For our news round up this month we thought we’d take a look at the broader world of interior design in the UK. We love to keep up-to-date with the latest innovations and developments in design, and to see what’s going to be big news over the next few months. And we know you want an interior design for your retail space or restaurant that not only helps tell your story but feels current and authentic.
There’s also the Instagram factor to consider: many of your customers will be looking for interesting details and features like vintage accessories, neon signs and natural materials to include in their posts. It can be hard to know where to start when you’re working out how you want your restaurant or coffee shop to look and feel.
So, if you’re looking for inspiration here’s the lowdown on the best interior design trends for summer, and beyond.
1. The rise of the ‘resimercial’ space
Yes, the name might be rather cringe-inducing but the philosophy behind this growing trend is proving very popular. ‘Resimercial’ simply means a space that offers the feel and comfort of home in a commercial space. Increasingly, the way we are using communal and public spaces is changing to account for more freelance workers, a wish to conduct business meetings in less formal venues than the boardroom, and the creative input we can derive from being in a buzzy coffee shop or cafe.
There’s a move to mix up seating by incorporating non-traditional seats like sofas and soft chairs to create a more multi-functional feel to the layout. A great example of this is the Duddell Arts Club in Hong Kong, where comfy seating is used alongside more formal chairs in the salons and dining areas.
2. Wabi-sabi
In reaction to the stark Scandi-inspired minimalism that’s been so prominent in interior design recently, there’s a growing trend for celebrating imperfection. Inspired by the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi this look embraces natural materials and quiet simplicity whilst also allowing for quirks and limitations.
3. Bringing Nature indoors
Greenery has increasingly made its way indoors, from small succulents on tables to hanging plants cascading down from shelving and pot plants standing in a corner. This trend shows no signs of abating, with interior designers finding ingenious ways to incorporate living plants into their spaces. As a colour, green continues to shine, from mossy, earthy tones to bright emeralds.
4. Colour pops
Connected to the move away from the all-white, bare interiors that have dominated for years, designers are adding pops of colour to bring a space to life. We have seen this on walls, floors and accessories, as well as mixing patterns and stripes. There is a playfulness to this trend that makes it a great way to bring your personality into an interior design.
5. Herringbone
Not just on trend for flooring, we’ve also noticed herringbone making a statement on walls. This look can be made more dramatic with herringbone patterns in monochrome or with splashes of colour.
6. Gelato pastels
Ice-cream inspired pastels are everywhere this summer. Think bubblegum pinks, pistachio greens and retro peaches. For restaurant interiors these can make great accent tones in seating, table bases or tiles. Balance with jewel shades to keep things looking elegant and grown-up.
7. Wood
With the trend for wabi-sabi-style imperfections and interiors taking inspiration from Nature, wood is also having a moment. Wood has played a major part in our ongoing love affair with all things midcentury-modern, with wooden flooring and furniture becoming classic staples of many interior designs. But now we are seeing it on the walls too in the form of wood panelling. This can add warmth and texture to a space, and works brilliantly in an awkward nook to create a cosy area with its own identity. In one of our projects, Alexis Dove (pictured above), we create timber panels in contrasting colours to add depth and interest, and to reflect the building’s history.
8. Statement and bespoke lighting
Developments in technology mean that it’s possible to install lighting that works exactly as you need it to, rather than to generic specifications. Dimmers, remote controls and coloured bulbs allow interior designers and restaurant owners to create an individual feel and look for their venue. There is also a trend for bold statement lighting that provides a focal point in the room.
Any other trends you’ve noticed?