So this week Dulux announced its colour of the year for 2017 as part of its annual global Colour Futures trend forecast. And the colour is....(drumroll please)...'Denim Drift', a shade the paint company describes as 'a beautiful, timeless and versatile grey-blue.' Here it is (see pic above) - what do you reckon?
What I reckon is that it's pretty similar to the colour we used to bluewash The Pink House's basement Den - see previous makeover post here, and below is a pic of the room. We actually used Farrow & Ball's Stone Blue (sorry Dulux), but the effect is pretty similar. Ooh check The Pink House going all ahead-of-the-trends! We might have to rebrand...The Blue Basement anyone?
The Pink House Den/Photo: Susie Lowe
Anyhow, all this talk of trends got me thinking about what else will be new in the wonderful interiors world next year. And so I thought I'd ask those-in-the-know for their thoughts. Please be upstanding for some of the UK's top interior bloggers, and their so-accurate-it's-almost-magic forecasting tips...
Kate Watson-Smyth: Mad About The House blog, and author of Shades of Grey
"Given the seismic events of 2016 and the resulting uncertainty in the markets, I think there will be a return to the old ‘don’t move; improve’ adage, as people decide to stay in their homes and ride out any economic uncertainty. This usually heralds a period of bold ideas in interiors, as the bland beige that appeals to prospective buyers is dumped in favour of design decisions we want to live with."
GET THE LOOK: Go bold in your home with edgy décor from Buster + Punch, such as their Rockstar Whisky Bar (£3,700), and graphite Hooked 1.0 wall light (£245) - see pic below.
Buster + Punch Rockstar cocktail cabinet and Hooked wall light
Kimberly Duran, Swoonworthy blog
"One theme I feel will be strong in 2017 is a return to nature. Bringing the outdoors in is nothing new but the influences will be taken from our love of the coast surrounding this fair island: think cool blues, greens, greys and pearl whites. Minerals like agate and marble will be used as accents throughout the home, while plants and botanical motifs will continue to be a big trend. Reflective surfaces such as glass, mirror and gold will add the sparkle."
GET THE LOOK: Audenza's marble and brass side table (£325, see pic, below) combines natural marble with a bit of bling, so you can nail two trends in one. Buy the brand’s copper planters (small, £24.99; large, £54.99) and bring botanicals into your home, too.
Audenza table and planters
Molly Forbes, Roost blog
"A big trend I've noticed on Pinterest, and which I’m expecting to gain momentum, is the comeback of cork. I'm seeing it used to cover entire walls in stylish home office spaces, and as an alternative to the DIY blackboard feature walls that were so popular a couple of years ago. Used against a monochrome colour palette cork adds an extra layer of texture and interest which works really well in a room that needs to function as a practical working space."
GET THE LOOK: This stylish cork and copper vase from Barnaby & Co (£29, see pic, below) is an easy way of working a touch of cork into your home, and would suit colourful décor as well as a monochrome scheme.
Barnaby & Co vase
Fiona Reid, Copperline blog
"Personally, I’m not that keen on trends as such. If feels as if trends encourage consumption of products, and the constant desire for new ‘things'; I prefer having fewer things and choosing well made pieces that will last. If there is one ‘trend' I can really get behind, though, it’s for handmade items; things made using traditional skills, and by smaller businesses, wherever those businesses are based."
GET THE LOOK: These colourful Sahara storage pots by Yonder Living (from £34 – see pic, below) are woven by hand by Berber tribes in the Sahara Desert and made from natural raffia stalks and dyed wool. Each pot is a one-off with its own unique design.
Yonder Living Sahara pots
Anna Lysik, Don't Cramp My Style blog
"In 2017 homes will embrace retro style with quirky coloured fabrics and oversized geometric patterns. We’ll see the leafy greens of old school plants combined with bold colours, 70s- and 80s-style. At recent exhibitions I’ve noticed young, up-and-coming designers are inspired by classic 1980s designs, instead of futuristic fashions. I think 2017 will also be the year where we’ll focus on sustainable, eco-friendly designs, designers and products like never before."
GET THE LOOK: Use Paint by Conran’s vibrant range (see pic, below) to create a geometric wall like this one, which uses Terracotta Pot, October Squash and Dandelion Puff to retro effect.
Paint by Conran
Abi Cooke, Sofas & Stuff blog
"While exotic colours and patterns have been a real success in 2016, 2017 will see the introduction of more natural shades, particularly pastels. Pastel colours have been a rising trend in 2016 and their popularity is set to continue into 2017. The pretty, tranquil atmosphere that pastels bring to interiors will ensure these shades’ success next year; we’re excited to see how these subtler colours will transform interiors in 2017."
GET THE LOOK: The Sofas & Stuff Fentbury large sofa in Barra Kashmir (£1666, see pic below) creates a calming vibe; its soft, subtle hue works well with white and other neutrals. Add colour-pop cushions or throws for a more eclectic look.
Sofas & Stuff Fentbury large sofa
Bianca Hall, French for Pineapple blog
"We’ll see a move away from the darker greys in 2017 as people realise how much colour effects mood. For lovers of dark interiors they’ll be replaced by dirty teals, blues and greens and even burgundys, which can look just as dramatic, but are more upbeat. Browns will make a welcome comeback, bringing some much-needed warmth and life into homes. Think deep dark chocolate, right through to pale camels and tans. Just don’t call it beige!"
GET THE LOOK: Farrow & Ball’s Tanner’s Brown (Estate Emulsion, £39.50 for 2.5L, see pic below), with its warm red undertones, will bring that 2017 warmth into your home.
Farrow & Ball Tanner's Brown
