The Blog Single

Functional Spaces

2020 saw us spending more time than ever before in our homes. Leaving us to scrutinize how our spaces work and if they work practically for our new norm.

There has become a need for multifunctional spaces. Since we have become multi-functional people. We must work, teach, relax, entertain, and play all within our space. The dining room may have become the classroom, the kitchen counter your new desk.

The open plan living that everyone so loves for its open light airy space, may have been a tad claustrophobic with all the noise pollution of everyone else on their own zoom meeting.

“Lack of privacy ultimately becomes lack of function.” Says Amanda Lauren when talking about the demise of open floor plans for Forbes

Many businesses going forward will continue to allow staff to work from home.

Therefore there is a need for a dedicated work space in the home that is comfortable and functional and that you actually like being in! A dedicated uncluttered space will mean more productivity. This may be the conversion of a spare room or a new built-in for a previously awkward niche. The home office is a big trend this year born from our 2020 experiences.

Affordability

Life has been tough, the economy has taken a major hit and we are all a bit nervous to spend. We hear you. But now we aren’t talking about going and buying a cheap knock off, or something that is made to last a season. We are talking about getting clever, working with what you have, planning for your interior goals. Working with a designer that can transform an inexpensive material into something unique and interesting just by the way it has been used. Outside the box thinking, that is creative and industrious. But please no more of the boxy pallet furniture, that’s been done and had its day.

Truth to location

Maybe you’re one that loves a themed room, that’s ok that’s you being you. But this trend is more about living life more cognizant of your surroundings. Trying to be something you’re not can lead to that feeling of “can’t quite put my finger on it but something just isn’t right”.

We want flow! Flow from your lifestyle into your interior, it’s an extension of your personality after all. Flow from your surroundings into your space. This can just be the feeling your interior evokes, not a literal association. If you live on the coast you don’t have to have a tropical interior, but Alpine ski lodge isn’t quite going to fit the tone either.

Honesty in materials

Lets be less fake more real this year. Ditch the faux. We want real natural materials, real woods, natural stones, natural fabrics. Get rid of the imposters and choose the real deal wherever possible. Let the true nature of your materials shine through. Natural textures make a space feel more welcoming and inviting.

Sustainable & eco friendly

We can’t ignore mother earth any longer, she is fighting back and its not going to be pretty world war III. So stop, think about what you can do. What is one thing you can change, it might seem small and insignificant. Once you change that and feeling all good about it. Choose another small thing, and soon your small things will turn into big things. As consumers you can choose products made of sustainable materials, choose natural fibres over synthetics, reduce your carbon footprint. There will be a rise in products made from recycled materials. This transcends into colour palette choices, with a lean towards earthy tones, olives and terracotta’s, natural textures.  Design zero waste into your interior, an open shelf pantry with all your refillable glass canisters on display. Make recycling easier for yourself with the correct amount of bin drawers in your kitchen fitout. Every purchase you make is a vote for the future you want to live.

Be BOLD… Take a risk

Its not all about the neutrals, sometimes you just need to shout it out loud.

Be the curator of your personal interior. This is seen in Maximalism, where your interior tells your story through a highly decorative space, a museum of your lifestyle and personality.

Or maybe it’s one bold feature, an item of furniture that you just must have, or recover your existing sofa in a daring colour. Or it could be the act of seizing the opportunity, don’t keep putting off that bathroom revamp. Let’s do it! Don’t make me use that cheesy acronym. This is a trend for the wow factor, choose to be adventurous over safe and average.

Support local

Never before has there been such a drive for supporting local businesses. Supporting local is good for our economy at a time when we need it most. This doesn’t just mean the small family business down the road. Don’t fool yourself big business also means many jobs. We see it more and more in retail outlets, the option to choose products made locally. Make your choice! But there is something about that heart-warming feeling when you buy something that has been hand crafted by a local artisan. The care put into it far surpasses a mass-produced object.

Dried florals

Last year we saw the emergence of the dried arrangement trend, dried florals, dried fan palms, pampas of course and the cutest of bunny tails. This trend is definitely continuing into 2021. The benefits are that you can have prettiness for months without having to keep spending money on fresh flowers, or if your fingers are not so green you can add that decorative layer to your space without worrying about them dying…they did that already. Of course all things in moderation, but we love this trend in combination with a crisp arch and a stucco wall. For a local supplier check out Oh Happy Day’s Everlast collection

Indoor planting

For the green fingered ones, this is not the house plant of old. Think of plants at living sculptures for your home or workplace. Like art you can achieve so many different moods and effects depending on your personal style. Do you like soft undulating curves of hanging plants, or the bold presence of a Dragon tree (dracaena marginate), structure of a tall Strelitzia Nicolai or the tones of an indoor olive tree? Connecting the occupants of a space with the natural environment has been linked to many benefits such as, reduced stress levels, increased mood, a feeling of well-being and improved productivity. Biophilic design is on the increase and definitely something to consider for your home and workplace. Plants are comforting in an interior, they make it feel alive, and they also purify your air!

Quality pieces over fast furniture

The trend is about choosing items that are long lasting, hard wearing and will stand the test of time. Something you will still adore in 10 years time. In a way it is even “anti-trend” you could say. Fast furniture is on the way out much the same as fast fashion. It’s not the instant gratification many have become accustomed to. It’s about finding something you love, having it made to order (hopefully by a local supplier) in your chosen finish, waiting in anticipation for your delivery. And you know it is exactly what you wanted, fits your space. No buyer’s remorse here. The intentional purchase means you are more connected to the objects you buy, it evokes an emotion in you and is how you begin to reflect your personality in your interior.