The best interior design trends to follow

I’ve read a lot of articles discussing what interior design trends we should follow. Whilst I enjoy reading what these are and playing 'trend bingo' when I'm out and about, you can often feel like you are falling behind if you're not embracing them, as well as being costly.

I've listed the best timeless interior design trends to follow below.

Sustainability and longevity

Sustainability has been the buzz word for several years now. The phrase has almost come a bit misused. Longevity plays more to my way of thinking.

As we all feel the squeeze in our incomes, it is forcing us to consider our buying choices more closely, as well as making us think more cleverly and frugally. We are upcycling and re-purposing exiting items in our homes rather than instantly jumping into the car and heading to the shops looking for that perfect piece.

I’ve got a small bookshelf which has moved around the house acting as a child’s bookshelf and as a shoe rack in my downstairs loo, and been painted at least 3 different colours. It is currently sitting empty, but its such a useful size I won’t be getting rid of it. I know at some point it will suddenly become that perfect piece again.

Mixing it up

Thankfully this fits right into my design style.

The trend for mixing old and new items in our homes is back, whether that be a key piece of furniture or some interesting accessorise. This look lends itself to a more relaxed design style and, let’s be honest, makes living in your home much easier, particularly if you're live with family and furry pets, as I do, who don’t share my interest in interiors.

Out with the rules

While I was studying interior design we learn about rules. The rules of colours , the rules of geometry, space planning, balance, and shape, materials, surfaces and lighting.

Thankfully for every rule, I’ve also seen examples of talented designers who have completely gone against the rules, creating beautiful schemes which jars with my natural instincts.

As I look around at some of the latest room set images, it feels like those rules are being repeatedly challenged. For example, I’m seeing rooms with layers of mixed finishes, different shapes and colour pairing that feel wrong, but somehow they work!

Making a home for ourselves and our families should be an enjoyable and fun process, not restrictive, so choose your own design rules and create a space that feels right for you.

Colour wheel and paint sample swatches