African Design Magazine February 2015 | Page 74

2015 DESIGN TRENDS Comfort is key in 2015, say trend forecasters, who predict that this year will see us immerse ourselves in the warm embrace of a world that makes us feel happy and safe. On the home front, the trend will play out across the spectrum, from decorating styles to colour, crafts and accessories, the décor and design experts at Decorex SA explain. 1 2 3 Transitional style “A style that marries modern and traditional elements will be one of the most influential looks of 2015,” according to Sian Steyn, General Manager of Decorex SA, who says that homeowners are shunning ultra-sleek, clean and clinical minimalism in favour of spaces that are “warm, homey and reflect themselves”. An elegant, enduring aesthetic that joins the best of both worlds, transitional style is well suited to natural elements, such as stone, granite and wood, because they play a significant role in both traditional and contemporary styles. Neutrals with attitude Say goodbye to the candy-floss pastels of 2014 and make way for the new neon neutrals, says Sandra Jardim, Senior Sponsorship and Marketing Manager of Decorex SA and 100% Design: “The pops of acid-bright neon that added a jolt of high energy to last year’s interiors have softened into vivid, saturated colours that you can almost taste. We’re talking the sherbet colours of childhood – those delicious not-found-in-nature shades of lime, raspberry, orange and watermelon pink.” Mixed metallics Mixing metallics was once seen as bad practice and a choice usually had to be made between cool, contemporary silver and warmer, more traditional gold. “But, with bronze shining brightly in 2014 and the increasing prevalence of different types of metals, mixing rather than matching is the new mission for 2015,” according to Sian, who insists that “the textures and finishes of today’s metallics provide a stunning accent to most palette choices.” 74 africandesignmagazine.com 4 5 6 Polygon crazy The geometric movement that gathered steam last year takes on a scu