What’s Trending in Interior Design for 2017?

The New Year is almost here and that’s a great excuse to consider redecorating. This issue we asked award-winning Interior Designer Cristina Oberti for her predictions about what’s hot in the design world for the coming year.

Q

What key interior design trends do you expect for 2017?

A

One strong shift is the merging of spaces where walls are either flexible or optional to meet people’s needs for versatile rooms that serve more than a single function. We’ve seen this already with the kitchen/living room combo, but this idea is now migrating to other areas of the household. The furniture we put into these spaces needs to be versatile and able to adapt as well. Collapsible and flat-pack furniture is becoming increasingly popular. It not only saves space when you need it, but it’s easier and cheaper to transport — so it’s perfect for Millennials and other urban dwellers who live in smaller spaces and tend to move frequently. Another is the desire to create a personal oasis where you can disconnect from technology. Even in a compact, two-bedroom condo you can do this by putting in a day bed that you could still use for overnight guests, then adding plenty of cushions and perhaps some built-in shelving and wall-mount lighting fixtures to keep the space open and uncluttered. The goal is to create a place where you’re free from digital distractions.

Q

What about colour trends?

A

Gold, rose gold and bronze will become the metallics of choice, replacing the more traditional silver and chrome options.

Cool pastels will make a comeback especially in large blocks of three or more. The 2017 colour of the year prediction is “Shadow” — a rich, deep amethyst colour. The all-white interior is seeing a comeback, only this time it’s incorporating multiple layers. By piling up several whites and off-whites that are not perfectly ‘matched,’ you can create a sense of texture and depth. There will also be a new opulence emerging in the form of material mashups — like a sensory materials overload. The pavilion that OMA designed for Knoll at this year’s Salone del Mobile in Milan is a good indication of what’s to come.

Q

What factors influence 2017’s interior design trends?

A

Creative industries are constantly feeding off of one another. That said, though, the fashion industry is usually the main driver when it comes to interior design trends. You see this a lot with colour and patterns, but also in the use of materials. Keep in mind that fashion moves extremely fast: the design world is slow in comparison. It’s much faster to design a dress than a chair…or a home for that matter.

Q

What will be the major differences between 2016 and 2017 interior design trends?

A

I believe 2017 will be bolder than 2016 — there will be more experimentation happening.

Q

What advice would you give people who want to incorporate some of these trends into their own home?

A

Don’t overdo it. In the beginning, stick to one or two things at the most — don’t attempt to implement them all into your home at once. Be selective, and base your selection around your personal lifestyle and needs.

Q

And finally, something so many of us want to know from an industry expert, what are some of your top recommendations for finding amazing design accessories?

A

Vancouver has so many great stores but four of my favourites are Parliament Interiors, Provide Home, The Cross Décor & Design, and CB2.