More and more, homeowners are looking at their homes as a world away from the world, creating an environment which acts as a refuge from turbulent outside influences.
The result is a major shift in residential interior design, according to Dov Goldstein, director of the annual Interior Design Show, held earlier this month in Toronto.
"What began as the cocooning effect of the mid-80s has blossomed considerably as people continually search for tranquillity in their home environments," says Goldstein.
"People consider their homes a safe haven, and that has affected how much effort they put into designing their environments and the elements they are looking for."
According to Goldstein, the following trends are at the forefront of interior design:
Pattern: The re-emergence of bold patterns in wall covering, textiles and floor covering.
Outdoor Living: People wanting to spend more time in their own backyard has created the need for a greater variety of well-designed outdoor furniture, and the creation of outdoor spaces that are a natural extension of their interior living spaces.
Custom Design: Unique and custom-styled wallpaper, dishes and furniture create an environment tailored to the individual.
Global Influences: Media exposure to the aesthetics of different cultures has encouraged the integration of different cultural elements in design closer to home.
Responsible materials: The desire to create healthy
home environments, as well as a concern for the environment in general, has fuelled the demand for natural fibre carpets and other items manufactured from environmentally responsible materials.
