TERRAZZO
Terrazzo circa 2018 is nothing quite like its 1970s ancestor, so best you banish any association with government buildings and utilitarianism. Gone also is its bland almost thoughtless colour palette. Chips of marble, quartz, granite, or even glass can be set into a matrix of concrete or epoxy resin to create the most stunning of surfaces, easily applicable to anything — from stairs and walls to floors, furniture and home accessories. The matrix and the aggregate too offer a vast canvas of exploring size, concentration and colour. If you love the look, but cannot commit to a full overhaul, refer wallpapers that imitate the look. From pastel colours to actual chip texture, there is a not a lot these new-gen wallcoverings can’t achieve for a fraction of the cost.
PLANTS
Indoor plants have seen a huge revival, but long gone are lone, poorly potted green apologies. Over the past year, indoor plants have become a design sub-set all their own; from hanging baskets and large scale almost-trees to lone stems in glass vase and what can only be described as mini indoor forests, we have finally come whole circle to our natural inclinations of feeling one with nature. This is the year of the ‘patterned’ plants. According to Pinterest searches for ‘pattern plants’ is up 533 per cent, and rightly so — they provide texture, drama and variety for not much effort. Here are my three rules for the perfect indoor plant settings. First, chose a variety of species — they will bring diverse patterns, heights and colours. Second, invest in a few plinths — these will help layer your plants when you are setting them up — and I do recommend bunching in corners. Lastly, invest in your pots. Look for diverse colours, textures and materials, but try not to stray too far from an Earthy palette.
BOLD WALLS
This is after all, the year of Purple, so this advice should not come as a surprise. What is interesting though is the manner in which purple has opened the door to an entire catalogue of bold, brassy colours. Dark, jewel tones like turquoise, rubies, and even indigo blues are all the rage — the way to apply them though, requires the same brassiness that these colours exemplify. I recommend you go all out and paint an accent wall a deep, vibrant hue. It will bring together your room in unimaginable ways. Now, about purple. Accent it with bright greens and yellows, or go mellow with light grey. If going all out is too much of a commitment, invest in seasonal cushions and throws.
URBAN NOMAD
While a certain politician would have you believe in the merit of dividing walls, humanity is doing the opposite. It is building bridges and welcoming others. We are, in this age of technology and fast travel, nomads. We are conscious of our own culture, but are just as embracing of another’s way of life. We intermingle belief systems, opinions and heritage; we happily coexist. This universality reflects in our interiors as they continue to be informed by our travels to far off lands and friends close to our hearts. This ‘trend’ is a way of life; within your space, showcase your world view via a carefully curated mix of artefacts from the world over. This is the perfect opportunity to let all your favourite travel finds take centre stage. You don’t have to worry about an order or presentation — the beauty of this look is the effortless intermingling. Bring out your Grandma’s rugs, and scour the market for diverse, obviously ethnic soft furnishings that will layer the look into a celebration of diversity.
