The Next Big Thing for 2008 Interiors

2008 is the year for decadence and sophistication as colour and pattern abound in a cornucopia of choice. Behind this lies the sleek allure of black as the epitome of chic mixed with colours and patterns – matt and gloss – for a fresh, modern interpretation of the classics.

Wallcoverings of black on black, and glossy damask-style patterns on a matt background, ensure this dark colour is full of life and emanates luxury rather than solemnity. “This is the trend for opulence,” says Shelley Cassidy of Pacific Wallcoverings. “It’s glamorous but not over the top. Black is a neutral in some ways.”

 

Vintage brass trunk $2450 and swivel ‘Chess’ chair $3250 (for four), both from Mid Century Design; ‘Montparnasse’ quilt (on top) $399 from Nest; jute hand-printed throw $499 from Republic Home; Frette light quilt $2057 and Frette luxury silk light quilt $4163, both from Cavit & Co; ‘Lustre’ bedspread $649 from Nest; 30cm mannequin $11.99 from Spotlight, painted with Resene ‘Barossa’; dress on chair stylist’s own

Gone are the days when walls were merely a backdrop to the decor. “The wall is no longer just the thing that divides a room – it’s definitely part of the decoration now,” says Dayle Bygrave of fabric and wallpaper specialists Seneca. The beauty of black also lies in the way it can be used with colours to create stark contrasts of hue and light. Gold, summer yellow, watermelon pink and orange all feature strongly, lightening the atmosphere around an elegant black base. 

 

“Colours are moving toward ‘fruit salad’ shades,” says Dayle Bygrave, and paint company Resene’s designers speculate that we can expect to see the hues of sunset reinvented as relaxing interior backdrops.

 

Paint specialist Rachel Lacy of Aalto Colour agrees that colour has definitely returned to interiors.
“It is here to stay for a while. You don’t have to paint everything in your house a different colour but thinking about different rooms, ceilings and cornices would be a good start.”

 

Pattern is also an important element in interiors right now and none more so than leaf patterns. Exotic tropical palm leaves, bamboo shoots and leafy vines entwine themselves over walls and furnishings to create the feel of being surrounded by nature.

 

Interestingly, bamboo is also in fashion as a substance woven into fabrics. “It’s an eco-friendly fibre that doesn’t need pesticides to grow and is extremely absorbent,” says Lynette Rayward of fabric manufacturer James Dunlop. “Bamboo velvet is very soft to handle and people like that.” 

 

Vivienne Jablonkski from fabric company Warwick Fabrics has also noticed a rise in eco awareness.
“We are generally noticing a trend towards natural fibres and environmental products,” Vivienne says. Warwick has a range of natural linens, silks, velvets and textured weaves in simple leaf designs.

 

Paint companies are also trying to give people environmentally friendly choices as concerns about the state of the planet grow. Nelson-based company Bio Paints make a point of listing all the ingredients in their paints so customers know exactly what they are dealing with. “People want to use products that protect rather than compromise their health or the environment,” says marketing consultant Jenny Briars.

 

An Eastern influence is also becoming more apparent in interiors; with the Olympic Games in China this year, the spotlight is on Asia. Orjan Sandberg of Swedish wallpaper company Sandberg believes the Asian influence – particularly that of Japan – will be a strong one. The mixture of simple Asian elegance with just a hint of decadence fits perfectly with the new season’s mix of quietly luxurious fabrics and wallpapers.

The metallic gleam seen in fabrics over the past few years is still shining through, though now it’s a little more subtle. Florentine fabric company Decortex e Famiglia offer the latest in soft sheen materials with glowing colours. “Metallics are really huge in all areas – glamour, minimal, neutrals, funky,” says Rebecca Bowering of Atelier Textiles. “Although they are not necessarily shiny metallic.” A “pearlised” effect adds life to fabrics as they subtly catch the light.

 

The same effect will be seen on our walls as designers start playing with new ways to catch our interest. Glass beads, tiny crystals and even LCD lights are being added to wallcoverings. “It’s not so much ‘bling’, it’s more about opulence. It’s an eye-catching flicker that you see as you walk past,” says Pacific Wallcoverings’ Shelley Cassidy.

 

Making a comeback is a more traditional use for crystal – in tableware. Auckland design store Indice has a range of stunning clear crystal and glassware, from vases and goblets to intricately decorated wine jugs, with just a hint of coloured glass here and there. 

 

Home furnishing store Cavit & Co also stocks a  collection of crystal vases, perfume bottles and trinkets from celebrated French glassware designers Lalique that are guaranteed to add a touch of pure elegance to any room. And, if all this crystal is a little too clear cut, try pottery instead. Intriguing shapes and colourful glazes create an instantly attractive look.

 

 

STOCKISTS

Aalto Colour 0800 225 862
Atelier (09) 373 3866
Bio Paints 0800 472 468
Cavit & Co (09) 358 3771
Decortex e Famiglia (09) 303 3545
Dulux 0800 800 424
Indice (09) 376 9167
James Dunlop (09) 638 6005
Martha’s Furnishing Fabrics (09) 523 3655
Matisse (09) 302 2284
Mid Century Design (09) 522 8561
Nest (09) 522 1448
Netti & Gee (09) 379 9853
Pacific Wallcoverings (04) 237 8029
Republic Home (09) 361 1137
Resene  0800 737 363
Seneca Textiles (09) 309 6411
Spotlight 0800 276 222
Warwick Fabrics (09) 479 6466
Wild Poppies 0800 809 453