Renovating
Architecture
Interior Design
5 Design Trends You Need to Know About Before Renovating
Is a reno or build on the cards? Here are five hot new architecture and decor ideas to have on your radar, say the pros
Looking to refresh, expand or build your home? From luscious curves and statement screens to mix-and-match metallics, here are five of the biggest design trends that you need to know about according to the experts.
When pairing different tiles it’s important to keep some elements consistent, such as the finish, to give the overall space a sense of cohesion.
Do you have some renovation ideas bubbling away? Discuss them with a local architect on Houzz
Do you have some renovation ideas bubbling away? Discuss them with a local architect on Houzz
2. Furniture-like islands
With open-plan living still going strong and many of us moving to smaller homes, there has been an increased focus on clever, compact kitchen ideas.
One notable trend is furniture-style kitchen islands, which blur the lines between being a functional work zone, dining space and piece of furniture – all while sitting comfortably within an open living area.
With open-plan living still going strong and many of us moving to smaller homes, there has been an increased focus on clever, compact kitchen ideas.
One notable trend is furniture-style kitchen islands, which blur the lines between being a functional work zone, dining space and piece of furniture – all while sitting comfortably within an open living area.
The focal point of the kitchen in this cottage renovation is the built-in dining table, which can also be used as overflow bench space.
In small, open-plan spaces such as this, we recommend concealing the utilitarian elements of the kitchen, such as the fridge and extractor fan, as much as possible to create a calmer feel that blends with your living area.
In small, open-plan spaces such as this, we recommend concealing the utilitarian elements of the kitchen, such as the fridge and extractor fan, as much as possible to create a calmer feel that blends with your living area.
Adrian Ramsay, design director at Adrian Ramsay Design House, says:
3. Soft lines
First it was arched doorways, now it’s joinery, furniture, fireplaces and facades – curves are creeping into just about every area of our homes, inside and out. As design trends move away from the sharp lines that have dominated for the past 10 years or so, this ’70s- and ’80s-inspired trend is adding a sense of gentleness to our living spaces.
Less is more when it comes to curves; consider adding a curved end to your island bench, a pill-shaped table top or mirror, or a curved wall or ceiling in an otherwise linear interior.
3. Soft lines
First it was arched doorways, now it’s joinery, furniture, fireplaces and facades – curves are creeping into just about every area of our homes, inside and out. As design trends move away from the sharp lines that have dominated for the past 10 years or so, this ’70s- and ’80s-inspired trend is adding a sense of gentleness to our living spaces.
Less is more when it comes to curves; consider adding a curved end to your island bench, a pill-shaped table top or mirror, or a curved wall or ceiling in an otherwise linear interior.
One of my favourite ways to express this look is having two separate, pill-shaped mirrors with individual lights above a bathroom vanity rather than a full mirrored wall. It allows you to make a feature of the mirrors and a tiled wall behind them, and it adds a contemporary edge to your bathroom.
4. Feature screens
With the rise of indoor-outdoor living and the trend for bigger expanses of glass in our homes, the challenges of privacy and light control have come to the fore.
Designers have responded by creating beautiful and unique screens to add to home facades. They block views and filter light while retaining views from the inside – and many also create beautiful light and shadow patterns when the interiors are lit at night.
They offer thermal benefits too, holding heat off the building and creating an air gap between the wall of the home and the screen to moderate indoor temperatures.
This trend is still in its early stages so expect to see more market options coming through.
With the rise of indoor-outdoor living and the trend for bigger expanses of glass in our homes, the challenges of privacy and light control have come to the fore.
Designers have responded by creating beautiful and unique screens to add to home facades. They block views and filter light while retaining views from the inside – and many also create beautiful light and shadow patterns when the interiors are lit at night.
They offer thermal benefits too, holding heat off the building and creating an air gap between the wall of the home and the screen to moderate indoor temperatures.
This trend is still in its early stages so expect to see more market options coming through.
You can also use screens to add shape and interest to a building. Consider adding a curved, arched or angular screen to your home’s facade to boost its visual impact from the street.
And don’t forget that a screen can be a useful tool indoors too; use an open bookcase as a room divider or specify a 45-degree angle slatted screen that blocks views from one side while being open on the other. The options are endless.
And don’t forget that a screen can be a useful tool indoors too; use an open bookcase as a room divider or specify a 45-degree angle slatted screen that blocks views from one side while being open on the other. The options are endless.
Renovating expert Naomi Findlay says:
5. Mixed metals
News alert – your metals no longer need to match. From gold and champagne to matt black, one of the biggest trends of the moment is mixing different metals in a single space.
5. Mixed metals
News alert – your metals no longer need to match. From gold and champagne to matt black, one of the biggest trends of the moment is mixing different metals in a single space.
Try out this new look in your kitchen, laundry or bathroom. The beauty of a mixed-materials aesthetic is that you can add to it over time with accessories and decorative elements.
My top tip? Mix no more than two different metals in one room to prevent the look from appearing visually confusing.
My top tip? Mix no more than two different metals in one room to prevent the look from appearing visually confusing.
Your turn
Which of these trends would you be tempted to try? Tell us your favourite features in the Comments below, like this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Want more expert design advice? Take a look at this story: Pro Reveal: 5 Brilliant Bedroom Storage Ideas
Which of these trends would you be tempted to try? Tell us your favourite features in the Comments below, like this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Want more expert design advice? Take a look at this story: Pro Reveal: 5 Brilliant Bedroom Storage Ideas
1. Soft matt tones
We are seeing a move away from stark, minimalist bathrooms towards texture, soft pastels and matt finishes, which are all ideal for turning your bathroom into a relaxing retreat.
In a recent renovation, we used duck-egg blue mosaics paired with rectangular, off-white wall tiles in a matt finish to create a warm and inviting feel.