In 2018 the parameters of interior design move away from grey colour schemes and minimalist Scandi style to a reintroduction of bold colours and elaborate patterns. Expect to see a lot of olive greens, oxblood reds and mustards – hues that have been somewhat forgotten about since the 1970s!

Intricate detail, texture and handmade materials satisfy appetites for craftsmanship and individuality and this is something that will play much more of a part in interior projects this year.

Revived elegance

Revived elegance is the perfect blend of influences ranging from the allure of Art Deco to Mid-Century Modern-inspired interiors. Above all, it’s the antithesis of minimalism – a bold, richly decorative style where every surface is considered.

Expect to see elaborately panelled wall decor, ornate parquet floors, brushed velvet, intricate wallpapering and a wealth of marble in 2018.

Whilst parquet flooring was once an emblem of the aristocracy, featuring in the grand homes of the elite; herringbone, chevron and Parquet de Versailles panels are enjoying a revival in modern times with interior designers wanting to work wood’s texture, sculpture and historical beauty into their projects.

Elevated grain

There is something about an honest wood that when you come into contact with it you feel connected to the natural world. Timeless, versatile and undulating surface textures assail the senses, providing a sense of harmony and wellbeing.

Elevated grain is becoming somewhat of a must-have in 2018. The varying textures and characterful features of wood when featured on walls, ceilings and floors adds layers of interest as the natural composition of wood brings a calming feel to interiors.

Metallic

Metallic accents pique interest without overwhelming the viewer. The modern magpie shine that comes with a metallic surface is irresistibly alluring and metallic accents from kitchen taps to draw handles feature in interior projects across the world.

Metallic accents aren’t exclusive to accessories and the magic of metallic can be worked into wood flooring. Incorporating copper herringbone blocks alongside wooden herringbone blocks creates an understated yet aesthetically alluring look.

Multi-surface wood

With the move away from minimalism, expect to see decoration virtually everywhere – from walls, floors, doors and – yes – ceilings, no surface remains unconsidered.

Wood comes in so many hues and textures that the natural material lends itself to many different applications and decorative techniques, with the added bonus of the warm, organic element that it bestows on any room.

Reclaimed wood carries with it all of the beautiful, organic blemishes that nature intended, imbued with the rich aura of bygone times and packed with design potential for interiors; with open weathered grains providing inspiration.

Dynamic colour palette

Bold colours and an abundance of texture are replacing pared-back, simplistic colour palettes in 2018. While many interior designers have been seduced by Pantone’s Colour of Year, the American paint company Benjamin Moore’s colour of 2018 embarks on the spicier side of life with Caliente. Caliente literally translates as hot from Spanish and the strong, radiant red is as hot as it gets. Red has long been considered the apogee of passion and confidence, suggesting that 2018 will be the year for imaginative, inventive and visionary interior design projects.

Subtle inflections of colour make much more of a refined interior statement with doors, furniture and ceilings being painted to provide character and charm in a space, without having to entirely redecorate.