7 Interior Design Trends in 2018

Since the middle of last year designers have been presenting interior design trends for 2018. We were not even into summer vacation yet and there were already all sorts of opinions on what materials would be in fashion in 2018, what style of furniture will be preferred, what colors will be on top or what materials and finishes will no longer be used. At furniture fairs and interior design directions were already starting to emerge, so no one could complain about entering the new year unprepared. The only problem was that the ideas were many and too diverse. I stopped at 7 of them, found most frequently.

1// Comfortable, that's the buzzword in all the magazines

In 2018 sofas, chairs, armchairs, armchairs, they all need to be pleasant and comfortable. Furniture lines are more rounded, more cushions, softer materials. They are going for the idea of creating special spaces for reading, socializing or simply lounging. There are no more clear lines in terms of style, the important thing is to be pleasant, to feel comfortable in your home. Still going for minimalist furniturebut only if it meets your needs. If you want more than that then "the sky is the limit". You can adopt whatever style makes you feel comfortable and relaxed.

2// Personalized furniture, an idea that seems to be embraced by many designers for 2018

The idea is that the furniture matches your home and your personality, which means it should be custom-made. This is not always possible, as the costs are quite different when you buy mass-produced furniture. However, I believe that at least for certain pieces you can turn to small workshops that manage to do sensational things. I refer to those new generation carpenters that you've been hearing about and who do their job with passion. You can make a bed, a wardrobe, a desk or children's room furniture so you can enjoy the benefit of something made especially for you.

3// Accepting imperfections and the fact that they can give personality to your space

It's an ancient Japanese philosophy called wabi-sabi which is not new to interior design, but looks like it's making a comeback this year. It's about embracing nature's imperfections because that's what makes it so special. That means, for example, understanding that wood is a natural material that has imperfections. The uneven color, some colorations or designs that are out of the pattern should make us happy, because that is precisely what makes it special. But this concept does not only refer to wood, stone or other natural materials. It's about whether it's okay if not all the cushions on the sofa are the same color, if the rug doesn't match the drapes, or if the bedside tables aren't both the same color. If this is the space we feel comfortable in, imperfections are acceptable.

4// Combining powerful natural materials

There is a tendency to turn to natural materials such as wood, stone, marble, clay, glass. Their combination exudes strength. The idea of strength, of determination, is also found in colors of 2018. That seems to be this year's message. This message is supported, for example, by the combination of wood and marble for the kitchen worktop. The combination is also valid within the same type of material, and wood is the best to illustrate this. Several woods can be combined so that the space is not monotonous. For example, flooring, furniture and beams can be of different, contrasting woods. Although the wood will be everywhere, the differences between the woods will create a pleasing and strong combination at the same time.

5// Using simple, original ideas to decorate your home

This year's focus is again on DIYThe home is all about hand-crafted things, simple ideas that make the space stand out. Making simple wooden poles attached to the wall with leather strips, lighting made from recycled objects, wooden bookcases and recycled pipes are just a few ideas. Everything we make ourselves for the home adds personality to the home. But simple ceramic or glass objects made by local craftspeople are good too. Because the fact that we chose them and not others says something about us and that something is passed on to the house.

6// Soft upholstery and decorative cushions

Unlike in previous years when cotton or linen cushions and floral print fabrics were all the rage, this year the trend is velvet and suede. It's the same idea of comfort we talked about at the beginning. These are fabrics that caress you and allow you to relax.

7// Color accents

When the 2018 Color of the Year article came out, there were comments saying that it's hard to keep up with this idea because you can't change the color of your furniture or interior decorations every year, much less change your furniture every year. Perfectly true. But there are ways we can stay on trend without big expenses. Just by changing the faces of the decor cushions we can bring the color of the year into your home. But it's not just about the color of the year, it's about color accents that personalize your home, that make you happy (remember, it's about comfort first). If you don't like the color of the year, don't use it. Use those strong colors that you like, that inspire you. Although it may not seem like much, you will see that these splashes of color will have a positive impact on both the space and your mood.

There are many other trends related to home furnishing, but the idea was to find some common to several designers or specialized magazines. This year's winner seems to be the idea of comfort. The fact that it's the first that matters is the most important. So, if you feel cozy and relaxed at home, you are already on trend this year.