Design Inspo | Interior Design Trend Report 2017

I spent last Thursday perusing all the pretty things on display at London Design Week. I’ve been asked a few times recently – particularly by friends and family who want help decorating their own spaces – what’s trending in interiors. Now, I’m not saying you have to follow even a single one of these to have an awesome home. Because, you know, you do you. Except I personally love almost all of the interiors trends in this round-up. And whether you want to follow them or not, they’re fun to look at!

So, taking cues from the showrooms at Chelsea Harbour Design Centre last week and product launches showcased at Decorex during London Design Festival, here’s what’s hot for 2017 in the interiors world.

1. Botany: Green, Greenery & Palm Prints

Plants are everywhere in interiors right now, and I can’t get enough. #crazyplantlady

The current obsession with greenery doesn’t stop with plants, though. Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2017, of course, is literally called Greenery (a fresh, yellow-green) but darker shades – especially Emerald greens – were on display all over too.

Taking it one step further, palms and banana leaf prints are still everywhere, with lots of affordable versions on the high street now as well.

2. 80s-Inspired Geometry

Crisp, 80s-inspired graphics are having a resurgence. I especially like this look when it’s applied to lighting.

Pattern-on-pattern was big when I was little. Think matching everything – bedspreads, curtains, cushions, lampshades…everything. It’s definitely a departure from the eclectic, mismatched look we’ve seen a lot of lately, and I’m not completely sure how I feel about it. It certainly makes a big statement, but it’s not a look I think I’ll be emulating in my own home any time soon.

3. The Global Influence

African textiles (like mud cloth) are everywhere Stateside right now. This side of the pond, we’re seeing more geometric, colourful African-inspired prints.

Others take inspiration from South America (A Rum Fellow’s new line, below, was born in Guatemala) – different continent but similarly colourful and graphic.

And although Nina Campbell’s fabric lines below aren’t new, they hold well with the global trend, taking inspiration from India to create a painterly toile. But really, when isn’t there a global influence in design?

4. Organic Materials: Rattan & Woven Furniture

The resurgence of rattan, wicker and all things organic is one of my favorite interior design trends at the moment. The seventies are back, man! And macramé with them – how cool is that knotted curtain?

5. Raw Wood Finishes

Following on from the organic vibe of rattan and wicker, we’re seeing lighter, more natural wood tones a lot, particularly paired with a minimal, Scandinavian-style aesthetic.

6. Mid-century Lines

Danish design still permeates the interiors world, with sleek, mid-century inspired furniture on display both at Chelsea Harbour and at Decorex.

The space below is in Paolo Moschino for Nicholas Haslam’s showroom. It’s a favourite of mine every time I visit Chelsea Harbour. They do eclectic so well. I mean, right here you’ve got boho, midcentury, geometrics, Chinoiserie, a bit of maybe Hollywood regency glam? (Don’t quote me on all that!) All set against an industrial brick wall. But it all works – it’s refined but not serious. Love it.

7. Refined Industrial

Speaking of refined… I love industrial design, and I’m so happy it’s sticking around. But moderation is key to pulling off industrial style well. If you live in a converted warehouse, feel free to go all-out, but if not, you can still bring an industrial vibe in by pairing industrial pieces – like the oversized floor lamp below – with softer furnishings and decor.

Industrial design mixes well with a wide range of styles, from modern to mid-century to traditional. Pair it with a delicate contrasting style, like the ornate basin below set on a welded metal base, for a striking aesthetic.

I’ve talked a lot about my love for concrete – a trend which is more prominent on the high street than it was at the design events. But other textural stone finishes capture the same vibe, like the two lamp bases below. And can I just give a shout out to that gloriously sculptural wooden lamp base? I’ve been lusting after it for literally years. If I had a spare six hundred quid, it’d be mine in a heartbeat.

The leaning toward moody interiors also, I think, takes some inspiration from industrial design. The kitchen below pairs dark upper cabinets with raw wood on the lower cabinets and island work top, combined with more traditional finishes.

8. Mixed Metals

Mixing metals has been an interior design trend for a while, but it’s not going anywhere, especially in lighting.

Brass is definitely still the metal of choice in the design world. Paired with black or white, we’re seeing some thoroughly delicious lighting design.

9. Painterly Pattern

There are a lot of lovely watercolour-esque fabrics and wallpapers around at the moment.

I’m also hugely into the Japanese-inspired shibori trend.

10. Blush Crush

Again, this one isn’t new, but I’m very glad it’s sticking around. And while blush might be the more popular pink right now, deeper shades of salmon and coral are definitely holding their own in the design world too.

So that’s my little round up of 2017 interior design trends. Are there any design trends you want to (or have already) incorporated into your home? Or are you adamantly against following the crowds?