The Interior Year 2017

2017 is almost over and it has been a good year for interior design in Norway, where we have started to be a bit braver. Grey walls have been replaced with more colourful ones. Plain linen and cotton have been replaced by velvet and other patterned fabrics. In addition, raw materials such as stone, metals and wood have been given a more central/focused role in interiors. We summarise what we should take with us from 2017 and what we think awaits us in the new year.

Natural materials such as stone, metals and wood have always had a central role in interiors, but in recent years we have seen a more detail-focused use of the various elements, often in combination with each other. Decorations, dishes, candlesticks, side tables, handles, fittings and fixtures are examples of this. This is something I think we will see more of in 2018, but in larger formats. Furniture, kitchens and feature walls are good examples of where this will become relevant. We are increasingly taking inspiration from retail/shop design into our homes, which is positive. They are often good at using materials in varied and creative ways, because they have to stand out from the crowd. This is now something more people want at home.

Colours are something we will see more and more of, in various contexts. We have become much 'braver' with fabrics, paint and furniture. And that is positive. In 2017 we have had both the soft pastels and the deep dark colours. The dark purple-red Bordeaux colour made a big impact at the end of the year and will probably continue into 2018. A variety of blue colours has also been in vogue, but colours such as green, red, ochre yellow and purple are ones we will see more of in 2018. Wallpaper has also made its comeback, in endless creations. Patterns, textures and natural botanical elements make today's wallpapers an eye-catcher in the home. Be creative and use wallpaper in different ways.

Property prices reached their peak this year, which got many people thinking differently when it came to utilising space. Compact solutions, areas with different uses and furniture with various functions. A room divider or a screen wall is a nice way to either divide up a room or section off a smaller area. Even though property prices are falling again, this is still a nice way to create a 'new' floor plan. If you have space, you can make it a bit extra wide, so that it can be used for storage.

It is not possible to predict what will become the trends of the year in 2018. It is easier to look back at 2017 and form an opinion about what we liked and what we were not as enthusiastic about. Take that with you into the coming year and use the Christmas holiday to paint a wall, lay new tiles, sand floors or lie flat out on the sofa.

MERRY CHRISTMAS