It’s the start of a brand new year and with that comes a whole lot of trend predictions – what will be hot in the design world in 2018?
While we may want our homes to feel timeless and our décor to last forever, there’s no denying that trends play a large role in the decorating process. Just like any great outfit is influenced by a mix of trendy accents and personal style, the best interiors reflect personality while showcasing a few pieces that make it feel current…and that’s where trends come in.
The trick to decorating with trends is twofold. First, use them sparingly, and focus on the ones you see yourself adopting for a long time. Second, look ahead to the trends that are on their way up, as opposed to the ones that are fading—that way your décor will feel fresh for longer.
I have put together a little list of some trends that I am tired off, and what I am excited to see more of in 2018
- Metal – copper vs bronze
I am over copper. Especially the “very shiny-looks-like-it-was-made-in-China-kind.” I think this year we will see a move towards more burnished metals where the material is more authentic and brushed. Bronze and blacker metals are predicted to be more popular this year.

Reclaimed timber – DIY vs authentic
There is a lot of reclaimed timber out there that has just been done wrong! I still like the idea of reclaimed timber – I have used it countless time in various interiors – but I think it needs to be used sensitively and appropriately, not just as a cost effective DIY material. Natural more authentic materials including timber is going to be a big trend.

- Decorative details – Macrame’ vs embelishments
I think Macrame’ has its place in a Boho styled interior, and maybe in a nursery adding some interest, but that’s about it. For me this trend is up there with flamingos, pineapples and unicorns – which don’t get me wrong I love – but I think are rapidly approaching a sell by date in 2018. Pom poms, embellishments, fringing and traditional details are predicted to dominate furniture and décor accessories this year.


- Lighting – Edison bulbs vs mid century light fittings
These have dominated interiors for the last few years but I do think they have now had their time to shine. I am personally loving the nod to Mid-Century inspired light fittings which I think will expand in the year to come. There seems to be a definite nod towards more vintage light fittings in 2018.



- Pop colours vs tonal colours
I think the drama of a ‘pop’ or contrast colour in an interior is been phased out and replaced with a more tonal colour approach this year. What that means is that spaces are designed entirely in the same colour family. This creates a very minimalistic harmonious and peaceful space. I love this trend and definitely want to adopt this into some of the projects I am going to be working on.



I will be keeping you posted as the year goes on to see how these trends progress….