interior design. It implies we’re following what is already ‘popular’, whereas what I love to do is pull together different colours, textures and products to create a bespoke look that no one else has. So, what I like to take a good look at what trends are out there before jumping on board, embracing only the ideas that I think will stick around.

In saying that, I’m quite excited by some of the trends and styles we’re seeing at the moment. It feels like we’re on the tipping point of a new movement: looking back, taking some of the best bits from the past and bringing them together to create something new and innovative.

Study Nook by Bree Leech / Photography Derek Swalwell

Curves and round shapes

Curves, round shapes and arches in the home are inviting, cosy and comforting. They seem quite feminine, and can make us feel cocooned and safe. Circular shapes have no beginning and no end, which makes them pleasing to the eye as it moves around the space. Adding curves to the architecture of your home can create a sense of suspense and drama, while curved or round furniture portrays relaxed playfulness.

We’re also seeing a lot of other organic shapes, ones that aren’t regular or circular, in homewares at the moment.

Curves Kitchens

One key trend we’re seeing is curves in kitchens. Today’s kitchens are the heart of the home. Our aim is to create a space that’s inviting and inclusive, and curves can help achieve this. For example, curving the end of the island will create more space around it, inviting people to congregate more easily. Curves soften the hard edges, and we’re seeing them everywhere from cabinetry to arched niches and benches.

Curves in Furniture

Round coffee tables have been around for a while now, but there’s a market for round sofas and ottomans too. We’re also seeing more organic, relaxed shapes - more like what we’d see in nature. The opposite of clinical, these shapes are more feminine and inviting. Rounded or organic sofas create a sense of togetherness - a feeling of coming together on a sofa to sit and chat.

Fluted Glass

We’re seeing a lot of glass being used in kitchens again, and fluted glass, also known as reeded glass, is particularly popular. It’s currently being used in kitchen cabinetry, internal doors and shower screens. This glass is not completely clear, so you get the illusion you can see through it, but not 100%. Try using reeded glass in your kitchen on the front of pantries or glass cupboards that you can keep tidy.

Built In Cabinetry

Almost all projects I’ve worked on recently have had some form of built-in cabinetry. This could be a bar area, a study nook off an adjoining kitchen, or essential storage in a kids lounge - somewhere to hide away board games and lego. TV units that double as storage are high in demand, as they tuck away all the ugly tech gadgets and cables, but also provide a surface to display things.

If you’re deciding on built-in cabinetry, think about the material being used. It doesn’t need to be white and blend into the walls, you can colour and/or texture to create interest.

Wall Paneling

Wall paneling as a feature creates interest in a room. Some of the best places to use it are in the bedroom, behind the bed, or in an entrance way. I love using it in a new home to create character.

There are various options to create wall-paneling and hundreds of DIY ‘how to’ videos on Pinterest. Alternatively, your builder, architect or joiner will have some ideas too. There is a New Zealand company making it easier too, you can buy their product in several profiles and attach it directly to the wall.

Bench Tops

Go bold with your bench top – natural stones are amazing but need lots of love, you have to look after them and make sure you clean up any spills, so they’re often not practical for busy families. We’re seeing a great range of bench tops that are ceramic or composite, which are taking on the bold effects of natural stones.

Colour in the kitchen

You can now get Melteca in a huge range of colours, opening up a world of possibilities in the lower price bracket of kitchen design. My favorites are Porcelain Blush and Fresh Spring.

Fabric trends

Chunkier linen

There is no denying that our love for linen continues, but the perfect flat weave is being replaced by thick, imperfect chunky and loose weave fabrics. These are being used everywhere from drapery to soft furnishings and upholstery.

Boucle

Boucle is a thick, chucky weave fabric that is woven or knitted with boucle yarns. Boucle yarns are produced from a number of different loops – some with large circlets, and others with feature tiny curls. Available in a wide range of colour options, you’ll find it on sofas, ottomans, occasional chairs and much more.

Gingham

Fashion and interiors are closely linked and gingham is hot right now across both areas. While you can’t change your kitchen colour as often as you change your clothes, you can alternate your cushions, bedlinen and tablecloths to follow the latest trends.

What’s HOT