Five design trends that have remained consistent over the years

Interior and Exterior design trends have changed over the years through elements such as colours, elements, textures, and finishes.  

Design and its accessories go in and out of fashion depending on the seasons. 

Renowned Italian designer Massimo Vignelli once said “Styles come and go. Good design is a language, not a style.”

The design industry has witnessed lots of trend changes, however these five themes have remained consistent throughout times and seasons.

1) The use of naturally incorporated elements

Sustainable design generally bends towards the use of natural elements in design. It can be in retro style, vintage, classic look or sleek urban inspired designs. The use of natural and environmentally friendly material continues to be on the rise. Recently, this trend is focused more on the use of natural elements with a twist of vintage and contemporary design. Most popular materials, textures and coverings are wood, antique bricks, concrete and natural stones. These have been influenced by industry trends favouring the use of natural elements, and the blend of vintage and contemporary in design.

2) Mix match of colours

Summer sees the reign of zingy, zesty and fiery shades of colours. Fall, winter and spring is however toned down welcoming mild and cool colour palettes, and not just singularly but a mix match of these colours. A correct blend of colours is however very necessary to create the aesthetic appeal or effect. Mix match of colours are used on as painting or layering on the wooden pieces, for room painting, ceilings and outdoor designs.

3) Woven

Woven trends have remained in vogue, even in contemporary design especially for outdoor spaces including wicker style and woven teak outdoor furniture pieces. Woven furniture made from natural palms such as rattan are still trending. This should be good news for people who own old outdoor furniture, as woven pieces can be refreshed by painting them to create a new design. Cushion covers for woven furniture can also be changed to a new colour matching the season to give it a new appearance. Woven pieces of décor and art for interiors are increasingly being used to complement design ideas. To maintain outdoor furniture, they should be regularly washed and cleaned to rid them of dust and decay, kept away from unfavourable weather conditions, and stored in a safe place to prevent theft and enhance their longevity. The use of paints, wax and repellents on outdoor furniture also prevents damages.

4) Matte finishes

In design textures and coverings should be used cleverly adding small decorative pieces, furniture and other form of artwork to enhance the layout according to the theme to give a perfect finish. Matte finishes can be seen on fabrics and other design surfaces that are lustreless and may be slightly roughened. Black is usually the preferred colour for matte finishes.

5) Matching Interior and Exterior Design

Trends of matching Interiors to Exteriors have remained consistent. For this to happen however, there needs to be available space size to execute the theme. This inside out approach has been popular with developers in commercial and residential spaces. The popularity of outdoor living has produced exterior design and remodeling for al fresco themed outlets, patio décor and facades. These are matched with interior designs through elements such as colours, shapes and textures.