INTERIOR FASHION FADS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM
‘Fast fashion’ is a concept that we normally apply to clothing but at interior design studios in London, there are more frequent conversations about the longevity and sustainability of the projects we install.
I’ve often found ‘less is more’ trends survive the test of time – simple, chic and enduring combinations underpinned by quality materials and exquisite craftsmanship. That doesn’t mean interior designers can’t embrace the ‘of the moment’ fashions. It's knowing how to combine fashion fixes with longevity that matters, avoiding expensive mistakes along the way.
If you’ve been tempted by an interior look but are worried about making a long-term faux pas, here’s our quick guide to current fads and timeless fashions.
Keep: timeless classics
Open plan spaces
The days of keeping everything closed off have been left in the past but how we approach open plan living is still up for interpretation. Many homeowners are finding vast spaces hard to heat and keep warm, so we envisage a degree of flexibility – double doors and sliding ‘pocket’ partitions that allows spaces to be open plan or closed off, according to the atmosphere and flow of space required.
Classic elegance
The colours, patterns and fabrics in the ‘classic’ category can be used liberally without fear of dating. The starting point for elegance is always quality – high end interior design demands luxurious fabrics and wallcoverings. You should immediately think of fleur de lys patterns, damask wallpaper, linens and chenille – all in subtle shades of white, cream and taupe with soft metallic highlights.
Mid-century style
Luxury interior design from this era has stuck around, whether it’s a classic Eames chair or an Ercol dining table. Our longing for the mid-century look was reignited when Mad Men hit our TV screens in 2007, with Don Draper reminding us why the simple lines and wooden accents of the 20th century still make design sense today. Now, mid-century designs are kept from feeling too retro by the use of complementary Japandy and Scandi styling.
Caution: passing fads
The scallop edge
Everyone seems to adore the soft curves of the scallop but there’s a fine line between subtle embracement and overkill. If you’re determined to embrace the trend, opt for a painted border that can easily be covered over, rather than scalloped-edge furniture or soft furnishings, which are less practical to replace.
Dried flowers
Although they fit in with our social, sustainable conscious, the actual dried flowers will definitely outlast their fashion appeal. The good news is a dried flower arrangement doesn’t have to be an expensive splurge and if you have access to a garden or hedgerow, you can even curate your own handtied bouquet.
Terrazzo
Although loved by many, terrazzo is an absolute personal bugbear of mine. Many interior designers find it a hard material to work with, and it can be costly when specified across large expanses of walls, floors and work surfaces – especially if you have an inkling you’ll go off the jazzy pattern within a few months. If you’re set on incorporating an element of terrazzo into your scheme, we suggest creating a classic backdrop using neutral colours and adding terrazzo accessories, such as lamp bases, bathroom tumblers and even washstand-mounted basins.