The continued financial instability has affected interior trends for 2011, meaning that two of the biggest trends are at polar opposites. On one hand a return to a simple, natural look and on the other a highly luxurious yet understated style.

The recession has made us very aware of how we spend our money, with a huge boom in people (especially city dwellers) growing their own vegetables and embracing the simple things in life. This has translated to interior trends, with a look that celebrates simplicity and ‘the good life’ with natural tones and simple woven fabrics. Heavy, slubby linens, natural cottons and earthy tones are prevalent, with few frills and trimmings. As is perhaps to be expected, we have seen some fantastic florals and branch-like patterns. This trend in pattern doesn’t stop with fabrics: wallcoverings are also embracing a botanical style with romantic floral patterns and textured papers reminiscent of bark, grass and hessian.

The other big look for next year is ‘silent theatre’ which focuses on understated luxury. Understated because people are aware that being perceived to be flashy in a recession is somewhat inappropriate, but luxurious all the same because, let’s face it, many people want luxury whatever the economy is doing! The difference here is that the furnishings are subtle and not garish. Beautiful silks and satins in a range of neutrals whisper rather than shout, and understated cotton velvets will replace the plush crushed version. We will see the focus starting to move away from gold and beige; tone of grey and silver, which we have already seen a lot of in 2010, will be a big trend for the luxurious interior. Romo’s new range, ‘Zinc’ encapsulates this understated luxury look perfectly, with silvery weaves, pleated velvets and lush embroidery. Living In Space expects to be using it often over the next 12 months!

The world in general is continuing to become more aware of eco issues. There have been some high profile ecological disasters in 2010, such as the BP oil spill, and devastating floods in Pakistan. Certain sections of society are becoming painfully aware of what the world is coming to, quite literally! Some of the big interior suppliers are bringing out environmentally friendly ranges, and they are aware that people are becoming much more interested in carbon footprint and sustainability – companies that manufacture in the UK are proclaiming this proudly, as well they should. Philip Jeffries has a whole range of ecologically sounds wallpapers made from natural materials, which are as stylish as they are sustainable. Look out for emerging eco ranges from the big names – it is becoming ever easier to be both chic and eco conscious.

The patriotic trend that we have seen all over the shops in 2010 will continue into next year. While you haven’t been able to walk a metre down the high street without encountering a union jack cushion this year, why not be a bit bolder and make a splash with the ‘VW Flag’ from the Rug Company – Vivienne Westwood’s design of a faded watercolour union jack flag. Surprisingly understated, this rug would also work brilliantly as a wall hanging and taps into the patriotic trend without being garish or too obvious.

Anita Kohn
Director
Living in Space