Timber iQ February - March 2019 // Issue: 42 | Page 12
TIMBER ON TREND
Timber hots up for a trending 2019
Timber has played its part in functional and aesthetic design and construction for millennia
and remains just as relevant today in the homes we build, the furniture we produce and in the
ways we adorn our most beloved spaces. 2019 promises to be another good year for wood as its
popularity across all spheres continues to grow. Read on for our predictions for wood in 2019.
ONWARDS AND UPWARDS
HELLO, DARKNESS, MY OLD FRIEND
As a construction material with huge potential for real
sustainability, timber’s popularity as a material for any
alterations or additions to an existing structure is on the rise
in South Africa. For many homeowners, the best way to make
more space is upwards and they are seeing the value of timber,
with its light carbon footprint, design flexibility and quick
erection time, as the go-to material to realise their new spaces.
Black painted or tinted wood surfaces are making a
spectacular comeback and will trend long into 2019. Think
sultry black surfaced cabinetry and a moody feature walls
that make lowlights the highlight of the home and
workspace. Black is most certainly back in 2019.
DECOREX SA CONNECTS YOU WITH
THE BEST 2019 DÉCOR, DESIGN AND
LIFESTYLE TRENDS
RECYCLE, MICHAEL!
Not only beautiful, but a hearty nod to conscious
consumption, wooden furniture made from repurposed
timber is set to hit the spot in 2019. A perfect
accompaniment to a slick new work space or a rustic beach
house, recycled wooden furniture can take on any
appearance, from highly polished clean lines to rough,
mismatched pieces still adorned by charming peeling
coatings of yesteryear.
The African continent is positioning itself as a global style
icon, fusing the influences of international trend-makers
with the unique colour and vibrancy that characterises its
people and cultures. The impact of this colourful
continent on the 2019 lifestyle trends will be brought
home through the features and products showcasing at
Africa’s biggest décor and design exhibition.
“We are at a crucial moment in the evolution of
technology, both globally and here at home,” explains
Anita Bloom, creative director at Decorex SA. “The
incredible advances in artificial intelligence, virtual
augmented realities and 3D printing are about to
transform every aspect of our lives. And in response to the
imminent digital revolution we are re-focusing on what it
means to be human, and this is taking us back to our
African roots. Consumers are at a crossroads asking
profound questions about their place in the world. How do
we hold onto our identity? How do we stay emotionally
aware? How do we re-connect with the world around us?
By creating a calm, home-style space that gives our minds
the freedom to wonder. A space to embrace a positive,
new approach to life.”
Decorex SA reveals the revitalising trends to look out
for in 2019 and beyond:
TIMBER IN THE MIX
Timber remains an excellent material to use in combination
with a host of other materials used for both building and
design. We’re looking forward to seeing hybrid timber
construction, as well as an innovative combination of woods
and other materials, like resins, metals and textiles for
furniture, shine in 2019.
A LOVE FOR LOCAL
Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword on everyone’s lips,
but a real concern for the industry and many a homeowner.
Supporting local craftspeople and carpenters not only boosts
our local economy but empowers local talent to do more and
puts homegrown materials centre stage. Local is always
lekker, but 2019 will be one for the books!
GETTING A FEEL FOR IT
10 FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 //
The average human interacts with a digital surface more
than 1 000 times a day. This constant technological
interaction leaves us craving a tactile experience with soft,
porous surfaces that breathe life. Walls, fabrics and even
counter tops are taking on a more tactile sensation through
ceramic tiles, 3D printing and textured paint. New interior
design materials – including grounded tiles, recycled
plastics and materials – with more traditional materials,
like marble and granite, are all finding their place.
SURFACE TACTILITY
www.timberiq.co.za