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An elegant and chic interior designed by Kelly Hoppen. Photo: Kelly Hoppen Interiors

Home design trends for 2016 are a mix of old and new ideas that will stand the test of time

Elegant looks, timeless pieces, natural materials and metallic accents are forecast to be popular for interiors

In Partnership WithHKT PREMIER
John Lam

The new year will ring in some fresh ideas in interior design, along with a continuation of some still-hot trends.

Kelly Hoppen, the much-celebrated British designer for whom the Greater China region now accounts for up to half of her work, says elegance is in this season.

“People want elegant and chic design in their homes - the shabby, distressed look is out,” she says. “Clean and crisp design will always work wherever you are in the world, and most importantly will stand the test of time.”

Graham & Brown wallpaper from Kelly Hoppen Interiors<br />&nbsp;
 
Base standard lamp in brass by Tom Dixon, teamed with a sumptuous wingback chair

The concept of sensible design is becoming a priority rather than a look limited to show homes, Hoppen adds. “After all, your home must be completely lovable and suit your lifestyle like a beautifully tailored suit. People want something manageable where they can live their life and relax entirely, unwinding from their busy lives.”

However, don’t forget to include a few statement pieces to add excitement to the space, she says.

Trends will inevitably fade and become unfashionable, whereas timeless designs, such as Serge Mouille’s iconic lighting, will endure. “I have used his stunning pieces in many of my clients’ projects as well as my own home,” Hoppen says. “They are faultless, and their beauty will never tire for me. Materials like marble and leather are also completely timeless and will always be on trend, as well as statement black and white photography.”

The designer predicts that 2016 will see far more open-plan spaces, “and we will continue to observe the impact of architecture on design as it is considered more in the interior design process”.

This plane pendant light by Tom Dixon is on trend in golden-hued brass.

“Patterned wallpaper has also become very trendy,” Hoppen adds. “One statement wall will make your room stand out in the crowd and add a bit of fun to your space. My range of wallpaper with Graham & Brown captures my signature look perfectly. It is simple yet stylish, and I have used some wonderful colour combinations which may be a surprise to some.”

Reporting from recent international trade fairs, trend forecaster Lisa White says “softness will prevail” as our homes become a sanctuary of rest and respite. The curvaceous lines and tactile fabrics of timeless sofas from B&B Italia will be bang-on trend in 2016, according to White, as will the Chester Moon sofa by Baxter, with its quilted finish putting a cosy spin on the classic Chesterfield lines.

Tom Dixon's British engineering-inspired Cog candelabra
Responsible consumerism also appears to be here to stay. Amara Living, fresh back from the trade fairs, says:  “As eco-friendly home fashion becomes ever more prevalent in the world of interiors, we have seen a steady increase in the use of natural materials, and at recent maison shows they were a constant theme.

“A great trend to incorporate into any style of home, natural materials can be combined with almost any other interior style. Pastels and neutral hues are a safe choice; for added interest, combine textures from wood to leather.”

Metal accents – an interiors trend for the last few years – will still be going strong in 2016, with yellow gold making a reappearance after several seasons dominated by copper and rose gold. British designer Tom Dixon leads the way, releasing a brass version of his popular Base series of table, wall and floor lights, along with Plane, a minimalist yet expressive geometric-inspired wall lamp, also in on-trend brass.

Continuing the theme, Dixon has also launched a set of lights based on mechanical cogs to accompany his range of brass home accessories. The Cog series, including a candelabra, is formed in brass-plated solid aluminium.

Quilted Chester Moon sofa by Baxter
Soft, luxurious sofa from B&B Italia
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