African Design Magazine February 2015 | Page 75

Feature: Feature: #BewareOfColour Design Trends 7 8 9 10 Ties that bind “Macramé may be a micro trend at the moment, but it should continue to snowball over the next year,” says Sian. “In fact, anything and everything ‘rope’ is big on the style radar for 2015. Think hand-made coiled bowls and vessels, woven wall hangings and hanging planters – tactile rope brings a sense of heart to the home.” She says to expect skills like binding, weaving, knotting, quilting and needlework to be used on everything from furnishings to accessories. i Pattern on repeat A major trend Sandra is seeing in 2015 is the move toward repetitive retro-inspired motifs, which she says will take shape in the form of laser-cut plywood or steel panels, wall coverings and tiling. “Patterns from bygone eras will be revitalised to create intriguing and calculated designs that appeal to the fashion-savvy,” she says, predicting that Art Deco and Art Nouveau-inspired patterning will gain prominence in the year ahead. Strong curves “The oval is the shape of the day and the egg a powerful symbol for 2015,” says Sian. “Expect to see lots of rounded edges, especially in the kitchen and bathroom, and elliptical furnishings that function as embracing cocoons.” Eggs even inspire the use of colour and pattern this year, with white and yellow a popular combination and mottled surfaces lending visual interest. Crafted with care Our appreciation for items made by human hands and using a learned skill continues its resurgence. “Craft-made items and those with a unique onceoff ‘handmade’ feel bring a sense of authenticity to a widely mechanised, mass-produced world,” says Sian. “Whether it’s using traditional techniques or creating new ones, craft is an expression of the desire to stay connected to what makes us human.” “The new year is all about custom-made comfort,” Sian concludes, adding that “décor and design lovers will be able to see all the furnishings, textiles, accessories and services that are setting trends in 2015 at Decorex Durban, which takes place from 19th to 22nd March at the Durban Exhibition Centre, and officially kicks off the popular series of Decorex SA exhibitions for 2015. AD africandesignmagazine.com 75