Autumn/Winter 2008 Home Design Trends

Author: Jo Naylor | 13/11/08 | Home Decor Ideas | Guest Designers |

Trends are a statement of our time - and more importantly a means of expressing ourselves.

Some of us are more fanatical than others, but we all follow the trends because we are living in this moment, and our choice in the high street is greater if we accept the constant evolution.

I find it fascinating, predicting the movement of lifestyle trends, but in particular how these influence my area of speciality, home furnishings. I study colours, textures, and the shapes involved in design as a natural instinct through media and retail markets, and observe the trends as they are evolving.

Since the 1960’s, society has increasingly embraced individualism. The trends and therefore choice is even greater today, appealing to a variety of cultures, habitats and personalities. This may cause bewilderment when re-decorating and I hope to inform, inspire and guide with the following trend report for Autumn/Winter 2008, along with a summary on evolving trends in home interiors and some design tips.

Autumn/Winter 2008

Highlighted below are three main group trends for this season, with key words to help illustrate the influences. I have included the colour palette, and their neutrals which are always required for a successful foil, and described the styles of furnishings and accessories that help create this look.

MODERN ETHNICS - Strong & earthy, funky leaves and large bold patterns.

Warm palette of:

Red - Poppy, Flame, Ruby
Oranges - Pumpkin, Terracotta, Saffron
Neutrals - Cocoa, Mocha, Honey
Greens - Olive
Yellows - Ochre, Paprika

Furniture - Dark chunky woods, rough sawn, Leather and heavy chenille furnishings.

Accessories - Wooden carvings, bold dried flowers, faux fur throws, deep pile rugs and hand made woven storage boxes.

RETRO FUSION - Re visiting the best designs of the 50’s and 60’s with 2000 appeal, bold geometrical patterns and stylised floral trails.

Cool palette of:

Blues - Ice, Duckegg
Greens - Eau de Nil, Jade, Teal
Neutrals - White, Chocolate, Mocha, Linen, Mushroom
Reds - Ruby, Claret, Mulberry

Furniture - Oak or teak embellished with brushed steel, mainly square and sometimes curvy, Leather & cotton coverings.

Accessories - Chunky pot ornaments, Roman blinds, Hand painted Canvases, wooden floors and patterned rugs.

ANTOINETTE ELEGANCE - Imagine the palace of Versailles in its glory, brocade damasks, and stripes, silk, taffeta, velvet & graceful curves. Natural, matt fibres mixed with affluent sheens, and gilded whispers.

Mixed palette of: