With a new year upon us, there’s no better time to give your home a refresh. There are a multitude of trends for this year that are worth considering, and many of them apply truly practical solutions. From beautifully soothing colours to functional decorative elements, there are plenty of great ideas out there. We’ve even thrown in a few organisational tips for those who don’t want to make a major investment, but are keen to start the year with a revamp of their space.
Mix and match
A notable trends for this season is the blurring of lines between the interior and the exterior, particularly when it comes to furniture. This is a practical idea that can save you space and money. Metallic chairs, for example, can be lined up at the foot of the bed to create a distinctive feature. They’ll also come in handy when you’re hosting guests, and need a few extra seats out on the patio or in the garden. Lanterns are also hugely versatile, and work brilliantly to brighten dim corridors and staircases. And they can be easily shifted to illuminate paths and walkways that lead to your front door or into your back garden.
Find a purpose
As rents rise and people are forced to downsize – both in the UAE and abroad – this year will see a push for more functional decorative pieces. With no space to waste, those aesthetically pleasing trinkets on the kitchen counter, bathroom sink or bedside table should serve a purpose. Stores such as Zara Home and H&M Home are ideal for items that are useful and pretty, be it serving trays that double as charming centrepieces or sturdy candlestick holders that prop up books on your shelves.
Colour code
If you’re looking to add more colour to your overall decor, consider following Pantone’s advice. The organisation, best known for its colour-matching system, recently announced its 2016 Colour of the Year – and it’s garnered a fair amount of attention. For the first time, Pantone selected the blending of two shades so, over the next 12 months, look forward to seeing a calming palette of Serenity, a cooler, tranquil shade of blue, and Rose Quartz, a soft shade of pink. Consider organisers, sumptuous cushions and lampshades featuring delicate motifs, all in rose quartz. If a new coat of paint is what your interior needs, the colour Serenity is an ideal option, particularly for your home-office space. Blue, after all, is said to help increase productivity and creativity.
Look to local
The UAE’s design scene has evolved significantly, so now is the time to invest in pieces by local and regional designers. Not only will they offer a new twist to your decor, but you will also be supporting talent closer to home. If you are looking for investment pieces, explore places such as The Design Shop by S*uce and O’de Rose, which stock a quirky assortment of Middle East-inspired pieces, ranging from boldly coloured upholstered chairs to edgy calligraphy-covered footstools. For items that are more cheap and cheerful, consider a visit to Global Village. While it’ll take some time and patience to sift through what’s on offer, we promise there are gems to be found. You don’t have to go all-out with this aesthetic – one or two regionally inspired pieces will look great when paired with contemporary, streamlined furniture, resulting in a more eclectic, authentic look in your home.
Go natural
Embrace one of our favourite trends of the season by introducing accessories made from natural minerals into your home. While polished amethyst and quartz have been popular for some time, this year calls for more practical applications. Give your kitchen an overhaul and replace your current countertops with granite or, if you prefer to keep things simple, invest in slate coasters or copper candleholders.
Do the math
Another favourite style is the use of geometric tiles. Sure, the tile backsplash trend has been going strong for a while, but why not look beyond the kitchen? Checkered floor tiling produces a classy yet understated feel when placed in a foyer or on the front porch, provided it’s a smaller space. Coloured mosaic tiles in a hexagonal or square shape work brilliantly on bathroom walls or floors. Stores such as Ace Hardware also sell self-adhesive tiles, ideal for those who are not keen on getting their hands dirty.
Green up
Whether you live in a villa or apartment, adding greenery to your abode is trendy and environmentally friendly – plants will improve air quality and lower the temperature in your home. Those who don’t have a garden needn’t be dismayed. Certain plants will do just fine indoors, though you’ll need to be extra vigilant when it comes to sun exposure and water. You will also need to think about the space in your home. Consider the areas that have recently left you musing “there’s something missing there”. Rather than going out and buying another trinket or lamp, think about whether placing a small tree or a few plants in that space might work better.
Ethically speaking
If you want to continue with the eco-friendly trend, look to sustainable pieces. Think about buying items that are derived from recycled fabrics or have been repurposed. The Urban Yogi offers charming repurposed items with a low carbon footprint, from dressing tables to statement chairs. You can also look to your own belongings to create “new” items. Take that boring wardrobe or chest of drawers, and add a few layers of darker stain for a more personalised touch. Alternatively, take those humdrum pieces and repurpose them by lightly sanding them down and painting them in a base a colour of your choice. Once dry, sand down areas that would naturally wear over time – think corners or areas that hands would have held. Wipe these sanded areas with a tack cloth and apply a finish.
Make a start
Closet cues: Changing the feel and overall look of your home isn’t just about spending money. If you don’t want to make any serious changes to your space, you can still give it a refresh by getting rid of clutter. If you come away from your wardrobe every morning with the same “I have nothing to wear” thought, despite the fact that it is overflowing with garments, it’s time to cut back. As a rule of thumb, try to apply the brutal one-year rule. If you haven’t worn it in the past 12 months, donate it, repurpose it (think turning cotton items into rags) or if it’s beyond repair, throw it out.
Shelf life: Messy shelves can do more harm to your home’s appearance than you realise. Take those old newspapers and magazines and send them straight to the recycling bin. Stack books vertically and in height order for a more structured look. The books you have no intention of reading should be donated or given away to create space. And when it comes to trinkets, try to stack them either by theme or colour to give your shelves a bit of consistency.
Top drawer: Everyone is allowed one junk drawer in their home. If, however, you find there are more junk drawers than organised ones, it’s time to make a change. Allocate a specific purpose to each drawer in your home (stationery, chargers and cables, tools, etc) and stick to it. Keep one drawer for miscellaneous items, but don’t let it get too out of hand over the next 12 months.
alane@thenational.ae
