10 Trends to Watch Out for in 2018
Colour and kinship, florals and flourishes, and an exciting new twist on boho style... what we can expect to see in 2018
Vanessa Walker
10 December 2017
Houzz Australia & New Zealand Editor-in-Chief
While we remain enthralled by handmade organic forms and dusty, muted hues, 2018 is likely to see the emergence of uplifting colours, interesting geometrics and the rise of ‘haute bohemian’ – a luxe injection into loose bohemian style. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for select bespoke touches that elevate the ordinary without breaking the bank.
1. Miami brights
Moving on from the desaturated colours of 2017, we will enter into an epoch I refer to as ‘Miami brights’. These are gentle, lulling colours that work well from coast to coast. Think ’80s mint and pink combinations that can be lifted with touches of luxurious fabric such as velvet, or grounded by pairing with textural elements such as hessian wallpaper.
This and the following photo, from Dulux’s 2018 colour trends kit, show what’s in store.
Moving on from the desaturated colours of 2017, we will enter into an epoch I refer to as ‘Miami brights’. These are gentle, lulling colours that work well from coast to coast. Think ’80s mint and pink combinations that can be lifted with touches of luxurious fabric such as velvet, or grounded by pairing with textural elements such as hessian wallpaper.
This and the following photo, from Dulux’s 2018 colour trends kit, show what’s in store.
2. Kinship motifs
Handmade looks will continue to be prized, so we will see more handcrafted woven wallhangings, hand-blocked prints and furniture that doesn’t look mass-manufactured or machined. Think curvy lines, puffy sofas and linen bean bags. ‘Fat’ shapes and a sense of pliability will be key.
Handmade looks will continue to be prized, so we will see more handcrafted woven wallhangings, hand-blocked prints and furniture that doesn’t look mass-manufactured or machined. Think curvy lines, puffy sofas and linen bean bags. ‘Fat’ shapes and a sense of pliability will be key.
Tip: Because this ‘kinship’ or ‘folklore’ aesthetic suits slightly darker tones, you might also expect to encounter more forest greens, terracottas, and the odd startling blues in interior colour palettes.
3. Handmade, hand-blocked, hand-drawn…
The appeal of soft furnishings and accessories with a tribal or exotic pattern looks likely to remain strong next year; expect to see even larger and more impactful applications in carpet, wall and window treatments used by the very bold.
The appeal of soft furnishings and accessories with a tribal or exotic pattern looks likely to remain strong next year; expect to see even larger and more impactful applications in carpet, wall and window treatments used by the very bold.
4. Florals in fixtures
Florals will flourish in our house-scapes, albeit in unexpected places. Here’s a sneak peek at a Scarabeo basin, just released by Paco Jaanson… a harbinger of the printed floral ceramics trend to come?
Florals will flourish in our house-scapes, albeit in unexpected places. Here’s a sneak peek at a Scarabeo basin, just released by Paco Jaanson… a harbinger of the printed floral ceramics trend to come?
5. Oversize wallpapers
Wallpapers will continue to provide expression in our homes with over-sized florals, such as this one by Ellie Cashman, continuing to grow on us.
Wallpapers will continue to provide expression in our homes with over-sized florals, such as this one by Ellie Cashman, continuing to grow on us.
But geometrics will also become more popular as we seek to expand and offer alternatives in the large-format designs.
How to Get Past Your Fear of Way-Out Wallpaper Prints
How to Get Past Your Fear of Way-Out Wallpaper Prints
6. Handles with personality
In 2018 joinery will continue to evolve, with personalised touches showing up in handle treatments. Here’s an example of what we are likely to see more of; large timber knobs that provide a contrasting tactile appeal.
In 2018 joinery will continue to evolve, with personalised touches showing up in handle treatments. Here’s an example of what we are likely to see more of; large timber knobs that provide a contrasting tactile appeal.
7. Material layering
Mixing strong earthy materials such as timber and marble will remain popular, and will extend into the layering of timbers, with different species used for flooring, furniture and framing.
Mixing strong earthy materials such as timber and marble will remain popular, and will extend into the layering of timbers, with different species used for flooring, furniture and framing.
… as seen here where smooth blonde timber frames the window, but a darker, grainy timber provides the island bench facing.
9 Australian Timbers and Their Characters
9 Australian Timbers and Their Characters
8. The return of dark woods
And this will, in turn, pave the way for the eventual reintegration of dark woods into our homes. Perhaps in 2019 antiques might finally become popular again?
And this will, in turn, pave the way for the eventual reintegration of dark woods into our homes. Perhaps in 2019 antiques might finally become popular again?
9. The rise of ‘haute bohemian’ style
Even now, there is a looseness creeping into interiors, which looks as though it will continue to evolve in 2018. This is all about rejecting conformity to a particular interior look, a la minimalism, and instead embracing self-expression and imperfection. Whimsical, individual touches will be welcomed, albeit with the odd luxe touch to lift the look, such as brass handles, silk in soft furnishings, even the odd frill…
Even now, there is a looseness creeping into interiors, which looks as though it will continue to evolve in 2018. This is all about rejecting conformity to a particular interior look, a la minimalism, and instead embracing self-expression and imperfection. Whimsical, individual touches will be welcomed, albeit with the odd luxe touch to lift the look, such as brass handles, silk in soft furnishings, even the odd frill…
… as seen in this image from the recently released book of the same name (Haute Bohemians, Vendome Press), in which photographer Miguel Flores-Vianna describes this style as showing the “geography of a life that reflects who their owners are in a most personal way…”
Tip: Brass will outshine copper in the metallic stakes in 2018.
Tip: Brass will outshine copper in the metallic stakes in 2018.
10. And the likely homeware of the year for 2018?
We have been eyeing off drinks carts for a couple of years now, but in late 2017 to 2018 they’ll make a strong showing, used as cocktail accessories and to display interesting vignettes.
Your say
What do you think of these trends and would you like to integrate them into your home? If you enjoyed this story, like it, bookmark it, save the photos and share your thoughts. Join the conversation.
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We have been eyeing off drinks carts for a couple of years now, but in late 2017 to 2018 they’ll make a strong showing, used as cocktail accessories and to display interesting vignettes.
Your say
What do you think of these trends and would you like to integrate them into your home? If you enjoyed this story, like it, bookmark it, save the photos and share your thoughts. Join the conversation.
More
Browse more inspiring decorating stories
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Thank you, Thank you, some colour at last!
Pastels, all shades of greens.... what's not to like! x
I love the wallpaper that has dark background and hugh florals!