Looking Back: Design Trends Over the Years

By: Rick Hess/Mae Case

Interior design trends are reflections of the lifestyle changes we embrace in society. As our mindsets and attitudes shift about certain behaviors and ideals, it’s often reflected in the built environment surrounding us. Design Institute of San Diego has noted that recent interior design trends seem to focus inward: a step back from using technology as a room’s focal point and opting for knowledge and enrichment to take the center stage instead, open spaces that can be customized easily to fit the demands of a family’s day-to-day needs, customization to suit the owner’s personality, and a continued acceptance of building spaces with a strong connection with nature and that promote health and well-being.

Interior Design Trends Over the Years

Slow Tech

Doesn’t it seem that technology has taken over the world?  Well, not just yet.  Buildings may be incorporating some of the latest technology on the market, but we at Design Institute of San Diego are starting to see interiors that move the focus away from the digital screen and back on books.  We’re noticing more homes incorporate full libraries as well as making books and bookcases a focal point within the design.

Cost Efficient Spaces

Homes around the world are no longer divided into multiple rooms separated by walls.  Clients on a budget, such as the clients of the MJE Home, want to make the most of their space.  “They wanted to have an apartment that could adapt to host a different number of people depending on the time of the year, but they didn’t want to have their space divided into a lot of small rooms,” according to design studio PKMN. In response, the designers equipped the home with a central rotating wall that allows for multiple functions within one space, including living, dining and sleeping.

Customized Interiors

With such a huge array of furniture and materials to choose from in today’s design market, it is getting easier for clients to customize their spaces.  Interior designers are continuing to incorporate natural materials, stylish finishes and integrated storage into their designs.  This Paris apartment for a fashion designer shows us how spaces can be aesthetically pleasing while also incredibly efficient, and completely customized.

Health and Well-Being

Interior designers are increasingly responsible for designing environments that actively promote health and well-being.  This has been a trend and will continue in the new year.  One example, the Ballarat Community Health Primary Care Centre, “creates a new approach to delivering quality and affordable healthcare … inspired by the benefits of contact with nature and community,” according to architectural firm DesignInc.  An atrium runs through the building provides the space with natural light and ventilation.  Particularly as it ties into sustainable strategies, designing healthier buildings will surely be a trend to stay.

A Connection with Nature

Who doesn’t enjoy an interior that has a direct connection to nature?   There has been a definite increase in the use of natural materials, especially within kitchens.  With an increased focus on sustainability and designing spaces that promote health and well-being, we at Design Institute predict that warm woods, reclaimed materials, and bringing the outdoors in through daylighting techniques will continue to thrive as an interior trend.

As a whole, society continues to embrace sustainability and it has shown in our built environment for the past several years. We are seeing a desire for simplicity and efficiency in our homes and commercial spaces. We’re excited to see these trends pop up throughout the year and follow where they lead us going forward.

Sources

“Design Forecast.” (2016). Metropolis, 108-113.

http://www.archdaily.com/632489/ballarat-community-health-primary-care-centre-designinc

http://www.dezeen.com/2015/10/25/sabo-project-hike-paris-apartment-renovation-mezzanine-staircase-interior-france/

http://inhabitat.com/elegant-yo-home-fits-a-two-bedroom-house-into-a-single-one-bedroom-apartment/

http://fmdarchitects.com.au/cross-stitch-house/

http://www.dezeen.com/2014/08/28/long-brick-house-bookshelf-foldes-architects-hungary/

http://www.dezeen.com/2016/01/10/mje-house-pkmn-architectures-apartment-spain-rotating-walls/

http://www.towncontractors.com/5-trendy-remodels-youll-want-in-your-home-in-2016

http://www.archdaily.com/775043/the-noodle-rack-lukstudio

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/58454857/list/25-design-trends-coming-to-homes-near-you-in-2016

http://m.interiordesign.net/articles/11310-design-forecast-10-trends-to-watch-for-in-2016/

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