Throughout the Eighties, homeowners embraced all kinds of unique interior trends including pretty pastels, preppy designs, and ‘shabby chic’ looks.
And while some of the trends have been left behind for good, a number of them have been revamped in 2018 – each with a modern twist.
Amanda Pollard, an Australian contributor for Houzz, recently identified eight of these trends that interior professionals are loving at the moment – and how to make them work in contemporary households.
1. DITCH FRILLS FOR REFINED FLORALS
‘Florals are back, and this time the look is more sophisticated. Patterns are used sparingly on bedheads, cushions, and tones with plain surfaces,’ Ms Pollard said.
2. PLAY WITH PASTELS
‘We’re loving pastels again with aqua, peach and dusty pink seeing a recent revival,’ Ms Pollard said.
‘Contemporary pastels are muted and look great with soft shades of grey, white peach works well with copper accessories.’
HINT: The key is to choose just one pastel shade and tone it with more neutral hues, rather than going for an 80s-style pastel extravaganza.
‘We’re loving pastels again with aqua, peach and dusty pink seeing a recent revival,’ Ms Pollard said
3. COUNTRY KITCHENS
‘Go for a country kitchen – just not in orange,’ Ms Pollard said.
‘We still love our country kitchens, but the look is completely different, mainly because of the paler, more stylish oak we opt for in favor of varnished pine.
‘We can also experiment with other surfaces, mixing and matching for a more interesting look. Wood is teamed with painted surfaces, while a concrete work surface adds an industrial edge.’
‘Go for a country kitchen – just not in orange,’ Ms Pollard said
4. GLASS TABLES
These are back in but are more elegant with less of a business-like guise.
‘The popularity of black-edged Crittall-style doors has inspired some dark-framed design,’ Ms Pollard said.
‘The look is industrial yet laid-back, and the glass adds a light, airy feel to space.’
These are back in but are more elegant with less of a business-like guise
5. SHAPE UP WITH GEOMETRICS
‘Geometrics are popping up all over the place right now, with accessories and textiles embracing the trend for bold shapes,’ Ms Pollard said.
‘Some of the most interesting ways to play with shapes at the moment are on walls and floors.’
‘Geometrics are popping up all over the place right now, with accessories and textiles embracing the trend for bold shapes,’ Ms Pollard said
6. COLOURED BATHROOMS
Minimalist white and grey bathrooms have been on trend for years, but this may be coming to an end.
‘We’re not suggesting a revival of the all-over avocado bathroom suite (yet), but there has been a leaning toward greenwash spaces lately,’ she said.
Minimalist white and grey bathrooms have been on trend for years, but this may be coming to an end
7. EMBRACE CORK
‘This brilliantly versatile material has made a welcome comeback and is being used for all sorts of interior surfaces, from tabletops to pot lids,’ Ms Pollard said.
‘This brilliantly versatile material has made a welcome comeback and is being used for all sorts of interior surfaces, from tabletops to pot lids,’ Ms Pollard said
8. BUY SOME INDOOR PLANTS
‘House plants are breathing fresh air into our homes once again, which can only be good news,’ Ms Pollard said.
‘They not only warm-up space, but they make the air healthier, too – a win-win.’
‘House plants are breathing fresh air into our homes once again, which can only be good news,’ Ms Pollard said