Trends come and go but classics last forever… that’s how it goes right?
We can’t help but notice, though, that some of the interior ‘trends’ we’re seeing have been around for a long time – or they’ve resurfaced after a brief hiatus.
The question begs to be answered: Can we call them classics yet?
See more: Why you shouldn’t invest big bucks in design trends
Grey
Grey rose up in favour in 2015 when lighter, softer hues were in vogue, and has stuck around – in some form or another – ever since.
Pantone’s ‘Neutral Grey’ represented the hue in Fall 2017’s New York fashion colour report and Shaynna Blaze covers just about everything she touches in a dove grey. With its status as the new neutral, we think there’s very little chance of grey going anywhere for a very long time.
More than 50 shades of grey. Picture: Denise Braki. Styling: Allira Bell / Temple and Webster
Marble
Will marble ever really go out of style?
Natural stones will always be coveted and marble is the crème de la crème – a symbol of luxury that is at once stylish and void of ostentation.
Interior designer David Hicks says marble dipped out of favour after the GFC when people became a bit scared of luxury. “I think now people aren’t so ashamed of having beautiful things,” he says.
Marble has become such a classic that you can even find it in laptop cases. Picture: Neue Blvd
Craftsmanship
These days there’s much more willingness to pay a bit more for homewares that are beautifully made or possess quality craftsmanship.
It may be trendy to say you have a Mark Tuckey coffee table or Dinosaur Designs bowl, but these items are more likely to become classics – not because of their name – but because of the extra detail in their design.
The difference between generic and well-made. Picture: Neue Blvd
See more: 5 tips & tricks to clean marble and granite floors
Chandeliers
Tread with caution: Not all chandeliers are classics. However, there’s no denying the crowning jewel of hanging lights has been around long enough to warrant some recognition.
The traditional crystal chandelier boasts its own vintage charm, and will add a touch of faux glamour to maximalist boho spaces. Meanwhile, more contemporary styles, like those with exposed incandescent globes, can funk up a mundane dining or living area.
Christie Turvey, of interiors and homewares e-boutique Neue Blvd, says chandeliers are becoming increasingly popular as we shift away from minimalist interiors and look to add more embellishments into our homes
Open plan
Open-plan living is not only a classic – it’s an expected design feature in any home.
In fact, it’s hard to believe there was a time when living and dining areas were sectioned off with walls, darkened in the process.
Was there ever a time when open-plan living wasn’t the norm? Picture: Denise Braki. Styling Allira Bell / Temple and Webster
“Open plan has become increasingly popular in Australian homes as it suits and agrees with our sociable way of living,” Christie says. “We’re entertaining more in our homes, so the ability to create a feeling of space and interior flow while also maximising functionality is key.”
Natural timbers
Genuine timbers – much loved by architects, designers and interior stylists across the world – have the ability to soften a cold palette and make any space instantly inviting.
“The use of natural timbers has become a ‘classic’ style in our homes because of the ability to create warmth and texture, which we all love at the moment,” says Christie.
Hardwood floors will remain a steady classic. Picture: Denise Braki. Styling: Jono Fleming / Temple and Webster
Again, timber endures for its versatility. Yellow pine was popular in the ’80s (*shudder*) and now lighter timbers and grainy textures are coming into favour.
David says we’re even seeing a return to old techniques of marquetry, where a starburst pattern is created from the timber grains set off in raw cuts of wood.
See more: A flat with Wooden Crate has been named Home of the Year
Terrazzo
Terrazzo is definitely something we’ve seen more of this year as organic patterns make a comeback, but its various applications over the years – particularly in flooring – proves these concrete-cast granites and marble chips aren’t going anywhere.
Interior designer Narelle Cuthbert says the beauty of terrazzo is that it suits both a classic and contemporary application, depending on what you pair it with. “The texture suits a variety of palettes, and you can also get different aggregate sizes,” she says. Like all classics, diversity feeds longevity.
Mid-century modern
Sleek and sexy, just like Don Draper. Picture: Denise Braki. Styling: Allira Bell, Jono Fleming / Temple and Webster
The love of Scandi interiors seems to be unwavering, but the classic style that underpins those minimal and clean lines is mid-century modern.
Jessica Bellef, head of styling at Temple and Webster, says the furniture from the 1950s and ’60s is practical and good-looking, with clever designs that have remained constant throughout the decades. “Key furniture pieces in iconic shapes, such as a handsome sideboard or a sleek but comfortable armchair, have become staples,” Jessica says.
“The simplicity of mid-century modern furniture design makes it an easy style to work into any interior scheme. Time has proven that this versatile style has longevity, making it a classic look that will continue to inspire new generations.”
Greenery
While bohemian spaces will always have a need for greenery, other styles do too.
Pantone’s ‘Greenery’ was named the colour of 2017, and while this hue makes many recoils in horror when conveyed through paints and textiles, the colour in its natural form is almost neutral. It may be bright, but it’s natural.
Move over fiddle leaf fig, it’s the elephant ear’s time to shine.
Indoor plants
See more: How not to kill your plants during holidays
“A quick look at Pinterest will reveal how much people are loving indoor plants,” Jessica says. “Super keen green thumbs might create a jungle of them, while a single white potted orchid will suffice for more restrained growers.”
“Plants add a fresh energy to a room; they purify the air and are more cost-effective than buying a bouquet of flowers every week. They’re a key decorating element that has reached beyond trend status – even if certain varieties of plants wane out of popularity (move over fiddle leaf fig, it’s the elephant ear’s time to shine) the idea of adding some greenery to your space is a solid decorating classic that we can all draw on.”
Originally published as Trends that have become classics in the home by Alice Bradley. Author at realestate.com.au.
