New Wave: 5 Trends in Interior Design 2016

1. Black Metal

The opinion that iron and black steel look too ornate is already outdated. Now metal, which is usually seen as the basis for outdoor furniture or vintage bed headboards, has emerged from the shadows and no longer plays secondary roles. Designers have actively embraced it and use it to make various interior items: from plumbing fixtures to tableware. Black metal blends well with wood, glass, and looks good on its own.

2. Round Furniture

It all started with the iPhone: its rectangular shape with rounded edges is recognized as very convenient and aesthetic. Modern furniture designers have adopted this feature. They believe that rounded edges can visually soften even such hard materials as marble. But for them, it's not only visual but also sensory perception: it's pleasant to run your hand along the rounded edges of furniture, to touch them. Dining tables from the Oscar collection by B&B Italia have become real bestsellers.

3. Vintage Textiles

Traditional motifs and antique items help us immerse in nostalgia, feel calm and peace. Vintage brocade, hand-woven tapestries, antique textiles - all of these will be in the spotlight of designers in the upcoming year. Strict, minimalist interiors and furniture with vintage textile accessories look much softer and cozier. Not least, dramatic, dense curtains will play a role in this year's interiors.

4. Mexican Modernism

The style of famous Mexican designers from the 1940s-60s (Arthururo Pani, Eugenio Esquerdo, Pepé Mendoza) was characterized by clean lines, whimsical decoration, and harmonious combinations of various materials: mostly wood, metal or stone. Modern decorators are genuinely inspired by the design approaches of Mexican modernists. They particularly appreciate furniture and interior items made from exotic materials such as palisander or jacaranda.

5. Scandinavian Rugs

Their secret lies in elegant, well-balanced geometric patterns, dense texture, and eco-friendly materials. Western designers are absolutely thrilled with Scandinavian rugs in national style from the early 20th century - they can easily be adapted into various interior contexts. The restraint and simplicity of Scandinavian style suit both ultra-modern and traditional interiors.

Trends to Forget

1. Pink Metallic

In 2015, copper and gold looked great as finishes and decorative elements. In the upcoming year, they won't stop pleasing the eye. However, designers recommend protecting your interior from pink shades of gold and copper, as they look too flashy, cheap, and ornate. Moreover, pink-gold tones are quite difficult to combine with other hues and styles. Designer Lindsey Pennings from Los Angeles urges to reserve copper for pots and pans, and pink gold for jewelry.

2. Edges

The world is tired of items with sharp, harsh lines that look too mechanized and rigid. Furniture and interior items with beveled edges are gradually losing relevance. Designers advocate for natural imperfection and soft curves. According to American architect Mark Zeff, a table with edges is not worth it if it's not made from real quartz.

3. Industrial Chic

In the upcoming year, the concept of industrial chic is considered an oxymoron. The garage atmosphere in one's own home no longer appeals to many. Combining the roughness of factory floors and workshops with refined, expensive furniture and fragile accessories has become quite tedious. Designers urge to switch this once trendy direction for less contrasting and more cozy styles.

4. Anti-Design of the 1960s

This was a time of complete creative freedom and protest. Creative radicals of the 1960s created radical things in opposition to traditional design norms (the lounge chair, Pratone furniture, Quaderna tables). But according to experts, mass-market brands have managed to parody the Anti-Design movement, practically drowning it in noise. Now, authentic, high-quality and well-crafted styles are in fashion.

5. Sisal and Jute

Rugs and mats made from these two types of fiber are very harsh and rough. It's not pleasant to feel their surface with bare feet, especially for children and people with sensitive skin. Undoubtedly, in certain interior styles (Japanese, Country), such accessories are quite appropriate. But designers suggest preferring other types of flooring in 2016, such as soft and warm wool or silk rugs.