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Peta Tomlinson

Furniture and knick-knacks add to the comfort of your home, and offer a way for your personality to shine through.
Leading industry insiders share their observations on the latest interior trends, as well as simple ways you can score the latest looks by adding a few basic pieces to your living space.
Not only does this [wabi-sabi] trend tell us to work with natural, renewable materials, but it also encourages us to take on a less-is-more approach, let go of material wants, and appreciate the things we already have
Kate Babington, Tree, managing director

In its latest seasonal interiors forecast, Lane Crawford has spied some overarching trends in functionality, materiality, colours and styles. Tracy Kwan, director of lifestyle, sees this as a result of spaces becoming blurred. “We live, work and play in the same space, and that’s often a smaller space, so our furniture needs to reflect that through being multifunctional,” she says.
In materiality, as well as technical innovation, Kwan notes a continuing appreciation of classic and natural materials, with lasting high-quality pieces the stand-outs.
Bedroom designs focus on sustainability and environmental concerns
“Conspicuous and responsible practices are having an impact as well: many materials are partly recycled, recyclable, or simply long-lasting,” she says.
Kate Babington, managing director of Tree, agrees. “With education programmes [particularly in schools], increased media exposure and advancement in technology, people now have a better understanding and awareness of the global impact we have on our environment, which in turn has caused consumer trends to shift towards more sustainable, eco-conscious products and practices,” she says.

This movement is also reflected in trends such as wabi sabi, an age-old Japanese philosophy that encourages us to embrace all things imperfect and impermanent, Babington continues. “Not only does this trend tell us to work with natural, renewable materials, but it also encourages us to take on a less-is-more approach, let go of material wants, and appreciate the things we already have.”
In tandem with the upcycling trend, more and more textiles are being made from plant and fruit fibre – like hemp, coffee grounds, pineapple and banana – which Babington says are “incredibly durable” and sustainable alternatives.
“Today’s leading designers are keen on incorporating renewable resources and eco-friendly practices into their work, but without having to compromise on their values and aesthetic,” she says.
“This sets a challenge to strike a balance between the two, which many designers have taken up and proven that sustainability and style can go hand in hand.”

Michelle Koller, Tequila Kola’s co-founder and creative director, adds that there’s no need to throw away perfectly good furniture to have an interior refresh.
“We’re doing a lot of reupholstery now – that’s becoming more important,” she says. “You don’t need to have a whole new look. I love the comfort of my sofas, so I pick a new fabric, and keep reupholstering.”
Bedroom designs focus on sustainability and environmental concerns
At the international furniture fairs this year Koller has spotted what she calls a “modern boudoir” look. “It’s a bit decadent, with rich colours,” she explains. Rich textures like velvets are back, she continues, “but with a modern twist” evident in more extravagant detailing.
“Beautiful motifs in velvets are being used on chairs and sofas, but if you are afraid to go for statement pieces, at least put a statement cushion on a white sofa,” Koller says. You can achieve this look in the bedroom with an over-sided upholstered headboard.
These textures pair well with a slightly industrial aesthetic that remains an enduring trend.
“Another new look that I saw in Milan, and am so happy that it’s back again, is New York retro,” says Koller. Think vintage leather sofas, and the whole eclectic mishmash of interior furnishings, as on the television show Friends.
Another trend that never goes out of style is the minimalist, uncluttered look of Scandinavian design. Pieces like the Florence B sofa from Organic Modernism have a 2020 incarnation with a choice of velvet or leather upholstery, as well as many fabric options.

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Wooden designs such as those from Joineur Family Store, also add to that pure, minimalist aesthetic that’s become increasingly popular in recent years.
As for colours, Koller says that berry hues are still showing up for winter into spring 2020, along with Pantone’s lavender-inspired colours heather rose and orchid haze. “Greens are changing from jade into a richer, almost hunter green, and teal, of course, remains strong,” she says.
Kwan finds the new season palette to be a combination of bright and bold, or muted earth tones like ochres and desaturated greens, and classic neutrals like beige. “Prints are vibrant and a little baroque – there’s a lot of floral and animal motif, with references to chinoiserie, plus some more modern geometric patterns,” she says.
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Another flash look is New York retro – think vintage leather sofas and an eclectic mix of furnishings, such as on the television show Friends – and in these furnishings by Tequila Kola. Photos: Handouts

Organic Modernism Florence Sofa, Photo credit: Handout

statement prints and cushions such as these from Tequila Kola can liven up any space, Photo credit: Handout

A Wabi Sabi Boat Wood Bench, Terracotta Ceramics and Handwoven Baskets from Tree work together to create a homely living space, Photo credit: Handout

simple wooden furniture, like these pieces from Joineur Family Store, play well into the Scandinavian trend, Photo credit: Handout

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