Downtown Design's fair director Rue Kothari raises the curtain on new trends in design for 2016

In our continually evolving world, trends are harder to grasp - they seem to be continually morphing, influenced by environmental change, unforeseen events and the rapid pace of innovation. This perpetual movement creates an opportunity; to create design that is fluid and multidimensional, creating hybrids and instigating organic growth - a sentiment that gives rise to the trends for the coming year, 2016.

Next year will be about ‘moments’ of design that are global, transcending geographical boundaries, time and gender, to create ephemeral experiences that influence emotion. Nature continues to be a strong theme as our cities grow and become more sophisticated. Creating a sanctuary for our homes becomes ever more important as the digital world dominates our lives, drawing us closer to elements inspired by the natural world.



Materials and techniques like traditional weaving are used to create new forms and shapes; wicker becomes wonderful again in lamps, tables and wardrobes, dyed in bewitching colour combinations of lime green and turquoise, ocean blue and sunshine yellow.

We look back and inwards in our search for simpler pleasures: colours and textures that remind us of our childhood home, nostalgic prints and patterns, textiles that are evocative of the past but reimagined for the future. ‘Relevant Retro’ edits those snapshots of the past and layers them together in a clever mix of craft and digital, giving us the warmth of the familiar with the thrill of something new.

The strong, playful colours of 2015 will mature, pop shades are softened, pink becomes powerful with even pastel shades moving out of the bedroom and into main living spaces, accented with earthy tones. Furniture and fabrics boast multiple colour combinations, fearlessly stating their presence- from blown up digiprint carpets to sofas in gradations of blue and green.

Here is where texture comes into play - creating added dimension and sensuality; from velvet and lace to leather and fibre weaves that provide rich opportunities for depth and diversity. Natural and engineered stone are left smooth, like cool veined marble, or carved into a geometric relief for an impactful feature wall, with elements of concrete and cork adding a unique touch. Minerals move into a natural phase with raw chucks repurposed as bowls, handles and also as centerpieces - adding glamorous jewel tones.

Providing a pleasing contrast to marble and stone are hand-touched metals; beautiful, covetable copper, with its industrial feel, its irresistible warmth, that carries with it the feeling of the human hand used to make it. Designs that evoke traditional copper piping are perhaps the most familiar, making items seem repurposed and pre-loved.

Away from the black of the digital screen and into the light, from gargantuan crystal chandeliers to free standing outdoor lighting in jewel tones, it has become imperative to pay attention to the light source; employing energy efficient lighting concepts, like LED, that are kinder to the environment. Highly polished glass, laser-cut oxidised metals, pearlescent panels and mirrored walls, will not only illuminate interiors but add a layer of luxury to a space.

Accessorising the home becomes ever more fun next year. Bringing the outside in, you will see microgardens in the bathroom, air-cleaning plants in the bedroom and lush, organic vegetation on green walls and balconies. Reflecting the foliage, accessories in deep green, blue and navy add a sense of tranquility and openness, all adding to our craving for ‘quiet’ spaces that offer a respite from our busy lives.

In that, the bathroom is elevated to the most important room in the house, not just reserved for cleansing, but a place to relax, rejuvenate and revive the senses. With the accent on wellness, the aesthetic and experience is inspired by the spa, pulling lighting, aroma and music into the mix. Handmade, artisanal accessories, oxidised metallic fixtures and fittings, stone sinks and freestanding marble tubs all create a sense of glamour and indulgence.

Finally, to the traditional heart of the house. The kitchen continues to evolve from the functional domestic space to a modular living area where seamless, hidden technology and multipurpose furniture and appliance create a smart, efficient environment that is highly customised and utterly convenient.

Summary of 2016's key trends

• Nostalgic prints and retro patterns
• Nature - ocean blues, sunshine yellows and clever use of crafts
• Textures - lace, velvet, wicker and weaves
• Pastels become powerful
• Blues and greens - especially for sofas
• Kitchens become more customised 
• Stone - both natural and engineered
• Copper is the new metallic
• Think green - energy efficient lights, air cleaning plants, microgardens and organic feature walls
• Bathroom as spa