insideKENT Magazine Issue 26 - May 2014 | Page 125

INTERIORS 2014 Interior Trends INTERIOR DESIGNER PHOEBE OLDREY OF SMARTSTYLE INTERIORS, HAS SEEN MANY NEW TRENDS TAKE THE INTERIOR DESIGN MARKET BY STORM AND CHANGE THE WAY WE DECORATE OUR HOMES OVER THE LAST DECADE. insideKENT CAUGHT UP WITH HER TO ASK WHAT SHE PREDICTS WILL TAKE OUR EYE THIS YEAR. “I have always been a big fan of ‘Classic Contemporary’ style, which marries traditional design with a contemporary feeling and I am delighted that it seems to be back in fashion. With smart on-trend fabrics covering traditionally shaped chairs and the return of antiques, which bring bags of personality to a room. “There is a big influence coming from the Art Deco period with people embracing a desire for luxury with an eye for detail. However people are still sensitive to price, so are going with quality over quantity, which is resulting in uncluttered, sleek and smart interiors. There’s also a new trend for displaying classic prints in unusual ways to form other pieces. Group modern frames together that feature timeless prints of nature for a really punchy look. “All new trends start very quietly with the first signs in the products themselves; after all we designers love to play with fun products, as they are the key to great interiors. Over the last 11 years I have sourced a lot of fabric for various projects. The dynamic of how we dress our rooms is also changing. Wallpaper has dominated recently but now it is the turn of textiles to become the star of the room. I’m really excited to see how digital printing is changing what is possible in textiles. With this revolution, patterns can be made to extraordinary sizes and are no longer restricted by pattern repeats the size of a silk screen. With this comes the possibility to use fabric more like a canvas. I often look to the catwalk and big fashion houses to see how they are developing themes. They have been hitting us with some stunning dresses which have classic floral prints and volumes of fabric – something we haven’t encountered since the mid 80s. “I think we might start dressing our windows with larger volumes of fabric and I am sure of the comeback of bigger window treatments. Manufacturers now have the ability to print larger areas so fabrics can become statement pieces. Suddenly a set of curtains can be a complete work of art using a lot more volume to give a big impact. this craze is opening the door to a return of gold and have recently seen a very elegant set of gold taps by Coox. I am a big believer that a space should reflect the people who live in it – without that it never truly feels like home. Use mementoes around the house but display them in unusual ways and they will bring a lot more fun to a space. Frame personal pictures in a more artistic way such as family photos in black and white or children’s artwork or sentimental baby clothes and they become great display pieces and make a house a home. No trend can replace that.” “Instead of having a feature wall we will see feature sofas and chairs, with a return to floral upholstery. For those not brave enough to take the big plunge, digital print cushions bring a real kick of colour to a room. “We all love an accessory and it is a great way to finish a room and bring in your personality. For those ‘bling’ accessories, the hot metal of the moment is copper. It has a mellow warmth to it, which isn’t as harsh as chrome. Tom Dixon’s Copper Pendent light is amazing and the centrepiece of many of kitchens right now. I think 125 For help or advice contact Smartstyle Interiors on 01892 524 036, [email protected] website www.smartstyleinteriors.com