hot living room trends for 2017
Category Decor
The living room trend forecast for the year ahead is exciting.
Gibson says organic inspirations remain a big driver when it comes to décor, a trend that has remained popular over the years, and seems to gain momentum annually.
This is according to Claire Gibson, from furniture manufacturer, La-Z-Boy, who says the latest living room trends are chic, inspiring and, most importantly, liveable and practical - and they are comparatively easy to achieve.
“They are particularly exciting to me, as I believe that unlike many décor trends of the past, the majority of them will also offer great longevity of style,” says Gibson.
She offers the following summary of what’s trending in the design world at the moment:
1. Dynamite in small packages
Gibson says in many of today’s newly-built homes, space is often at a premium - especially for those living in clusters, townhouses or apartments. As a result, the creation of smaller furniture with streamlined elegant design lines is in big demand.
“When you’re living in a small space, it becomes even more important than ever that the things you own are not only functional and space saving, but they are beautiful as well. The launch of La-Z-Boy’s new Urban Attitude range is the perfect example of this - not only does this range offer all the comfort, quality and elegance that is expected, but it is also in a much more compact size so that it doesn’t take up too much valuable floor space,” says Gibson.
“The range also comprises incliners, which means that the seating can be placed much closer to the back wall, and that you can recline without using any more space.”
2. Lovely and chunky
Gibson says in many of today’s newly-built homes, space is often at a premium - especially for those living in clusters, townhouses or apartments. As a result, the creation of smaller furniture with streamlined, elegant design lines is in big demand.
Although homes are getting smaller, Gibson says there are still lots of larger, spacious homes in South Africa that need larger furnishings.
“For the last two decades or so, living room furniture has been inspired by the design trends of the 50s and 60s, full of straight and streamlined lines. However, this took a major swing in the 70s and 80s, where there was more of a focus on comfort and inviting, big, rounded styles,” says Gibson.
She says the latter is making a modern comeback in a big way.
“I am not saying that mid-Century is out, I don’t think it will ever be, but big is most certainly back. Large, chunky sofas that beg you to sink in for optimum comfort and hours of Netflix marathons have never been more in demand,” says Gibson.
“However, the modern designs have a twist. They look and feel comfortable and inviting, but they also offer more sophisticated lines than their predecessors, and better reclining technology. Now you can have the best of both worlds - comfort and style in one package.”
3. Nature-inspired
Gibson says organic inspirations remain a big driver when it comes to décor, a trend that has remained popular over the years, and seems to gain momentum annually.
Although homes are getting smaller, Gibson says there are still lots of larger, spacious homes in South Africa that need larger furnishings.
“As a society, we have never been more in touch and in tune with the world around us, and our love affair with nature seems to be growing exponentially. A fact that is clearly evident in how we like to decorate our homes,” she says.
“Not only are we including lots of natural materials in our décor, such as leather, wood, stone and metals, but the trendy colour palettes also reflect those inherent in Mother Nature.”
Gibson says earth tones remain a key design trend - adding warmth, depth and comfort to our indoor spaces.
“Shades of browns, greens, greys, and off-whites have never been more popular,” she says.
“Accents in brighter natural hues such as sky blues, grass greens and coral reds are used widely to create pops of brightness juxtaposed against the more relaxing, muted natural tones mentioned prior.””
4. Marvellous metallic
Gibson says the design world is seriously in love with all things metallic at the moment.
“Minimalism has always been trendy, but the ethics behind this kind of décor are set to make a big stand in 2017,” says Gibson.
“Metallics go a long way to adding a sense of heavy glamour and industrial weight to any space they grace. Look for brushed, satin or matte finishes to add extra visual texture,” she says.
“Aged copper, brass, gold or stainless steel can be used to great effect in the living room to take the décor to another new level of chic - but only touches of it.”
Gibson says the trick is to include noticeable metallic accents and not being too heavy handed here.
“La-Z-Boy has been cognisant of this trend, and has added metal features and accents into its furniture designs, offering the perfect means of adding the glamour of metal into your décor composition,” she says.
5. Less is more
“Minimalism has always been trendy, but the ethics behind this kind of décor are set to make a big stand in 2017,” says Gibson.
“Today, there is a big move towards valuing quality over quantity, which is evident in the way we decorate our homes. The minimalism of the past that we are so familiar with is still apparent, but it is not just being done for the sake of a clean and streamlined living space.”
Today, she says it is all about including a few select statement pieces that mean something to the owner or that stand out because of the fact that they are so well crafted - and not drowning them in a clutter of beautiful items, but letting them shine and stand proud on their own.
Author: Property 24
