In our recent Moment Masters discussion of 2015, we brought together a panel of experts including our Industrial Design Director Simon Browning, Sally Nettleton and Sarah Shepherd from TrendPulse, digital expert Will Brocklebank, interior designer Richard Randall and Heloisa Righetto from WGSN to discuss the prominent themes and trends that we will be found throughout homes in 2016.
Blurring of boundaries in the home
The home will no longer be formed of self-contained rooms. Instead, the house will be looked at as a whole, with light and space being created by bringing the outside in and generating a sense of flow between the rooms.
The bathroom has become a place where we want to spend time rather than it being a necessity in the home. This movement will bring increased emphasis to finishes within the room, with taps and tiles becoming the focal points of the space.
Curation by craft
Over the last year, consumers’ desire for products has been driven by the reinventing craft, with young designers using traditional techniques to manipulate modern materials. Taking inspiration from spas we expect consumers to bring this form of craft to their own homes, using foliage to generate a sense of calm and serenity.
Texture and natural finishes
The bathroom will contrast the clinical minimalism found in the kitchen, with the use of wood and texture to re-create the look and finish of different materials. It will no longer be a scary place for delicate items, as material developments allow us to have products in the bathroom that wouldn’t have been seen in years gone by.
Grey is the new taupe and brass will be big
The use of warm finishes including gold, copper and brass, against pastel colours and neutral bases will be prevalent in 2016. Brass metal will be the primary choice as a finish complemented with the use of soft pastel colours, and pinks. The bathroom will consist of more greys and concrete finishes.
Adaptable design
The inclusion of products and features that enable us to adjust the mood of our home will allow us to maximise the space we have.
Small, portable accessories in the bathroom will be important in creating these adaptable spaces. Whether it is the lighting, temperature or water pressure, we like to be in control, and these features will enable us to personalise our home.
Storytelling in the home
Our homes will no longer be for show; design narrative will be used to demonstrate individual personalities. The increased confidence with design means that choices will be made on personal preferences.
Global influence has allowed inspiration to be taken from around the world, with trends becoming functional and able to fit into everyday lifestyles rather than simply for design purposes.
Quantified Lifestyles
The ‘Connected Home’ will feature heavily in 2016, with the constant access to information enabling us to make changes to the home without actually being there. From eco and cost saving, to general ambience and lifestyle choices, these technological developments are changing the way we live.
The balance between futuristic technology and products which are accessible to everyone will be extremely important. The Mira Vision Dual enables us to set the water temperature without being in the bathroom, while interactive apps will allow us to feed our pets whilst in the office.
Inspiring retail
Retailers such as John Lewis will lead the surge in inspiring and assisting us in the personalisation of the home. The explanation of products that are available and how their technology can help improve specific rooms will become an increasingly popular service.
The development of bespoke items means that technology needs to be beautiful and practical at the same time. The story behind the creation of the product will be fundamental in the decision of whether or not it will be purchased.
Will you be renovating your home using these trends?
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