Interior design is something all of us do in our homes whether we are aware of it or not. Over the past few years interior design and the home improvement market in general has seen substantial growth as many of us seek to find fulfilment from our homes. A lot of this enthusiasm is due to designers receiving more acclaim and more TV programmes featuring new design trends. Design Council Logo


In interior design there are always new designers pushing the envelope with new trends for people to try. Many designers focus on recurring trends which feature principles adaptable to different homes and situations. The following information focuses on some well known trends and explains how they can improve your home.


Art Deco


Art Deco is a trend in design which emerged during the early twentieth century. Unlike other movements from the time Art Deco’s roots were not descended from any social or political movement which is one of the enduring features that has kept it popular to this day.


Art Deco was at is most popular from the 1920s to the 1940s where its influence could be observed in works of architecture, industrial applications and of course interior design. Unlike other trends its influence spread much further into the arts in general including the world of fashion, filmmaking and art in general. This is unsurprising as the pioneers of this style openly admitted to having drawn inspiration from artists involved within the cubism and art nouveau movements amongst others.


This wide spread of influences helped to keep art deco alive with futuristic designs that could adapt to suit a variety of purposes. Art Deco works are easily recognised with their distinctive use of sharp lines and contrasting colours used sparingly. Examples of this in architecture include the Chrysler building, instantly recognisable with its sharp features and use of contrasting tones.Design Council Logo


Another aspect which prolonged Art Deco’s longevity in interior design was the inclusion of elements from other cultures and professions. Strong influences from the time began to appear as more people received the chance to travel the world. Structures similar to pillars were used to break up sections of rooms and other icons of the recently discovered ancient Egyptian culture were used such as papyrus and the block like constructions of the pyramids replicated in architecture.


Gothic


Although originally a trend limited to just architectural uses, gothic design has gradually become integrated into many of our homes. Gothic design is one of the longest standing trends that has influenced works of fiction as well as inspiring its own unique fashion and following.


When we think of Gothicism we often think of figures such as Mary Shelley and Tim Burton. Similarly gothic inspired interior design uses strong tones and bold set pieces to make a dramatic statement. Gothic interior design matches gothic architecture perfectly however it can be adapted to a range of properties.


Dark and dull as opposed to bright and shiny floors are the best place to start. With this achieved the rest of the room should naturally follow. Rich dark tones are preferable so dark wooden flooring or flagstones work well. The tone should be continued through the use of furniture and other decorative pieces with dark reds and browns as well as black and purple being particularly effective. Dark greens and gold can also be used to add variety which is in keeping with the church like motifs and stencils commonly used.


Similar to art deco, one feature which maintains this trends popularity is the ease of availability of antique accessories and furniture to complete the look. Large and striking wooden furniture is in keeping with the style and pieces with emphasised arches and high quality upholstery also continue the church like effect. Don’t worry if you can’t afford antiques or are worried about them being damaged by children as there is a good market for reproduction pieces which can be found competitively priced.