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What do you think of when you see the colour sky blue? It's often described as the most beautiful colour in the world because of our associations with sunny days and turquoise waters. I for one am reminded of bright summer days with white criss cross stripes across the sky from the days flight traffic. Some others however, may immediately think of hygiene and cleanliness in association with sky blue as it's often found in hospital environments and gives us that reliance that the space is clean.

Whether your answer was glistening waters or the dentist chair, both these reasons are why lighter blue tones are predicted to be popular in 2021.

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First of all let's focus on how we can use light blue in interiors to brighten up the space and mostly add some fun! Many of you probably already know that the colour characteristics of blue are calming, but used in the right way can also add that little pop of fun. For example, painting architectural details like the door frames or statement coving can add energy straight away, it contrasts vividly from the white but not too much that it's uncomfortable. Another way to look at using blue in the home is in the kitchen, arguably the heart of the home, and so why do we always choose such neutral and safe designs? If this is the heart of the home surely it should sing with positivity and look the part. Light blue cupboards in either a minimal or shaker style can look bright and inviting and can be stylish with either silver or brass details.

For commercial interiors, minus the obvious healthcare sector, the workplace can benefit from using shades of blue the most as it can make us feel more comfortable and grounded, so maybe you'll find you won't be hitting stress mode quite as much (well, hopefully)...

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Following on from blue in workplace interiors, this is a sector we will see change a lot for the next decade and not just regarding using calming colour palettes. If you're a keen reader of my blog you'll have seen a post I wrote about the rise of the home office as our lives have completely adapted to Covid-19. This is something that will become the norm and the office used more like a hot desk for some industries, which means social distance design. Yep, I'm afraid social distancing isn't going anywhere, but just think of it more like personal space. Workplaces will see more partitions that are adjustable such as curtains on rails, foldable screens and even fluted glass on wheels. These screens can also be utilised to build "pop up" rooms in large open plan offices so adding functionality to the space. The hospitality industry will also see screens becoming more a part of their interior design to section off diners.

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If Covid-19 has taught us anything is that singing Happy Birthday blowing all over the cake, then proceeding to all eat a piece is one of the most disgusting traditions, why has nobody known this sooner? It's inevitable that our hygiene has taken a sharp improvement and a well needed wake up call in some cases. Hand sanitiser will most definitely be a handbag necessity. As well as the importance of cleanliness for ourselves, this time of reflection has made us appreciate that we need to treat our environment with the same cleanliness.

Our homeware choices are starting to include more recycled materials, new low carbon materials such as 3D printing, and minimal waste design solutions. We're seeing changes specifically for bathroom accessories and well as cleaning which are both high wastage. Think of all those grotty sponges we keep throwing away and leave teaming with bacteria near the side of our freshly cleaned dishes, unforgivable. We're starting to change our attitudes to reusable such as ditching the sponge for changeable bamboo brush heads. Recessed worktop sinks and drainage are also a kinder solution, allowing us to ditch the plastic bowls for a more minimal and beautiful kitchen sink.   

Romance Isn't Dead

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After this car crash of a year we need some optimism and romance to feel hopeful for 2021. That is why the trend experts have looked back to classical and romanticisations of design such as florals & fruits in extravagant arrangements, intricate pattern on architectural details and the appreciation of feminine beauty in the art form. Overall the feel of this upcoming trend is soft and poetic through the historical influences; think ripples in water; delicate fruits & botanicals; and wispy brushstrokes on art pieces.

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These images are from Pinterest 

Greens are already more associated with being a new neutral colour choice and last year forest green was the favoured shade, however now thanks to Dulux's 2020 colour of the year Tranquil Dawn, we're seeing eucalyptus greens being the go to colour as the lighter greens play a calming part in the pallet. Feminine lilacs and purples are slowly being introduced into interior colour palettes, particularly surface design, such as the Cole & Son hydrangea wallpaper that's being heavily shared on social media. I understand that you don't tend to see purple as a dominant shade in the interior design world, so using this hue as more of a highlight like through a dramatic floral spray or an upholstered dining chair will suffice. 

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Classicism interior design often has us reminded of French apartments with the excessive use of panelling, ceiling roses and boastful fireplaces, and these details are what brings the feeling of romance out of a room. We have much awe for the architectural details and high quality materials in classicism design especially when contrasted against contemporary furniture of today. There's something beautiful and grand when the styles being so different end up complimenting each other stronger. You could literally place one sofa in a heavily plaster decorated room and there would be no need for anything else, just exquisite. Taking inspiration from this classicism architecture is one thing, but it just cannot be replicated in certain buildings of today. Panelling and ceiling roses in a new build just feels out of place, but if you're blessed with the high ceilings of a Victorian terrace then you could certainly take on this look.

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Of course it's 2021 so the feminine beauty influence focuses on a body confidence and feminism message rather than of lust that would have been popular in these classism interiors that date back to the Roman times. Throughout 2020 we've already seen a lot of appreciation of the female form through mainly ceramics and illustrations and this will only continue into next year. So you can finally purchase that curvy butt vase you've had your eyes on knowing it's not going to be an in and out trend anytime soon. I think with the rise of craft due to Covid-19 people are appreciating small artisans more and more and so will purchase more unique pieces that also express their beliefs in their home, after all our homes should show people who we are shouldn't they? And if you're a die hard feminist that wants to 'free the nipple' then a female bust just says it all. 

Earthen: Trend Turned Signature Style

 

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The earthen trend has been with us over 5 years now and arguably is no longer a trend but a new style as our lifestyles start to become more eco conscious and focused on our wellbeing. Thanks to Covid-19 lots of us are favouring this earthen style to escape the anxiety of the outside world and increase the calms of nature.

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We've been adapting to the earthen trend as a society for the past 5 years. From appreciating more artisan materials and crafts to becoming a responsible plant parent (I for one have plants that are practically overtaking the house). The trend started with the influence of adding solely green hues to the popular Scandi interior colour platte of greys & whites at the time. Now that we're understanding colour is actually a very beneficial choice for our mental health and mood our interiors are warming up.  Taking inspiration from the deserts, sun dried foliage and hard wearing terracotta is where the earthen trend is currently up to. Think rough plaster walls, pampas grass arrangements and mustard linen bedding. 

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These images are from Pinterest

Obvious natural materials like cane, linen, planting and woods are used prolifically in design at the moment but the majority take on the brighter & warmer shades of apricot, burnt orange and sunshine yellows. If you prefer a moody interior you'll be glad to know a little earthen darkness will be starting to feature more heavily into 2021- taking inspiration from tropical coconuts and rocky canyons. Matching darker greens and chocolate shades together using luscious planting, quality velvets and natural dark oak help to create a more sophisticated finish compared to the sunshine side of the palette. 

The great thing about earthen is that you can get on any side of this style, whichever you choose remember the real reason behind the new earthen style. Sustainability, durability and taking more responsibilty for change. 

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Life Post Covid-19

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A world after Covid-19 sometimes feels like a lifetime away as we continue to work from home and alter our lifestyles. Although things have calmed down since March when we first went into lockdown, things are still going to take a while to get back to normal. But what is the new normal? Should we even be saying "back to normal" knowing full well there's no such definition anymore...

The pandemic has vastly accelerated the upcoming trends that were predicted for 21/22 forward such as multifunctional living and wellbeing in our homes. Being stuck at home has made many of us think about how we're living and start to appreciate the importance of interior design and the part it plays in how it can make us feel.

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I wrote a post at the start of lockdown to emphasises how important it was to create a comfortable space for your home working; no matter if it was hidden inside a cupboard or taking over the family dining table. A few months have passed since then and what we thought was a temporary fix, we now can't imagine life without having our home working stations. As we become more accepting of flexible working, and new builds continue to get smaller, the multifunctional space will be something we will start to demand from the housing market, therefore changing the way we look at potential housing in the future. As smart tech accessories increase in our homes thanks to the oh so popular Alexa, smart lighting and table lamps that double up as a speaker (thanks IKEA) we'll start to see these smart features incorporated into furniture.  

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Questioning the functionality of our space doesn't stop inside the home as we start to appreciate our garden space due to the stress and pressures of the pandemic. We're suddenly told we can't go on our summer holidays or even down the local park- and when someone tells you that you can't do something... well of course it's going to make us want to do it. So we've had to improvise and create a wellbeing retreat in our gardens. Blending the inside and outside living had been forecasted as an upcoming trend but has been catapulted forward due to us being stuck inside and May bringing such nice weather. Again with multifunctional living, potential housing properties will see much more interest by having garden space. As a result of the immediate interest in garden design, many have taken this one step further growing their own fruit, vegetables and compost which is fantastic news for the environment. Maybe in 5 years time we'll all have a 'grow your own' attitude no matter if its a tiny greenhouse on the balcony, tomato plants on the window ledge or a boastful allotment.

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One good thing that Covid-19 has brought is giving the environment a well needed break, and with us constructing beautiful gardens and starting to grow our own food the wildlife are thriving in these miniature green cities. Up-cycling is another way we've been helping to address the worlds waste problem. Just because trends and styles change doesn't mean you have to buy brand new pieces, and with the shops shut during the pandemic we look to what we already have. Think outside the box by using wood stainers or cane to design masterpieces you'll feel proud to display in your home. Arguably the social media app Tik Tok has got our creative juices flowing as we've been jumping onto trends like geometric and free hand wall painting to bring a little joy to our homes. If you're not on Tik Tok where have you been, and no it's not just for 16 year olds. I had the same mentality... until I realised how funny and inspiring the app actually is. 

Investing time into our hobbies and love of craft has never been as integral for our mental wellbeing with many of us either discovering a new hobby or an old one we forgot we enjoyed so much. There's something therapeutic and rewarding about completing something you've started from scratch. For me, I've been getting into the beauty of flower pressing as well as trying a new bake every weekend. I'm actually so impressed with what I've been able to learn, achieve, and most importantly pig out on over lockdown. 

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As a result of all the above; multifunctional living; wellbeing; love of craft and up-cycling they have all caused a catalyst for a rise in maximalism interior design. With everything going to pot, the one thing we can cherish is all our STUFF. This goes against the words of Marie Kondo in that if it doesn't spark joy, GET RID, REMOVE, BANISH... but hold on just one second there. Sometimes our stuff maybe doesn't have a purpose but being surrounded by our belongings can make us feel safe and homely, something minimalism just can't do. As long as you know that maximalism is a style that suits your personality and you're not going to just toss all these "things" out once you get bored of it, then hell yes to the maximalism interior. Be bold with a busy wallpaper choice, clashing colour and gallery walls that never seem to end.

These are just a few of the trends that have emerged or fast forwarded because of the pandemic, and we can't even see the end yet. I hope we have the same positivity as we did at the start of lockdown if a second wave does occur. Stay safe! 

The New Wellbeing Retreat: Indoor Gardens

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It doesn't take a professional to tell you that plants are on trend. They're everywhere you look! Whether they're stocked up on shelves of trendy independent shops, above our heads in a city restaurant or overtaking walls in our work spaces. This all stems (ironic, I know) from the trend of wellbeing that started making an appearance a few years ago and is still present today. That's because the idea of wellbeing has evolved from a trend, I'd say it's now more of a way of life that we've all come to realise, ourselves and others.

Five years ago we were first buying mini cacti to proudly place on our desks, but now that just isn't enough. The new trend for our wellbeing is taking on a whole room dedicated to plants, welcome the indoor garden! I for one would totally take this on as a room to escape to and be at home with all the plants. There's something dreamy about sitting in a room floor to ceiling with tropical palms, and as homes are becoming smaller with no gardens at all this is the perfection solution. Those in apartments could make their whole main living space a tropical oasis or just focus on one section such as a window ledge, table or bathroom to go overboard with. In fact bathrooms are a great place if you want low maintenance due to the moisture.

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These images are from Pinterest

If you're lucky to have a conservatory then this would be the ideal place as it's more or less a greenhouse, your plants would thrive in this environment. I for one am against a conservatory and think they're a total waste of space that is either too hot or too cold and I'm thankful that sales in conservatories aren't as popular as they used to be. If you're one of the many who hardly uses this room why not transform it into your garden room, complete with a swinging macrame chair? You could make the conservatory unrecognisable and allow your house to flow into the outside space. Some may prefer their retreat to be more opulent and a place of grandeur just like the old summer rooms of the 1920s that indicated a symbol of wealth. If your style is more traditional then use colours, fabrics and furniture inspired by these 20s interiors to make the space feel unique and rich.

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These images are from Pinterest

These images are from Pinterest

If you're liking the sound of the 1920s garden rooms but these are too boujee, how about taking the inspiration internationally? Morocco is one of the most colourful places in the world and is one of my dream locations to holiday, just to soak up all the beautiful pattern and colour. The colour trends at the moment of pink and green, as well as apricots and peaches are all inspired by Moroccan locations. Try to use these colours to contrast against the plants in your indoor garden. This could prove a really transporting retreat to escape to and feel completely exclusive to you.

How To Create A Home Office

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Given the certain circumstances of, oh you know... that global pandemic that's kind of ruined all our plans for 2020? Yeah, that one. Starting with C and ending with 19? You all know what I'm talking about, and let's face it it's all anyones talking about.

Now more than ever, has it been vital to dedicate an independent space for working from home as most businesses adapt to remote working. We've been performing this for almost a month now so I'm certain many of you will have your home office up and running, but if the space you're in isn't really motivating you then have a look at these inspirational home offices and put their style into practise. Wether you're working from a fully equipped office, kitchen island or dining table, listen up!

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These images are from Pinterest

Surrounding yourself with colours and patterns that stimulate motivation is the key to creating the perfect home office. For example, if you work in a creative role filling your space with pattern and clashing colours for an uplifting and positive energy may benefit you. When you sit in the space you're feeling upbeat and creative, rather than struggling with creative block. If the thought of colour scares you or you're in need of some calmness, using natural materials in the most minimal way can help to keep the focus on your work by only placing what is necessary on the desk. Yes that houseplant is necessary before you even think of taking it away. Plants are a great way of lowering our stress levels!

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If you're in a tight flat I can understand that finding a space to work can be tricky. However, it is important that you have your working space away from your bedroom and even your sofa. Associating work with your sleeping quarters can be a distraction and when the time comes to getting those 40 winks your mind is constantly ticking with jobs that need to be done tomorrow, all because your paperwork is staring you right in the face!

One solution is alcoves, these little nooks can be a great place for a small desk. If you're not in a space that has alcoves a floating shelf can be transformed into a desk. Perks of using deep shelving as a work space means you can easily convert it back to being a standard shelf once you're done with work for the day.  For even more of an impressive workspace why not quite literally hide your desk inside a large cupboard so that when you're done for the day you can simply shut the door on the world of work and forget it's even there.

More than anything I for one am looking forward to the world after Covid-19. Not just to have my freedom back, but to see the changes for good in our day to day routine and to finally be putting our lifestyle first. Work comes in a close second, but with the growing concern for our mental wellbeing flexibility in working was long overdue. 

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