Lately we’ve become increasingly conscious about the effects humanity has on our environment, with ecological concerns making the ‘sustainable trend’ ever more prevalent.
Ever had romantic ideas of sitting on a tropical beach, clean and pristine?
I have, however nowadays this kind of beach may not exist. Therefore, an interior design trend which can hone in on and seek connections with present day problems is the ideal way to speak the bigger truth.
Tropical Trend
Image: Nia Vaughan
The eco-mega trend achieves this and reflects humanities consciousness. Going from strength to strength, the ‘Tropical trend’ is very much in vogue and part of the eco-mega trend. We’re seeing tropical prints on all manner of products, from wall art, cushions, wallpaper, occasional items and clothing. Bringing the outdoors, in, rainforest themed designs and indoor plants create uplifting, fun interiors with added health benefits. The increased popularity of indoor plants creates a clean, oxygenating environment allowing us to embrace nature in our homes. The Tropical Trend appears to have retained its popularity, transforming from flamingos and pineapples into glamorous kitsch palm designs, incorporating metallics’ and velvets’. With sustainability at the forefront, I can see this trend is set to develop further. Which begs the question, are there any other nature inspired trends just around the corner?
The Ocean Life Trend
Its predicted, for 20/21 ‘The Ocean Life’ trend will flood our homes (no pun intended!)
Let’s get in there before everyone jumps on the bandwagon…
There will be a trickle effect shift from the ‘Tropical Trend’ to the tipping point of the ‘Sustainability Trend’ with huge emphasis on ocean life. As sea levels rise and temperatures increase, we’re seeing a surge in hurricanes and flooding. This combined with an increase in plastic pollution and the way it destroys sea life, creates an imminent problem. With such effects so prevalent, this undoubtedly will be a huge trend. Our declaration of support for the ocean will be reflected in our interiors. Designers such as Vytisk are already releasing ranges inspired by the marine environment.
The Ocean Life trend will include elements taken from the 2017 Coastal Life trend, which drew inspiration from the Hamptons. However, the Ocean Life trend will place more emphasis on sea shaped objects such as shells, clams, corals and octopuses. This trend will incorporate, long-lasting stealthy investment pieces, which have been ethically sourced and meet the requirements of the socially responsible. Uncertain times, will result in highly creative designs, textures and colours on tiles, flooring and ceilings. Also, improvements in technology will see media within our home incorporated seamlessly with designs.
We’ll see a mix of inspiring shades such as blues, greens, and purples replicating underwater nature. Supporting this prediction is Pantone, their colours for the year 2020 will be inspired by the sea. Pantone plan on releasing blues to replicate the ocean, including browns to interpret dried seaweed and driftwood. This trend may be construed in various ways using different hues of blues, browns and greens and injections of bright colours associated with tropical fish. With greens pushing forward the natural environment, creating calm, combined with refreshing and invigorating blues.
Image: Domain
Image: Topps Tiles
Image: ExperienceInteriors/Getty Images
In comparison to other trends, The Ocean Life trend will have a luxurious, modern feel. Textured finishes will emphasize the roughness of coral or the smoothness of fish scales with prints and shapes replicated on objects. Mixed metallics may be used with printing techniques to depict shells, on tiles and decorative detailing on furniture.
The Ocean Life trend will undoubtedly embrace the eco mega trend further, raising awareness of our oceans. The use of naturally sourced materials from ethical brands will help restore balance, working towards an environment with less waste. Pushing forward the point that sustainable design shouldn’t be an optional extra.