October 24, 2024
If your business is even tangentially related to the world of interior design, then you'll want to pay attention to seasonal changes in the tastes and preferences of your customers. This is an industry that's being influenced by several major trends at play in wider society. Let's consider a few of them, and how they might factor into the offering of your design firm.
Consumers across the economy are increasingly motivated by environmental concerns. If there's a product or service available that inflicts less environmental damage than the alternatives, then that product will tend to enjoy the favour of the market – especially among younger people, who tend to be more environmentalist.
In the world of interior design, there are many decisions that might influence your environmental footprint. Green materials, like bamboo and reclaimed wood, or low-VOC paints, can help you to create the right impression on your would-be buyers.
The right technologies, used in the right way, can be truly transformative. Voice-activated lights, entertainment systems, and thermostats can make life home life much more convenient. For disabled and elderly people, they can be particularly useful, as they're more than merely convenient – they can make independent living possibly where it might otherwise not be.
Security cameras and other wireless devices are more affordable and easy to install than ever – which makes them even more appealing.
Design businesses should therefore think about how they might improve their products and services through the use of the right technology. In the future, it's likely that the so-called 'smart home' will become the default. Fail to embrace the change, and you risk being left behind.
In some cases, the space you're using might be limited. In other cases, you might have a large space that you'd like to feel even larger. This is where the right kind of furniture can make a difference. Ideally, everything in a given interior should serve multiple functions. For example, you might have the underside of your bed double as a storage area for quilts and blankets.
Of course, another way to save space in an interior is to make use of the space you get over head height. You might install shelving units in blank areas of wall, or install heating into taller, narrow alcoves. Column radiators are available in sleek, attractive designs that will appeal to a range of clients.
In some cases, bespoke furniture is necessary to fill a particular empty space in the home. The awkward wedge shape formed by the underside of a staircase, or a low-hanging roof, might provide a home for unique storage spaces.
Green elements have a proven positive impact on human psychology. As a species, we've adapted to crave green spaces – since, in nature, these tend to indicate shelter, food and water. You can exploit this preference by including natural elements – including plants – in your design.
Water features, plants, stone and timber elements can all be effective. The same can be said about natural light – which is why larger windows can be a game-changer. So-called biophilic design has been linked to superior productivity and mental health outcomes – which makes it great for both commercial and residential developments.
One trend that's resurgent in the modern era has nothing to do with new research or technology. Big, brash and bold colours and textures are firmly back on the design menu. The more eye-catching the décor, the greater the opportunity for expressive spaces that speak to the personality of a particular person. If your business wants to appeal to particular clients, then bold colours and patterns might be a way to create bespoke designs that will appeal.
Of course, it's easy to go too far with maximalist design. Generally, it's a good idea to limit the excess to particular parts of a given floor, or room. For example, you might have one wall act as a 'feature' wall, and paint it with a bold or vibrant shade, leaving the rest of the room to act as a subtler backdrop.
Colour theory might inform your choices, here. However, for a certain kind of business, it makes more sense to take a risk. Some restaurants build their brand around a maximalist ethos that occasionally veers into tackiness – but which customers find charming.
When you have a strong idea of the purpose behind your business, you can make better, more informed choices about your décor.
