Far from a blank canvas, a house hunter in 2019 will be looking for bold statements. So what will the ideal show room look like next year?
According to John Lewis, 2019 won’t be the year to play it safe. “Understated, pared back interiors are being dominated instead by rich fabrics, bold colours and striking designs,” it said.
Customers moved away from the more pared back look and instead chose pieces that were unusual and eye-catching in 2018, the upmarket retailer said. Dark, moody hues in everything from wood to fabrics are juxtaposed with bright, vibrant colours as shoppers become more daring with their interior design.
Continuing the quirky, cluttered look, animal prints such as toucans, monkeys and cheetahs have been a big design motif with customers looking for objet d’art that make a bold statement.
Smart tech is another obvious trend. In 2018, the most obvious victim of modern times was the humble door knocker. John Lewis reported that traditional door knockers are down 9% as people invest in tech-advanced smart doorbells, up 367% since it started selling them in July 2017.
Sellhousefast.uk have explored the interior trends favoured by different regions across the UK in 2017, in addition to discovering what interior trends have been most popular in 2018, and what we can swap them for in 2019.
Sell House Fast analysed a report by Homewings titled: ‘The Homewings Interiors Trend Report 2018.’ The report reviewed over 13,000 style quiz surveys across the UK.
Interestingly, Sellhousefast.uk discovered there are definite, regional design preferences. Scottish residents preferred Nordic Cosiness; embracing the concept of ‘hygge’, pastel tones and clean lines. Whereas Eclectic Creativity was a theme favoured by residents in the South East. Think bright colours and vintage treasures.
In Wales, it’s a strong 70’s theme, full of dark woods and vibrant patterns. The North of England placed glamour over comfort, with sleek leathers and chrome accents; in stark contrast to the simplicity of the Midlands. For residents in the middle of England, a traditional take on Scandi was a personal favourite; minimalism and muted hues is key.
Similar interior trends can be mapped in the South West and East Anglia.
While Modern Tradition suits residents in the South West; the ultimate balance between style and comfort, East Anglian residents take it one step further with Country Chic; a shabby-yet-stylish look, enhanced with delicate colour schemes.
SellHouseFast selected five of the biggest trends in 2018 and sourced alternatives to swap them for in 2019.
2018: BRASS
With copper fading fast in 2017, brass became the metal finish to experiment with in 2018.
2019: CONCRETE
All things industrial will be a big trend in 2019. Tough yet practical, concrete is a great addition to the home, especially in the bathroom. If you’re worried it will look too utilitarian, don’t forget it can be polished down for a sleek, smooth finish.
2018: VELVET
Luscious velvet has been seen everywhere in 2018, most notably in sofas and soft furnishings.
2019: PASSEMENTERIE
Passementerie is the art of making elaborate trimmings or edges; think fringing and tassels. Sumptuously retro, this trend will be seen in vibrant colour combinations and unusual shapes. It’s the perfect way to accessorise a plain background and adds a fabulous, flirty feel and texture too.
2018: TERRACOTTA AND RUST
Bold and non-conformist, tones of terracotta and rust featured in many homes this year. In
2019: HONEY AND NUDE
2019 will call for a far more elegant palette of warm, autumnal shades that will melt into the New Year. Utterly warming shades of classic cashmere, sand and oatmeal are the perfect place to start.
2018: DARK STAIN WOOD
Glamourous, 70’s-style dark stain wood was a prominent theme in furniture throughout 2018.
2019: CRITTALL. Irrevocably English, Crittall lends itself to 2019’s industrial trend and emanates an edgy and versatile feel. It’s about urban dwellings that are multi-purpose; metal framing can effortlessly transform a space and let in light. The trend will be seen everywhere from doors, to room dividers and shower screens!
2018: TERRAZZO FLOORS
With its many colour combinations, alternative flooring made an impact in 2018.
2019: SCALLOPS AND SCALES
In 2019, interiors will dive into the ocean (thank Sir David Attenborough for this trend!) Curved, scalloped furniture will be a big trend in living spaces and bedrooms. While mermaid and fish scale tiles will breathe life into every bathroom or kitchen surface.
