CUTTING EDGE DESIGN FROM NEW YORK CITY
We are incredibly excited to bring you trends and pieces from some of the best design showrooms in New York, the city that is ever design-effervescent! When it comes to interior design and many other areas, the Big Apple is at the vanguard. New York Design isn’t shy, it isn’t motionless. The city that never sleeps harbours some of the most avant-garde designers and that is why our design team paid a visit to incredible NYC showrooms to seek out the freshest trends and pieces.
We trekked across the city to scout all things new, from the texture that will be on your next sofa to the tint you’ll soon have on your apartment walls. If the last few years were all about creature comforts as the pandemic raged outside our homes, this year is about a desire for being transported—to a different era, to a different country, or even just to the outdoors.
Whatever you seek, be inspired by these trends and be sure to get it while it’s hot.
BOUCLE 2.0
If you’re suffering from bouclé fatigue—that nubby textile that migrated from Chanel jackets to everyone’s sofas these last few years—you’re in luck: in NYC we spotted refreshing updates on the fabric throughout the city. Bouclé’s most notable reincarnation was a colour-based one, moving from an off-white that dominated our Insta feeds, to bolder, nature-inspired hues—think a mossy green, rust-brown and gold. Then there were cosy, new variations on the texture itself, beyond the usual loopy pile, including chenille, soft mohair, luxurious cashmere, and menswear-inspired tweeds.
HIGH SHINE
Like what you see in the mirror? Good, because NYC was all about reflections and high shine this year. Think mirrored everything, shiny chrome and glossy glass.
STATEMENT STAIRCASES
New York designers relish the opportunity to make a statement in the home, and we saw stunning examples of interior designers and architects experimenting with unique form and finishes to create sculptural masterpieces from functional fixtures. These fabulous features create a real design moment and a grand entrance in the home with some serious WOW factor.
LEGS FOR DAYS
Table and chair legs, sometimes an afterthought, are now making a statement, adding an almost-hidden layer of visual interest to these pieces. NYC showcased quirky, fun and creative legs for tables, chairs and more!
CARPET GLOW UP
We were happy to reveal that carpet is having a moment. But if you found that trend to be surprising, buckle up for the NYC debuts: not only is carpeting back, but it’s gotten brighter, bolder, and sometimes even shaggier! The showrooms revealed rugs that were funkier—and fluffier—than your standard offerings, full of bold colours, textures, patterns, shapes and captivating creativity. Look out for the carpet and rugs of the future - they are set to be a statement all of their own.
COCKTAIL TABLES
The modular sofa has become the seat du jour at Salone and beyond, with nearly every major brand launching another take on the ever-customisable design year after year. Now cocktail tables have become just as personalised, with new offerings designed to be layered together in multiples.
THAT ‘70S SHOW
After nearly two years stuck at home, designers are ready to go out—and it showed in the offerings throughout NYC. Gone were the cartoon-y, Memphis-inspired shapes and colours; in their place are low-slung, come-hither furnishings that channel disco and sexy ’70s-era design.
STONE SOLID
There’s no question about it: unique stone surfaces are trending in a major way throughout the home, as we’ve seen in previous issues of The Design Journal. The next big thing in stone? Colour. And lots of it. The showrooms made clear that stone needn’t be just a surface, but a venue for experimentation—and also a status symbol.
RED HOT GLASS
New York showcases designers’ fascination with the fragile material of glass.
Whether used purely decoratively or for function, glass has endless potential and continues to fascinate artists, designers, and makers in spite of—or perhaps because of—its rigorously demanding techniques. These functional objects, mostly designed and fabricated by emerging designers, challenge and elevate glassmaking traditions.
THE PANDEMIC & INTERIOR DESIGN - HOW COVID-19 AND HOW LOCKDOWN IMPACTS THE FUTURE OF DESIGN
The lifestyle shift created by COVID-19 and lockdowns has reshaped how Australians are choosing to build and renovate their homes. From an increased focus on hygiene, to rallying against shrinking block sizes, the story of Australian architecture and design is taking a new turn.
With industry data showing that over 40% of home buyers have changed their preferences for their properties, interior design is rapidly adapting with a range of new trends influencing the homes of 2021. Here are 3 of them that are influencing design right now:
More spacious homes
The beginning of 2020 saw increased interest in more sustainable ‘micro homes’ and an acceptance of shrinking block sizes in metro areas. However, in less than a year, our homes took on new roles, including home schooling, work offices and gyms. Homeowners are subsequently looking for a home office or study nook, additional living spaces and separate retreats for privacy.
Rise in renovations
Home isolation is known to inspire renovation, as owners have time to reflect on potential improvements to their properties. Leading industry bodies are now expecting further growth in renovations, such as kitchen and bathroom updates. Additionally, without the ability to travel, bringing the holiday feeling to the home has become increasingly important. The idea of creating a sanctuary at home is not new, but it has certainly become a driving force in 2021.
Refreshing home exteriors
Homeowners want their properties to reflect their style. Many more experienced homeowners are realising that they can cost-effectively redefine their homes’ exteriors by re-cladding or with cladding features. Homes lacking architectural shape can be enhanced by varying lines, textures and colours. This can be achieved by incorporating a larger range of materials, providing literally endless design possibilities. This is perfect for people who have rediscovered their creative sides during lockdowns.
With lockdowns continually threatening our lifestyles, It is clear the home space is deemed increasingly important. Considerations such as fitness solutions for home, home entertainment, working-from-home business spaces and study-at-home education solutions are now paramount.
For more detail around these issues and lessons from lockdown, please read my Lessons From Lockdown blog post (find it at: https://www.melissalunardon.com/designtalktv) or read the July issue of The Design Journal (read it at: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57d4ee16d2b85782f9b887d8/t/60f0f50ac9cf4d4000095ffb/1626404228521/TheDesignJournal_Edition1_16July2021.pdf)