Picks by Alex: Interiors Trends 2012 / 2013.

Gaaaahhh, it’s April already.  The year is flying so I thought I would do a quick round up of what’s going on in the interior design world.  I was asked by a reader last week about current ‘trends’.  I have a weeny aversion to the word ‘trend’ but I do agree there are a few obvious orientations hitting homes this year.

Sooooo…. I thought I would share what I told my sweet reader.  They are as follows:

Trends for 2012/2013:

Homemade: Crafting and handmade products seem to be making a huge resurgence. Whether it is due to the current economic climate or it’s people just getting back to their grandmother’s roots, it’s encouraging to see knitting, crocheting and handmade skills on the rise. These products make an important impact on a home – creating a sense of belonging and grounding.  These products can only be made with love and time so that has got to be a good thing.

Example: Anything from Etsy: 1 : 2 : 3 : 4

Neons and brights: Hold onto your handbags, people – neon is everywhere!  Especially snuggled up to beiges and neutrals.  It’s unexpected and delightful at the same time.  I love the contrast it creates and it can be seen in fabrics, art, wall coverings and furniture. Personally, I hope it’s here to stay – I was always a fan of my highlighter collection at school (and now).

Example: Homeware range from Koskela

Green:  The Green element in home design will only keep growing (excuse the pun). Being resourceful and kind to nature is not just a ‘radical concept’ but an essential daily objective. Green is cool and looking after our earth is even cooler. You can see elements of sustainable living with objects being up-cycled and re-jigged in many forms. From the design of a home incorporating grey water systems and solar power, to inside the home with paint generating low VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) emissions and energy efficient lighting. It’s everywhere, man.

Example: 1 : 2

Industrial:  Old safes, iron casters, ship lights, old signs, filing cabinets and much more are now being used in our homes as ‘cool’ pieces of furniture and objets d’art. Unpolished and dirtier the better it seems. These pieces sit well against a modernist/minimalist background or equally dotted in amongst a more cosy, relaxed setting. A lot of these industrial items are often re-modeled from their original form into usable every day items such as a kitchen bench or a wardrobe.

Example: Images from Johanna’s website  |  Products from Green with Envy

Retro:  The age of the 60′s will probably never go far from our hearts, with its psychedelic shapes and colours, its flamboyant use of style and shock factor. Today, use of retro is a bit more pared-back and subtle but elements of this groovy age have managed to creep back into current interior design. Designers such as Jonathan Adler, Amy Butler and Florence Broadhurst have all brought the 60′s back into this new century and by jolly, it’s looking good. It’s a good reminder not to take it all so seriously.

Example: 1 : 2 : 3 : 4

Your questions answered:

Q: I’m not sure if you have ever watched Offspring on TV 1 on Sundays. I’m in love with the wallpaper in Nina’s apartment but can’t seem to fine it anywhere. Wonder if you could help. Thanks. Lisa

A: Dear Lisa,

I love that you are similar to me and not only watch the TV program but also look beyond the actors and check out the interior design!  I also have noticed Nina’s walls (in-fact her whole apartment is very coolio).  Her walls are actually covered in metal tiles and painted white.  These are available in New Zealand or Australia.  A cheaper alternative is to use a type of wallpaper called ‘Analypta’.  It’s available through Resene as a range.  It comes in many styles and looks amazing painted over.

If you want to know more about Nina’s apartment – go here.  Seems you and I were not the only ones that noticed her well-chosen walls!

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