Decoration and Design - Sydney 2014

We recently attended the Decoration and Design Expo in Sydney.  This was a great industry event and here we share the latest in interior products and furnishings.

Main colour trends seen across retailers was the continuing strong presence of mustard, yellow turquoise and teal in textiles , ceramics and glassware. Upholstery and cushioning were more textured , with embroidery and embellishment major themes.

MRD Home stand

              

Pad Home Concept stand  - 

Furniture fitted into three main categories , translated across retailers in varying styles.

1. Urban industrial
2. Cultural/tribal
3. Opulence

 Loft Stand 

1. Urban industrial

Seen in metal furniture and salvaged /recycled materials with colour twists, seen to best effect at Loft Furniture.

2. Cultural /Tribal

This trend was very prevalent in furniture, furnishings , artworks and accessories , none more so than Craft Enterprises, specialising in horn and skull accessories and tribal textiles.

Flooring also caught on to this trend with Armadillo launching their new Latitude Collection of rugs and runners inspired by travel and exotic cultures. Their new range sees three distinct designs made with Argentinian wool in bold colourways.

Armadillo’s representative indicated that this was an evolving homeware trend with people no longer afraid to add colour in their furnishings, but core neutrals in wool and hemp were still popular.

Armadillo @ Co  - 

 Craft Enterprises  

3. Opulence

Oversized furniture and extravagant use of mirrors and mirrored furniture was seen at several stands, particularly with a monochrome / dark palette.

 Café Lighting and Furniture

Natural materials in timber and rattan also appeared en masse with detailing and craftsmanship more in evidence.

We loved the outdoor wall art from Zarzie which is treated for UV and can withstand the Australian elements. Images range from outdoor scenes, nature and food and come both singularly and in triptych format.

Zarzie

Removeable wallpapers and decals  are a great idea for rental properties and come in many design categories, city landscapes , childrens , timber grain and nature finishes and also can be customised from your own digital photographs.

PVA and BPA  free the manufacturer indicates that the prints are fully moveable and reusable and can also be wiped clean with a damp cloth. The prints are applied to any clean flat surface so can also be applied to furniture such as fridges or mirrors.

The Wallpaper Company   

For more information on the event, please visit youtube.

Trends in Residential Architecture and Design in 2014

A number of trends evolved in late 2013 which we expect to continue in 2014.  I’d like to share a few of these trends with you.

1.    Special place to unwind

Increasingly, homeowners are investing in their property to create a sanctuary where they can get away from it all.  Specifically, designating a specific space for tranquil design, a space to relax and unwind.  This is being seen in bathroom design with spa bathrooms to transformations of areas once considered ‘dead space’ like under stairways.

2. Kitchen focus

In 2014 we’ll see the kitchen as the focal point of the house.  Homeowners often want the position of their kitchen in the centre of an open floor plan, especially as they start to use their kitchen space as a multi-tasking room.  By having the kitchen centred and open with dedicated IT areas, parents can help children with homework, talk or pay bills — all while making meals.

3.    Sustainable designs  

As we continue to see a rise in the cost of living, housing affordability and unpredictable climate conditions, long-term sustainable designs are increasingly desirable. Considerations to best minimise energy consumption such as windows positioned to attract winter sun to heat the home and appropriate eaves and awning design to keep the harsh summer sun out of the house should definitely be considered in your design. A well designed home can considerably reduce energy consumption.

Ruth Newman Architect specialises in Residential design.  We create inspired buildings and environments that bring your design vision to life while being respectful to your budget.  We work with you to explore new boundaries to ensure you get the most from your environment with designs that promote efficiency and solve the problems of space and function.