Scott Williams, national sales manager for Rehau Furniture Solutions
Everyone has their own sense of style and design preferences – however, trends also influence the features people opt for. While there will always be daring homeowners with bold styles who opt for bright, block colours to create a statement, many are now moving towards more natural hues that mimic the surrounding environment to create a feeling of calm.
This is echoed by results revealed in a recent campaign, Designing Different, with 59% of people saying they prefer calming and neutral tones over bold ones, paired with the addition of accessories to also inject character into the space.
Switching up colours and themes within the home doesn’t necessarily have to mean redecorating an entire space – simply selecting stand-out pieces of furniture or worktops can achieve a whole new look.
Ranges such as the Rehau Rauvisio Noir collection of monotonic matte surfaces are continuing to rise in demand, with hues such as forest green and different tones of grey remaining firmly on trend.
Greys and warm neutral colour schemes were the most sought-after for the heart of the home (the kitchen), according to the survey, as they can provide a more refined feel without being clinical. At the same time, 39% prefer white colour palettes for the bathroom, creating a sleek and modern finish that gives the illusion of a larger space.
End-users are embracing the chance to create schemes which accurately reflect their personality and style, whether this includes a mix of different coloured hues or embracing one specific colour scheme.
Adding personality
Almost half of those surveyed agreed that it is important for their home interior to look different to that of their family, friends or neighbours, showcasing the need for opportunity to insert unique design choices into a space to make it one’s own. Careful consideration around the furniture in the kitchen and bathroom brings focus to these areas, allowing homeowners’ personality to shine through.
Whether opting for a subtle or daring scheme, a range of detailed surfaces brought together make a more captivating backdrop. This can be introduced in all aspects of furniture design, with a mix of colours to truly reflect an individual’s personality with a colour scheme that is as unique as they are. The selection of shades to choose from means that there is endless flexibility and combinations when it comes to adding furniture to two of the most used rooms in the home.
The integration of different textures can bring a kitchen to life by adding individuality, using it as a way to promote original taste. A playful pairing of traditional design and modern furnishings is really coming through this year, maintaining a homely environment that offers a contemporary edge.
Maintaining consistency
Adding bright and bold colours introduces flair into the space, which gives a bespoke finish – however, to create a consistent thread, it’s worth considering how to implement surfaces or accessories to retain a clear colour theme throughout.
As open-plan living is on the rise, maintaining an element of consistency in a design is key to avoid a jarring look. Whether this is through the use of a harmonious colour scheme across spaces, or tying together the same surfaces for worktops, frontals and splashbacks, we’re seeing more people appreciate the benefits that a consistent scheme brings.
If opting for the same material across all surfaces, it’s vital a high-quality option is specified, to avoid signs of wear and tear over the years, particularly in high-traffic areas. This is supported by the 91% of people who reported that it is important that products and materials in their home are of a high quality and will last a long time. Establishing design foundations in this way will ensure a kitchen continues to look great for years to come, avoiding any fading of the colours which have been carefully picked out.
Trends have adapted to the events which have unfolded over the past year and caused a shift in preferences in the home, with a clear move towards expressing style through furniture, as well as a desire to mirror the outdoors with the use of neutral tones.
However, creating a space which is timeless also remains key, so taking into consideration the longevity of the furniture in terms of both reliability and design is vital to create a long-lasting aesthetic. The abundance of colour schemes for furniture ranges provides end-users with flexibility to select the most suitable tones and hues to fit their desired aesthetic, creating a space that matches their personality.
Download the Designing Different report here
