Modern living means that flexible furniture is in high demand. Modular furniture emerged as a key design trend during Milan Design Week 2017, with a number of brands exhibiting furniture with customisable options. Consumers want flexible and adaptable pieces of furniture that fit with their home and lifestyle. The Andrew Martin sectional sofas offer a choice of the number of components, meaning that consumers can customise their sofas and add a footstool if they wish.
On a smaller scale, clients are opting for bespoke accessories – from rugs and cushions, to mirrors and lampshades – to inject individuality into their homes without overhauling their interior scheme. Custom-made solutions are proving popular amongst discerning consumers, such as Andrew Martin’s recently-introduced bespoke cushion service. Consumers can choose any Andrew Martin fabric to cover a cushion and are given options as to the size and padding, allowing them to tailor the product to their taste and style.
Lighting is one of the most important elements of interior design as it can completely transform the look and feel of a room. Layering lighting and using multiple light sources makes a room flexible and versatile. Opt for dramatic pendants as your main source of light and pair with statement table lamps to create an atmospheric mood. Wall lights work well as accent lighting to highlight interesting features in the room, such as art or artefacts. Choose bold pieces featuring structural shapes, interesting texture or coloured glass to make a style statement, even if the lighting is switched off.
The current trend for neon lighting highlights the rise of maximalism as a luxury lighting trend, illustrating a shift away from concrete or steel options and the urban industrial look that has been popular in recent years. Popularised by Tracey Emin, bespoke neon lighting is in high demand. With the Design Museum showcasing a California exhibition charting the rise of Californian design and style, the trend for neon lighting is expected to continue.
In recent years, wallpaper has taken the interior world by storm and, frankly, anything goes from geometrics and trompe l’oeil to floral and animal, modern or contemporary, grass cloths and fabrics as well as murals. There are also different techniques to consider; conventional, hand-blocked and flock. Over recent times, there has been an explosion in high-tech digital printing which has changed the game somewhat, allowing a huge amount of experimentation and emerging new designers.
The choice is vast, but it is a highly personal one thoroughly dependent on the house and the room you are working on, not to mention your client’s mood and personality. Your client may favour the cosy appearance of wood panelling or books in autumn, or the bright, light feel of a vibrant floral in the spring. Whichever design and colour, always choose a paper with a high-quality finish. This makes a world of difference, achieving a refined and sophisticated installation which sits back on the wall. Wallpaper is very fashionable and, like your clothes, it’s never been easier or cheaper to change.
Clients want their homes to reflect their personality, choosing pieces that reflect cultures and places that they have fallen in love with. Japanese interiors are currently on-trend and have taken the luxury market by storm. To achieve this look, pair dark furniture in geometric shapes with rich colours in fabrics and on walls. To incorporate an Oriental twist on a small scale, add a lantern or screen divider. Alternatively, for a more vibrant feel, opt for a Guatemalan theme. Throw caution to the wind and choose brightly-coloured wallpaper in vivid hues, such as orange, green or pink. Accessorise with ikat and kilim-printed cushions and lampshades to complete the look.