Design Trends Around The World
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Interior design trends are constantly evolving and increasingly global, drawing inspiration from different cultures and regions. However, many of these new trends are created by reinventing traditional styles and merging them with contemporary influences. From prestigious interior design fairs to local artisans that are making a name for themselves, here are some of the top trends we’re seeing from around the world.
Japan continues to reign supreme when it comes to minimalist design, with a focus on soothing and natural color palettes. That said, Japanese designer Marie Kondo has recently embraced realistic moderation when it comes to tidiness, and the next big trend in Japanese design is "chikyū," which embraces organic materials and textures that make us feel grounded in nature.
In Italy, glass is a popular material inspiring new trends in interior design. Statement lighting (think Murano chandeliers), glass sculptures, and other decorative objects, are having a new moment in Italian interior design. However, statement lighting of any material seems to be a feature in modern Italian design.
The beauty of French interiors comes from mixing and matching a curated selection of new and old pieces throughout the home. For example, a robust antique chair might sit under a cheeky modern art piece. And recently, trends are more hands-on, with papier-mâché being used in items like decorative bowls and lampshades, and indoor gardening on the rise.
In Spain, there is also a strong appreciation for preserving beautiful antiques and mixing them with fun new pieces. Parda’s colorful checkered side tables are a great example of this and very on-trend. And what could be more cool than the juxtaposition of tall, classically ornate ceilings with voice-commanded smart home technology?
Brazil has long mastered the art of bringing nature indoors in a harmonious way. São Paolo-New York Studio Arthur Casas, for example, are ahead of the game when it comes to incorporating new materials and trendy furniture into their tried and true designs with flexible doors and windows that open wide and blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors.
In South Africa, the Cape Town-based interior design studio, Etienne Hanekom Interiors, is offering relief for those who are over white-washed kitchens. The new trend is to bring life and color to communal spaces, reserving muted, calm tones for bedrooms and bathrooms.
Australia is also embracing color, particularly warm sunset hues and earthy brown tones. As in other countries, Australian design firms are also beginning to place more importance on sustainability in terms of the origin and durability of the materials used in projects.
In the USA, it’s becoming clear that the long-time favorite brass and gold finishes are out, and silver, chrome, and nickel finishes are in. A striking celebration of this was designer Tom Dixon’s gleaming Twenty Collection, including the Mirror Ball chandelier, during the last Milan Design Week.
From materials to patterns to philosophies, there are many reasons to look around the globe for inspiration. And as we continue to learn and be inspired by different cultures, we can create beautiful interior spaces that reflect the best of what the world has to offer.
xx, Danae