Senior interior designer Jonathan Goss reflects on the design themes of 2018, and what we should expect to see more of this year.
What were some of the major themes in interior design in 2018?
Bold geometric shapes, particularly arched doorways and circular or semi-circular details in joinery and furniture. We are seeing a continuation of the use of natural materials, but in more flamboyant tones and textures, particularly in natural stone as this continues to be popular.
Colour palettes moved to warmer, more autumnal shades. Also, a return to what I term as an ‘80’s grid aesthetic’ where simple lineal and grid patterns are highlighted in contrasting bold colours against a neutral material background in a clean and ‘pop’ inspired way. The use of fluted or ribbed wall panelling formed of timber dowels or coves to create classically inspired yet subtle verticality and texture to a space.
Are there any particular colours or materials that stood out for you?
Terracotta, Patinaed Copper in a mind-boggling array of colours, coloured and stained concrete and Terrazzo. Shou Sugi Ban – the ancient Japanese technique of surface charred wood, which can produce a myriad of textures tones and colours.
Are there any trends from 2018 you hope to never see again?
The continued overload of white marble and brass, a theme which appeared in 2012 and is still hanging around. The mass market latched onto this which has pushed the price of stone up to exorbitant levels and now it’s starting to get to the point where architects and designers can’t actually use the materials we’d like to. In 2019, I’d like to see more interesting ways to bring that same effect into spaces without relying on natural stone.
What are the key trends that you expect to see more of in 2019?
I expect we will see an even more obvious return of Post Modernism with graphic patterns and which reference the Memphis movement but in cleaner, bolder deep rich jewel-like colours and random graphic patterning that acts to mimic the patterning that we see in natural materials. More use of sustainable, handmade and natural materials as a counterpoint to our highly technological and disconnected digital daily lives.
What interior design trends would you like to see more of in 2019?
The continued uptake of sustainable design practices and awareness. I’d also love to see a move away from the overuse of Pinterest as a design reference tool! It creates a much too narrow view of the world around us and is guilty of propagating the vast overuse of repetitive materials and themes in recent times. A space - whether it be a home, office, restaurant or hotel - needs to feel authentically warm, welcoming, relaxing and comfortable. We need to look closely at our local surroundings and draw inspiration from the often-overlooked detail or material and look to re-contextualise these and hero the local story, craft and material.
- Jonathan Goss, Senior Interior Designer
