2016 Trends

While the following thoughts are by no means set in stone as to what trends in interior design lie ahead, they are based on patterns we see emerging.

Certainly over the years architects and designers have approached design with "wellness" in mind. Much of this is to offer spaces which allow individuals to live and function in a positive environment.  In fact you only have to search wellness to see how relevant it is in many

sectors from food to town planning.

From here we see the family bathroom receiving the greatest makeover. No longer just a space to bathe or shower,  it has become the starter for creating that multi generation space. From wetrooms to steam rooms , showers are still evolving. Technology includes mirrors doubling as flat screen TV s,  electronic sensor taps, thermostatically controlled showers, led shower heads, sound systems recessed into ceiling, and air injected taps to reduce water use.
Ordinary tiles and grout on walls have been making way for ceiling height water proof panels. White raised shower trays being replaced by wetroom floors.

One crucial area too has been in the importance of good branding. By that I don't mean having Downton Abbey initials on some type of unknown porcelain, but the clear branding of suppliers like Villeroy and Boch, Hansgrohe, Laufen... It does seem that people once fooled by cheap quality are now looking for the tried and trusted.

While there will always be a favourite accent colour in furnishings, the bulk of showhomes still play safe with a neutral pallette.  Magnolia has long gone, with white being around some time. What we might see is layering of whites. By this I mean a few shades of white close to each other that work to highlight different surfaces. This is something that many people who use Farrow and Ball paint will be used to doing, but tricky to get right.
As an alternative to white, grey is becoming more popular.


Surprisingly feature wallpaper is still hanging in there. Big bold, brash, and often shiny - 3 rolls is generally all needed. Thankfully there are alternatives in the form of  faux brick, and both engineered, and recycled woods which bring more texture and life to a room.

The industrial  look is perfect for apartments and older properties. Shiny chrome taps have been replaced by antique brass or nickel to compliment a more relaxed kitchen space. It is surprising how many cookery shows have a background of exposed brick in the kitchen areas.

A few years ago it might not have been out of place to install a bright red signature kitchen. Now the look is more refined, greys and creams as popular as white.
Much more attention is given to the work surface.  In fact many granite suppliers will say how much in demand that product is now. Overall the use of natural materials like granite and porcelain have  been on the increase in the last few years, and this doesn't appear to be slowing down.
Porcelain on the floor is perfect for heavy traffic areas.

What I have written about elsewhere in this blog has been bio flame fires. While I see no emerging trend as such, they have been spotted in prestigious London apartments recently. They really do look stunning, so that will be my one off the wall prediction for 2016..

For advice on delivery of any of the products mentioned, contact me 

Cool Designs on Heating

There are so many stylish alternatives to the flat white panel radiator or the electric/ gas fire found in many homes.

Here are a few of my favourites.

1.       UNDERFLOOR HEATING

Underfloor heating has been around since the Romans popularised it some 2,500 years ago.

Now available as either a pipe or mat depending on your floor composition, it is an excellent choice in large open plan areas and where the wall space for traditional radiators is limited.  This type of flooring functions best with ceramic tile or other hard flooring materials.  The heat is transferred through the floor material and retains its heat on the flooring surface.  It is less effective with carpet and underlay as they tend to insulate the heat and can be downright dangerous by allowing heat to build up underneath.  Technical bit if using with carpets – check your TOG levels against what your underflooring supplier suggests.

Piped underfloor heating is suitable for subfloors which are accessible. The use of electric mats are popular on concrete floors.  Electric mats can be “zone controlled”.  This means you can switch certain areas off and on depending on your lifestyle.

Karndean Flooring is a popular choice as shown above.

2.       WALL MOUNTED PANELS

Wall mounted radiators have come a long way from the white panel or electric storage heaters we have become used to seeing.  Some are quite simply works of art. 

Italian design Cordivari have an unbelievable range of tubular and flat radiators that are available in a multitude of stylish designs and colours.  And if you can’t find the colour you like, well you can add your own 

image.

3.       BIO ETHANOL

Bioethanol fuel is made from common crops. It is intended to reduce or be carbon neutral.

There is some debate as to whether farmers will stop growing other food to produce “fuel” crops.  It is an early debate.

Bio ethanol fire places do not require any flue or chimney.  They are portable and are designed in a wide range of stylish wall mounted and portable free standing  designs.  They can even be used outside.