A timeless approach to interior design

Nothing is more satisfying than a blank canvas on which you are free to express yourself, especially when the canvas is your own home.

Interior design trends are plentiful, from minimalism to meditation rooms, to bringing the outdoors indoors.

But while a trendy looking home does sell itself, a timeless approach to interior design is what adds real sophistication.

Head decorator and project designer at Salt Rock-based interior design company Bellagio, Gen Daw, believes to create a lasting impression in a client’s home, three things are required – understand the client’s personality, skill and staying up-to-date with the latest trends.

She describes trends as a “universal concept”, from using curves on furniture to soften the right angles of architecture through to using monotone hues with bright geometrics.

Daw said current trends include florals combined with stripes and dots and geometrics, whether this is through a combination of fabric, art or decor.

Texture-filled fabrics of bouclé, velvet and tweed are on trend, as are copper, black and nickel fittings, leaning into matte textures.

“With this said, there are lessons to be learnt as we debunk perceived decorating traits,” Daw said, highlighting that a small room can be painted dark, but that mirrors should be used to create the perception of space in an endless void.

Tables also do not have to match. One could easily place a dressing table to one side, or even use a chair as an alternative. But importantly, to tie all this together, use matching lamps.

Project manager at Umhlanga interior design and architecture company HDF Group, Tanya Joel, said the latest trends have also shown a more focused approach toward eco-friendly interior design.

“We are all seeing first-hand the effects of climate change and dwindling resources. People have become more attuned to buying sustainably sourced and produced products,” she said, noting that the trend of bringing the outdoors in has seen furniture makers turn to using alien invasive species as alternatives in an effort to cut their growth in the country.

“In return, this also lowers material costs of local furniture manufacturing while boosting local job creation,” she said.

Of course, since the advent of the global pandemic, work-from-home environments have become the norm.

“But the flipside of this is that people now feel they are permanently at work. This is where meditation rooms and bringing the outdoors indoors can help,” Joel said.

“Choose a space in your home and make it your own. An entire room dedicated to meditation and relaxation may seem unattainable, but simply starting, and starting small, is often the best step to improving your daily mental health and how you experience your home.

“Ideally, you’d like a freshly painted room that is decluttered. Add potted plants in beautiful, simple ceramic containers to create a space where you can take a few moments to relax each day.

“We are also seeing a global comeback in vintage furniture styles and an overall retro Boho aesthetic. Japanese and Scandinavian design principles are integral to this look that is currently a huge trend worldwide, rooted in minimalist design principles,” Joel said.

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