Oak is the staple of the lumber industry, by far the most popular species and most widely utilised across Europe.

Its existence in our everyday lives goes unnoticed to most, yet it’s everywhere.

Designers and architects who recommend wood flooring, veneers, cabinetry or millwork on projects are intimately familiar with this wood type.

Attributes of European Oak

European Mountain oak is exceedingly strong, heavy and durable.

Also, the character within the oak is better distributed throughout the tree because of the steady and regular growing pace of the tree, this makes it a perfect and reliable choice for our floor finishes.

Similar to genuine reclaimed oaks from at least the last century in Europe, slower grown oak has a tighter grain and produces a more stable wood structure.

Only with a significant amount of tannin in the wood can we create our hand-made and custom finishes.

We pride ourselves on sourcing our new European oak from specific forests that run across Northern Europe.

Our Mountain oak is slower grown because of the rocky soils with less water content, and shows rich and consistent character which is vital when supplying such large quantities of flooring and manipulating tannin levels within the oak itself.

European Oak is good for the environment

If you have any concerns regarding how you could possibly be impacting the environment through purchasing your new oak flooring, please understand that wood is the only naturally renewable construction material, and far less energy is consumed in timber production, processing and disposal than any other building material.

European oak stands as one of the most environmentally-friendly woods available.

Requiring no chemical treatment or industrial reprocessing, the process of oak wood production is remarkably straight-forward, whilst the slabs of oak timber can also be reused and recycled as need be.

 

European Oak is flexible to use

Another benefit of using oak wood is its flexibility.

Regardless of whether you’re installing wall-cladding, installing floors, raising a stair, or the entire structural framework of a house, an oak beam is simply one of the best materials to use.

 

European Oak improves with age

European mountain oak actually improves with age like good wine.

Even within a few years, the colour will get richer; and with proper care, it really gets better and better.

Surprisingly, according to various research studies, millennials are the largest group of home buyers…

However, their shopping habits are far different from those of yesteryear.

Research indicates that the millennial generation spends a great deal of their income on technology, fashion as well as dining out compared to older generations, while only 4.5% goes towards furniture.

This shift of behaviour has brought a viable alternative: “fast interiors”.

As opposed to purchasing, you can now rent your furniture for 3 months or for a number of years.

While the surge of furniture rental services might seem uncommon, actually, it is an apparent extension of the sharing economy and the circular market that has been growing, particularly in extremely inhabited urban areas, for the past decade.

With more young professionals working and living remotely, this has triggered different companies to explore products and systems that make it possible for a lighter, much more adaptable transient lifestyle.

A growing market

Brands are getting in a brand-new crop of revolutionising subscription-style decor, and have picked up on the decor-based rental service trend.

From furniture to art pieces, there is a range of commitment-free means to decorate your space while remaining on-trend and within your budget plan.

After discovering that sustainability in design is hindered by an ever-constant demand to create more stuff, and that people’s growing interest in curating their living spaces indicate they have a more transient connection with what’s in their homes, Wallpaper * editor-at-large, writer and curator Henrietta Thompson and her husband Ed Padmore established Harth — a rental platform for furniture and art that’s intending to bring a circular economy to the world of interiors.

In partnership with contemporary luxury brands such as Lee Broom, Stellar Works, Talisman Aarnio Originals and more, Harth rents out furniture pieces to its clients for both long-term home furnishing or temporary situations such as pop-ups, events, weddings and show homes.

For most, the art world appears to be exclusively for art enthusiasts and is beyond intimidating to novices.

However, a London-based online marketplace Rise Art, is aiming to transform that mindset with its almost too good to be true art rental solution.

The company essentially offers you the opportunity to test out original signed works worth several thousand pounds before purchase.

Consider it as a trial subscription for contemporary paintings, sculptures and more.

While you’ll certainly see more expensive pieces on the website, Rise Art has rentals available to take home for as little as £25 a month from up-coming urban artists such as  Chris Ofili and Hush. The site also has offerings from renowned artists like; David Hockney and Peter Blake.

You can also rent artwork for as long as you like, until you decide to keep it or proceed to your next test-run.

Interestingly, larger retailers have also started testing similar home decor rental services. Ikea revealed strategies to broaden its furniture renting service to 30 markets during 2020.

“We know from our research that people’s behaviour and relationship to things are changing — as small space living becomes more common, and people are becoming more conscious of their impact on the planet, they want to be less wasteful and are looking for help to prolong the life of their belongings,” said Pia Heidenmark Cook, chief sustainability officer at Ingka Group. ​

The company, which has a track record for promoting sustainability, hopes that this service will reduce the amount of furniture waste.

“When that leasing period is over, you hand it back and you might lease something else,” said Torbjorn Loof, chief executive of Inter Ikea. “And instead of throwing those away, we refurbish them a little and we could sell them, prolonging the lifecycle of the products.”

Waste reduction

A 2015 report by EPA revealed that 12.05 million tons of furniture waste were produced, 10 thousand tons were reused, 2.35 million tons were combusted with energy recovery and a tremendous 9.69 million tons ended up in landfills.

Getting the most out of a furniture’s “useful life” prior to sending it to a landfill is crucial to both brands and consumers alike. Refurbishing and redistributing furniture is a way to contribute to combating furniture waste.

It is also really vital to be aware of the quality of products brands put into circulation up-front to ensure that it can be refurbished or refreshed into a like-new state. The world has to move to a more circular economy model where you can buy, use, refurbish and re-use. Hence getting 3 or 4 lives out of an item makes people more conscious of the quality of the product created in the first place.

Conclusion

Interior and furniture companies are making it possible, as well as feasible to transform any kind of space in whatever way we desire, for as long as we like, easily, conveniently and with complete peace of mind — enabling us to be a lot more flexible and experimental. We can be more environmentally conscious and we can enjoy a lot more design.

Humans are visual creatures, therefore, the design of our physical surroundings — including landscapes and buildings — can have a significant impact on our psychological state and wellbeing.

The mental and emotional benefits of naturalness, in particular, are widely documented in numerous environmental psychology literature.

Some specific patterns found in nature are called fractals —  which are patterns that repeat at different scales. This means if you look closely, you will see the same pattern replicated, and much smaller, inside the larger outline. For example, trees are natural fractals, with visible patterns that repeat smaller and smaller copies of themselves to create the biodiversity of a forest.

Spots, stripes, ripples, branching, spirals, cracks, waves, hexagons and florals are visible regularities of form found in plants and natural systems, including the weather.

For many years, patterns were studied by mathematicians in an attempt to try to understand the order in nature.

Spirals, for example, are so abundant in nature and are commonly seen in plants and in some animals, notably molluscs. You can clearly see the spiral as a flat curve in ferns, but also as a 3D spiral in petals as they unfurl around the flower bud. And because of the sacred quality that humans attribute to nature’s fractal scenery, spirals have been used in a range of religious and sacred architecture.

Psychological benefits of natural patterns

Psychological and physiological benefits of viewing nature environments have been extensively studied for some time. Research shows that being around nature has positive outcome such as stress reduction, improved mood, enhanced attention, and cognitive functioning among other salubrious effects.

Likewise, more recently, it has been suggested that some of these positive effects can be explained by nature’s fractal properties. Natural elements and even representations of them can be found in certain built environments that exhibit visual patterns inspired by biological systems.

Experiments have been done using eye-tracking equipment to better understand how people look at these patterns. Using functional MRI (fMRI) techniques to quantify resulting brain activity, it appears that people are “hard-wired” to respond to certain forms of fractals in nature.

As it turns out, many studies indicate that exposure to fractal patterns in nature reduce people’s levels of stress by as much as 60%. The stress reduction effect transpire due to physiological resonance that takes place within the human eye.

Researchers have also proposed that organic patterns in art, architecture and landscapes may be inherently preferred over synthetic forms, and that exposure to naturalistic architectural spaces may induce many of the psychological benefits of interacting with nature itself. In such built environments, we tend to feel less stressed and anxious, more relaxed and engaged.

This suggests that naturalistic visual patterns reveal rich sensory information similar to what we encounter in our natural surroundings.

Biomorphic forms and patterns

Many buildings across the globe exhibit nature-like characteristics, making them interesting, captivating, contemplative and absorptive. Biomorphic forms and patterns are nature-inspired approaches to design and can apply to architecture, interior and product design. Nature’s living, curving, undulating shapes and patterns have long served as a fruitful source of inspiration for architects and interior designers around the world.

In design, incorporating organic and biomorphic patterns doesn’t necessarily mean using actual living things, but instead seeking to emulate and reference nature. Ultimately, forms and patterns avoid the harsh edges of right angles and straight lines and instead turn towards a high density of curved edges, high frequency of contrast changes and symmetrical moments of interest and captivation.

Whether used in a functional way, as a decorative piece, or a structural aspect of design, biomorphic forms and patterns have been shown to contribute positively to human well-being by reducing physiological stress responses and increasing view preferences — both key to establishing a healthy life balance and enhancing mental health on a large scale.

The aesthetic use of natural patterns

The objective of biomorphic forms & patterns is to provide representational design elements within the built environment that allow users to make connections to nature. The intent is to use natural patterns in a way that creates a more visually preferred environment that enhances cognitive performance, while helping reduce stress.

Humans have been decorating interior spaces with representations of nature since time immemorial, and architects have long created spaces using elements inspired by trees, rocks, bones, wings and seashells.

Many classic building ornaments are derived from natural forms, and countless fabric patterns are based on leaves, flowers, and animal skins. These architectural and design elements evoke sentiments that tap into our inherent responses to the patterns, movement, light, shape and space encountered in nature.

Design considerations that may help create a quality biomorphic condition:

• Apply on 2, or 3 planes or dimensions (e.g., floor or wall plane and wall; furniture windows and soffits) for greater diversity and frequency of exposure.
• Avoid the overuse of forms and patterns that may lead to visual toxicity.
• More comprehensive interventions will be slightly cost-effective when they are introduced early in the design process.

 

Designed in 1983 by architect Victor Horta, The Art Nouveau Hotel Tassel in Brussels is a prime example of biomorphic patterns.

The beauty of Hotel Tassel is signalled by the use of iron and steel while drawing decorative motifs from nature.  The interior space in particular is rife with Horta’s “biomorphic whiplash” design signature: natural analogues, graphic vine-like tendrils painted on the wall and designed into the banisters and railings, floor mosaics, window details, furniture, and columns are the most eye-catching features.

The curvaceous tiered steps seem to make distant reference to shells or botanical forms.

Material connection with nature

Similar to biomorphic patterns, material connection with nature takes its inspiration from the outside world and seeks to incorporate it into the interior environment.

Yet, this pattern specifically features actual materials that make a space feel warm and authentic and sometimes stimulating to the touch.

Material connection with nature pattern is guided by the core belief that human receptors always prefer real to synthetic materials and can tell the difference between the two. Touch is at the centre of this pattern, and creating a space where exploration is encouraged is a major component.

This pattern manifests itself in design through a number of different ways, including the incorporation of a natural colour palette, particularly green to facilitate creativity and cognitive performance — using variety of materials in a single space: wood, stone or dried grasses for example — and the use of these materials in specific ways based on a room’s functional needs: for example, a certain percentage of solid wood flooring in a room can exhibit a significant decrease in blood pressure or serve to encourage restoration or relaxation.

By using natural materials optimal for engendering positive cognitive or physiological responses, we can enhance our ability to grow and thrive within our interior environments.

Conclusion

The primary goal of designing with patterns inspired by nature is to create an enriching environment based on an understanding of the symmetries, fractal geometries and spatial hierarchies found in our natural surroundings. The more in contact we are with nature, the more at-ease we feel.

Humans instinctively respond well to visually interesting spaces. By understanding the mathematics behind complex design and using nature as a guide, we can bring back, conserve, and promote biophilia in modern and future urban systems

Indoor air has been regulated for decades, but an increasing body of scientific evidence reveals that the indoor air quality within residential, institutional and commercial buildings can be more seriously polluted and harmful than the outdoor air.

Research also reveals that we spend 90% of our time indoors. Consequently, for many people, exposure to air pollution indoors has a significant impact on their health and quality of life than outdoors.

More importantly, people who may be exposed to air pollutants inside a building for a prolonged time are often those most sensitive to the effects of high concentrations of indoor air pollution.

Some of the most vulnerable groups include infants, the elderly, and the chronically ill, especially those suffering from allergies, chronic respiratory or cardiovascular disease.

What causes indoor air problems?

Odourless and colourless toxic gases and particles, inadequate ventilation and high temperature and humidity levels are the primary contributors to indoor air quality problems in buildings. Indoor air pollution can be emitted from damp surfaces, cooking, heating, household cleaning and personal care products, insect sprays, paint, furnishings and more.

Many contaminants that grow in damp environments, such as insects, dust mites, mildew and moulds, often manifest when we need to keep doors and windows closed to keep the insides of our buildings cool in the summer or warm in the winter.

A National Air Quality Testing Services (NAQTS) study commissioned by environment charity Global Action Plan highlights health threats posed by indoor air pollution. The study describes UK homes as “toxic pollution boxes” that are facing poor air quality, that is on average 3.5 times worse inside than outside, peaking at 560 times outdoor air pollution.

NAQTS studied four properties around the UK: London, Pontypridd, Liverpool and Lancaster, in April and May 2019 — and found remarkably similar patterns of ultrafine air pollution particles, over a 24-hour period inside and outside the four properties.

Research data revealed that activities such as cooking or burning wood alongside outdoor air pollution adds to indoor air pollution building up in the home, and takes longer to disperse.

Researchers also identified that all four homes exceeded some aspect of the World Health Organization guidelines on safe air pollution levels. Toxic substances such as formaldehyde were found to be up to eight times above safe limits, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were up to 10 times the healthy limit, with carbon dioxide three times the healthy level.

“This study provides early indicators of the scale of the air pollution challenge that we face in the UK — not only on our streets but in our homes,” says Professor Stephen Holgate, a leading health and air pollution expert at the University of Southampton.

“With children spending increasing hours indoors exposing them to ultra-fine particles of pollution, which can enter the bloodstream and could have a greater impact on vital organs, urgent action needs to be taken to address this issue of indoor air pollution.”

Another research conducted by Opinium Research, as part of the Clean Air Day campaign has found:

 

• Only 36% of adults are aware of the effects of indoor air pollution on their health compared to 85% of UK adults that are familiar with the effects that outdoor air pollution has on their health.
• Three in five (60%) were unaware of any actions they can take to reduce indoor air pollution.
• Householders are attempting to improve the ambience of their homes — nearly half (48%) of UK adults burn candles to improve the ambience of their home, while a similar number use air fresheners (53%).
• One in six (16%) of those surveyed identified smelly food as a key source of indoor air pollution.
• Those surveyed were asked about the effects that personal care products have on air pollution in the home. Whilst a massive 80% of those questioned identified the indoor effects that hairspray has on pollution, two thirds (68%) had no idea that fake tans products are also harmful.

Indoor air and human health

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if too little outdoor air enters a room, the indoor air pollutants can aggravate, irritate, and in some cases be life-threatening —  and symptoms may be experienced as soon as one is exposured or, in some instances, years later. Immediate effects include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness and fatigue.

These are usually short-term and treatable. A simple treatment may involve eliminating the person’s exposure to the source if it can be identified. Other symptoms that may develop soon after exposure include; asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and humidifier fever,

Some health issues may develop years after exposure to hazardous pollutants or only after long or repeated periods of being in a place that has problems with indoor air quality. These effects can be long-term and severely debilitating or fatal: respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer. It is crucial to try to improve the air quality of your indoor environment even if symptoms are not noticeable.

Preventing indoor pollution

1. Source control

The most effective strategy recommended to improve indoor air quality is to identify and eliminate the source of the problem. Some sources that have a high concentration of VOCs can be removed completely from the indoor environment. While others, like ensuring proper adjusting and maintenance of all fuel-burning appliances and limiting or avoiding the use of products such as candles and deodorizers can help decrease the amount of emissions.

2. Ventilation improvements

Efficient ventilation helps lower the concentration of indoor air pollutants. Opening windows and doors, using window or built-in fans when the weather permits, and keeping air ventilation systems clean can introduce outside air into the building and exhaust stale indoor air in order to remove or dilute it.

Better yet, adequate room ventilation has been shown to reduce dust mites, mould, and other organisms that have accumulated inside. More importantly, good ventilation is linked to better school performance, work productivity and a lower rate of absenteeism.

Conclusion

Many factors make the air inside our buildings unhealthy. While indoor air pollution can aggravate allergies and cause sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes, it can also attribute to extreme health problems such as respiratory disease and lung cancer.

Poor upkeep of ventilation, dampness and moisture, lack of fresh outdoor air or contaminated air being brought into the building are some of the few causes of indoor air pollution. The good news is if you’re looking for ways to improve the quality of your indoor environment, a lot can be done.

The elements of good indoor air quality should include comfortable temperature and humidity levels, adequate supply of fresh outdoor air, and proper control of pollutants from inside and outside of the building.

 

A wholehearted life is really what we all strive for — happiness, freedom, joy and love…

Finding a healthy work-life balance is yet another, and can have tremendous results on one’s overall well-being, ultimately leading to productivity and satisfaction in the work environment.

Companies that have shifted their focus from prioritising tasks to seeing the whole person’s wellbeing as intricately linked to performance have succeeded in generating healthy workplaces.

In the early 2000s, the practice of workplace wellbeing was often viewed as “nice to have” but not a necessity.

Over the years, the growing recognition of the impact of stress and hectic life has led to more companies implementing programmes that consider employees through a wellbeing lens.

These have grown from healthy snacks or health insurance to designing spaces that promote creativity, productivity and comfort.

Wellness is suddenly an essential factor in the business world.

Health professionals warn about it, employees worry about it and employers recognise if their staff “feels well” the business will “do well”.

The increasing attention on the subject’s topicality is not without good cause.

MIND, the leading mental health charity in England and Wales, suggest that ill-health, stress and other mental health problems are the second biggest cause of absenteeism and low productivity.

The wellbeing of staff is a win-win for employees and employers — companies continue to attract top talent and more individuals are feeling confident and are consistently producing high results.

The question however still remains… what does the future of wellness in the workplace look like?

“Despite the fact that many humans accept the world as it is, we have a remarkable capacity to plan ahead, shape the future, and adapt to new settings.”  — Richard J. Jackson

Millennials are leading the future of wellness

It’s inevitable that we have to talk about Millennials, as they are the leaders paving the wellness way for both current and future generations. This generation has surpassed Gen Xers with a high involvement and education around sustainability and ethical issues, and has become the largest generation in the workforce. Why do Millennials have such a great impact on the future of wellness in the workplace? Well, here are a few facts about this generation:

• 90% actively want a healthy lifestyle and consider wellbeing the gateway to success
• 71% think staying healthy is about engaging in mindful practices, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy eating lifestyle
• Millennials earn less than any generations but spend the most on wellness

As the line between work and life blurs, the demand for higher quality and more personalised services and office spaces that promote wellness continues to rise. The demand from this large and health-conscious generation pushes the limits of office design and fuels the growth of wellness-related discussions.

Future trends in the workplace

Prioritising employees’ mental health in order to promote a lasting sense of wellbeing will be one of the biggest trends in the coming years. There is a growing awareness that encompasses wellness of mind and body, and companies will go further into managing workplace mental health in the efforts to increase productivity, performance, staff engagement and knowledge sharing.

Another trend that will evolve and push forward wellness in the workplace will be changing in workspace design. When people are satisfied with their interior environment they perform better, and many companies will continue to adopt this ethos. Employers will need to specifically focus on elements such as ergonomic office furniture, light settings, natural light points, thermal comfort, air quality and integration of biophilic design elements.

Biophilic design will continue to gain importance

 

When you walk into a new environment, you get an immediate sense of whether or not the surrounding space enhances the physical, mental, and even spiritual wellbeing of the people inside it. Healthy workplaces should use intuitive design concepts and should feature an abundance of natural light, good air quality, acoustics that absorb distracting noises, hygienic materials, and colours, patterns and textures connected to nature.

One brilliant solution that’s pivotal to the future of workplace design and which shows a change in perception is the idea that the workplace should both promote and reflect living in balance with nature. This means promoting elements of biophilic design — in essence, bringing nature into the workplace to foster wellness. Biophilia suggests that people have an innate attraction to nature and that providing cues from nature in the workplace improves worker wellbeing.

There are many studies that show how things such as using natural material like wood, good quality of air and lighting have a huge impact on the quality of our brain function and productivity. And with traditional 9-5 office employees spending most of their day indoors, the future of wellness in the workplace relies on implementing clever design strategies that enhance the overall quality of the indoor environment.

Using reclaimed wood, solid wood and  engineered wood and/or other wood elements, whether it be wood flooring or panelling, placing plants in different areas of the space, rethinking office layout plans to make use of natural daylight and views of nature are just a few features that prove biophilic design is indeed the best-kept secret of a great environment.

The workplace will be adaptable

Being able to move your desk or move to the other side of the office isn’t enough. The obvious solution, also an essential key to the future of quality workplaces is to build entirely different working environments that can be reconfigured in a matter of minutes. Some companies have already seen the benefits of this approach.

According to the BBC, the desks at headphone maker Skull Candy’s Zurich offices allow flexibility of use. The organic geometry of the tables offers a multitude of configurations, fitting together like puzzle pieces to cater for both individual and collaborative work. In the future, expect more companies to follow suit — offices will become places of both collaboration and connection.

More than just office space

Lego, for example, has taken hot-desking to a whole new level at the London and Singapore offices. The company introduced a system called activity-based working, which means that no staff member has a fixed desk any more.

The office space is divided into flexible work zones with no fixed seating and no offices for managers.

Healthy workplaces prioritise the importance of activity and offer something all employees crave: choice. They provide quiet zones, dedicated fitness rooms, walking meetings for those who dislike spending long hours plastered in the same seating arrangements, and on-site amenities and services that encourage employees to get up and move during the workday.

When considered individually, each of these touches may seem trivial, but when taken as a whole they create a physical environment that promotes comprehensive wellbeing for each employee — something that will be an immense factor in the future of wellness in the workplace.

Conclusion

As wellness continues to gain momentum in shaping the future working environment, it is essential that employee wellbeing is made a priority when discussing and developing an organisation’s company culture. We expect to see elements such as biophilic design and flexible working spaces become a norm for the modern office, rather than a curiosity implemented by only the most forward-thinking office designers and organisations. The future workplace acknowledges quality of life as a major enabler of quality of work.

When faced with writing an article about the benefits of using reclaimed wood for furnishings, flooring and panelling in today’s homes, it’s pretty difficult to know where to start. Do we talk about the environmental benefits? Or maybe we should start with the fact the grain is denser in reclaimed timber making it so much sturdier and more durable than flooring with wood from newer trees? Then again, there’s the depth and unique character found in older wood…

But first we thought you might like to know the difference been reclaimed wood and recycled wood. Although on the surface they sound similar, there is a crucial difference – and that’s to do with reprocessing. Reclaimed wood is wood which is simply reused ie the flooring from an old dockyard re-laid in a modern Docklands apartment or a roof beam repurposed into a mantelpiece. In other words, it doesn’t differ much from its original state.

Recycled wood is timber which has been fashioned into a different item eg old crates made into a side table and painted or a fence which has been fashioned into a cutlery holder etc.

Environmental benefits of using reclaimed wood

You probably pretty much know already that over-forestation means there are fewer trees out there in our woods, forests and jungles. So it’s important to preserve what’s left. Products made from reclaimed wood do this because they’re basically recycling old wood, preventing the need for further trees to be cut down.

Meanwhile, when used in the construction trade reclaimed wood results in far fewer materials being sent to landfill (which in turn is responsible for polluting the environment). Actually, according to a recent government study only one per cent of construction materials in new projects used reclaimed materials. And the problem with using materials which have been newly developed, such as plastics, means even more pollution into our air and waters.

 

Another fact about wood and landfill is that when mixed with other forms of waste, wood doesn’t always decompose completely. Because of this it can release methane gas (which has been blamed for global warming). And, according to The Global Trees Campaign, less than 10 per cent of wood waste is reclaimed or recycled. In the UK it results in approximately 3000 tonnes of usable timber being either burned or sent to landfill. Here’s further statistics from the campaign:

• 30 trees can absorb 946lb of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere every year.
• 30 trees provide enough oxygen for 120 people every day
• 30 trees have the same cooling effect as 300 air conditioning units running for 20 hours each

Woodland animals benefit when old rather than new wood is used

Many creatures rely on trees to both live in and feed on. Birds nest in leaves while insects feed on bark and squirrels eat acorns. Fell too many trees and these creatures could disappear from our parks and woodlands forever.

Why reclaimed wood is wider than newer timber

If you compare old flooring built at the turn of the century such as those in Victorian and Edwardian homes with modern timber flooring you’ll notice that the planks in the latter are far narrower. That’s because the trees haven’t been allowed to grow and reach their full size – as a result, the planks in newer flooring aren’t as wide as those in reclaimed flooring.

Age gives reclaimed timber more strength and durability

The reason reclaimed wooden flooring is stronger and will last longer than flooring produced from newer timber, is because the older wood is less likely to split. The reason for this is that it’s been exposed to hot and cold atmosphere’s for so long that it’s already done all the expanding and contracting it’s ever going to do. In other words it’s already dried out and won’t do so any further. It’s stood the test of time, if you like.

The grain in the reclaimed timber is also much denser than the new wood which also means it’s less likely to warp.

Reclaimed timber simply looks better

Because it’s been allowed to grow for such a longer time, the rings in reclaimed timber are wider than you’d find in newer timber. There will also be more knots and other interesting markings to give the wood a unique and charming character. And talking of character, reclaimed wood has a history ie a narrative of its own and which also makes it special in its way.

You’ll be able to add it to your own family history too as the wood will endure, meaning future generations could also benefit from it.

Find out more about sustainable flooring at our website The Reclaimed Flooring Company.

Within the last decade, the quest for character-filled antique wood, also known as “reclaimed wood” or “recycled wood” has evolved into a full-fledged industry.

Old barns, warehouses, wine casts, army barracks, and even retired ships are providing companies with old-growth wood. After a careful selection, each floorboard is cleaned and calibrated.

There is a uniquely weathered beauty about reclaimed wood that transforms into one-of-a-kind wood flooring. No doubt, reclaimed flooring makes a long-lasting impression with its rich grain patterns, deep colours, and distinct patinas. Regardless of age, it possesses distinctive characteristics in each board, making it the best authentic choice for many homes and commercial spaces.

Here are some pieces of advice for finding the perfect type of reclaimed wood flooring for your next project.

1. Make sure the wood is dry

Wood that is soggy or degrading tends to be extremely difficult to work with and will not last long in whatever application you have in mind. Before you purchase any type of reclaimed wood, make sure it is completely dry as excess moisture not only allows insects to thrive but also leads to warping in wooden floors.

2. Make sure the wood is stable

Because for the most part reclaimed wood comes from trees at least 200 years old, the grain is tighter, the wood more durable and stronger. These trees were ‘slow grown’, unlike today in our globally managed forests where trees are generally grown a lot faster and so their growth rings are farther apart. Reclaimed wood flooring is stronger and will outlast (most of) its modern counterparts because older wood is less likely to split. The wood has been exposed to variations in temperature for so long that it’s already done all the expanding and contracting it will ever do. And on the Janka scale of hardness, it is stronger by up to 40 points compared to newly harvested timber.

Beware of any soft spots, rot or mould patches which could possibly indicate structural weakness. So too sawdust, which might indicate the presence of termites or other wood-eating insects. In general, if the outside looks like it’s structurally sound, the inside will be too — and if it shows signs of rot, the wood should be discarded.

3. Keep aesthetics in mind

Speaking of the history of your flooring, when you opt for reclaimed wood you garner with a past. The end result has to look great and complement the desired style for a project. For this to become a reality, it’s important to ask the right questions up front to ensure your selection is one that maintains a level of intrigue 5 or 10 years later.

Reclaimed wood enhances any interior design concept; and before you commit to a type of flooring, have a vision of how you want your floors to integrate with your design scheme and colour palette. Always start with the end in mind. The right selection must be durable to withstand the intended occupant usage and it must be able to meet required cleaning standards.

Understanding how a space will be used, how much traffic is expected, how often the floor is cleaned, and the required cleaning processes will guard against a flooring selection that will fail in short order.

4. Purchase from trustworthy distributors

Just as you would choose experts to handle various tasks in your home or workplace, you should also understand that there’s always an element of risk that comes with doing business with people whose qualifications and expertise you can’t verify. Old wood doesn’t always mean good wood, so know where the wood originates from before any purchase.

If you care about buying the best-reclaimed wood products, you’re going to have a greater guarantee of quality when working with a company that specialises in recycling and upcycling wood. Make sure to do thorough research on the process used to dry the wood, what it entails and how the distributor ensures that the moisture content is consistent.

Have a look at a wide selection of material for a larger vision of the floor — suppliers who care about their products and customer satisfaction painstakingly choose reclaimed wood that has a lot of life in it, then process it to make sure that the grades are consistent, the wood is dry and free of nails, staples and other debris.

5. Do you know the source of the wood?

There are various grades of reclaimed wood, all from different time periods and from different backgrounds. It is important to consider wood infestation, chemical contamination, wood durability when specifying reclaimed wood for a project. It is also worth considering the quantity of timber available versus the expected delivery date for the project. Unless reliable supplies are established for a particular reclaimed wood floor, where the grade and specifications have been carefully considered it is likely that every batch of wood will be completely different. Samples approved in month 1, ordered in month 4 and then delivered in month 6 may not all be from the same batch which may cause problems for the end user.

With regards to the age of the timber, there is a big difference between reclaimed timbers that are 1 year old, 10 years old, 100 years old or over 300 years old. It has been known that re-sellers of reclaimed timbers are unable to offer such specification details such as the age of the wood and the area it was reclaimed from, this again can lead to confusion when specifying and comparing patina variations.

6. Tonal variation

The strongest feature in reclaimed wood is the tonal variation. We feel this should be embraced rather than combated. Depending what you choose to finish the floor with (hard wax oil, traditional wax or lacquer) you will be able to even out the tone of the floor but this will not be as uniform as pre-finished new wood. If you are concerned about achieving the right colour when using reclaimed wood you should speak to your fitter about colouring options.

7. Don’t be afraid to ask

You shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions about anything you don’t understand. The more knowledge you possess about a product the more informed decision you can make about its application and if it is right for the job. Reclaimed wood is never a constant, just as it is a natural product but every piece is also unique and will have developed its own patina depending on where and how it was previously utilised.

8. The installer is the superstar

The final grading and presentation of the floor become apparent in the final stages of the installation.

It is highly advisable to work with fully certified and experienced fitters that feel comfortable working with reclaimed wood.

It is also advisable to follow the installation instructions from the supplier.

Working with insured fitters is a great way to add some extra piece of mind to your project.

Conclusion

Flooring is a critical aspect of any built environment, so it’s important that it unifies the design and creates an unforgettable experience.  No matter what type of project you’re working on, there’s a great reclaimed wood flooring option ready to emulate lots of character and personality into your space.

Remember when you start your new project with reclaimed wood you need to keep in mind;

1. Is the reclaimed wood dry?

2. Is it stable enough to be reused as flooring?

3. Is this reclaimed wood right for my room, based on; colour, foot-traffic vs. wear, cleaning vs. wear?

4. Does this supplier work with reclaimed flooring regularly and have good testimonials? Can they answer my questions?

5. Does the supplier have enough stock to complete this project from one batch?

6. Can the fitter help me achieve a cohesive look with the variation in tones from the reclaimed planks?

7. Do I have questions about a specific product?

8. Do I have a fully certified fitter?

The biggest ever question today is “how to bring harmony between creativity and functionality in interior designs”. Top 20 interior design maestros in the UK have shared their tips/tools in answering this question framed in multiple perspectives here.

1 – Cherie Lee Interiors

Q: According to you which trends changed the perspectives of interior designing?

Cherie Lee: In recent years, one of the trends that has really impacted interior design is the use of steel and glass glazing solutions inside the home. It is a trend that we are so fond of due to it’s ability to segregate large rooms without blocking light, or to open up small or dark areas of the home, without taking away the option to keep rooms separate.

Apart from the practicalities, it can be used to create a real statement and add the wow factor to spaces that may otherwise lack that drama. Using glass and steel inside a traditional home, such as the projects that we often work on, creates a great contrast against period and ornate features. Definitely a trend that is here to stay!

Take A Peek:       www.cherieleeinteriors.co.uk

2 – Casabotehlo

Q: What essential tips you would like to recommend for any project?

Joao Botelho: If you are embarking on an interior design journey you have some exciting times ahead of you. One of the most important and inspiring parts of this process is to create the concept design and put together mood boards by gathering information, pictures materials and samples from different sources and places.

The challenge is how to balance creativity and design with practicality and comfort. Use your intuition and listen to the home language. The recipe is simple, start with the space, line and shape, play with colours and light, wrap with textures and patterns and finish off with furniture, fixtures and fittings. And always remember; everything has beauty, you just need to look up and around you, and breath it in.

 

Take A Peek:       www.casabotelho.com

3 – Robertson Lindsay Interiors

Q: Do you have a signature style?

Sally Homan: As a studio we don’t have a signature style as we like to create a unique home for each client. Our aim is to translate our clients’ personality and lifestyle into a bespoke living space. In designing a home we love to use colour and pattern. Most of our clients are a little nervous about using colour in their home so we help them to explore their taste and can use 3D drawings to show them how it will look. This encourages clients to be braver with their choices and as a result we can give them an original, personalised home

Take A Peek:      www.robertson-lindsay.com

4 – Cave Interiors

Q: According to you one should play with safe designs or experiment with innovative ideas?

Georgina Cave: Bringing in new ideas and concepts is always a challenge I like to think we rise to when taking on any new project. It’s important to move out of our comfort zone, be more broad-minded in our thinking and holistic in our approach in order to provide solutions that are exciting and creatively different.

Take A Peek:   www.caveinteriors.com

5 – Goddard Littlefair

Q: What is your favourite book/magazine on design? How about your favourite site?

Michelle Holland: With Pinterest and design blogs so readily available to follow current trends, I find that some mainstream design magazines have lost their lustre, whilst World of Interiors remains a trusted friend. Every issue offers something to instruct, something to fascinate and something to inspire.

For conventional interiors, World of Interiors proffers a dizzying range, from classical and rococo to mid-century and post-modern; but it also features the unconventional: industrial workshops, eccentric huts, outsider art spaces.

As well as being a feast for the eyes, it seeks to feed the mind and soul, from pieces on how colour is perceived by people with dementia to recommendations on current exhibitions and reviews of books on art, gardens, interior design and architecture. The title is in fact a world that offers a lot more than just interiors!

Take A Peek:    www.goddardlittlefair.com

6 – Maurizio Pellizzoni Ltd.

Q: What kind of approach should one have while interacting with clients regarding planning, interiors, architecture, or landscape?

Maurizio: Personally, I think the best approach is to show the client as much as possible about the details and options available. Not everyone can see a finished product in the same way that a designer envisions, so the best way is to present them with drawings and sketches, but also to take them around showrooms and show them as many samples as possible.

Textiles are also a very important aspect of this role, so it’s important for the client to understand as much as possible as to what they’re final design will look like. As a designer, we shouldn’t take for granted what is easy for us to visualise, but make sure the client fully understands what they are getting and how the end result will look.

Space planning is also another great aspect of our job, it’s sometimes easy for us to visualise in our mind, but it’s not always so easy for the client. With drawings and plans, we can make sure the client understands how the room will look and how this suits their lifestyle.

Take A Peek:  www.mauriziopellizzoni.co.uk

7 – Kinnersley Kent Design

Q: How one can decide priorities while designing for any project?

Jill Higgins, Partner at Kinnersley Kent Design: Firstly you need to understand the client, the brand, their customer and the market. The customer or client and their brand is always the priority – the designer’s ego is the least important thing.

Creativity and the best ideas can but don’t necessarily mean massive budgets. A talented and creative commercial designer is one who can achieve a beautiful aesthetic which the client connects with emotionally within the parameters of the budget and timescale. Empathy with a touch of gut creative instinct goes along way when creating a great award-winning design.

Take A Peek:  www.kkd.co.uk

8 – Callender Howorth

Q: How to light up the room to enhance the interior?

Answer: At Callender Howorth, we see light as an integral feature in achieving successful designs, whether utilising natural light or enhancing a space with artificial lighting. More often than not, we seek to put both to best use.

In one of our recent projects, the Regent’s Park House, not only did we integrate a retractable roof into the design, but we also installed different coloured mood lighting throughout.In this instance, bold was key: in the daytime, the home is flooded with sunlight from above, while in the evenings the home can transform into the ultimate entertaining space. Different colours create different ambiences, so the interior design enhances the space’s versatility.  

We blended the natural with the technological, the traditional with the innovative, and the simple with the complex. In each instance, however, light becomes the primary design feature and complements each other aspect of the interior. The home was imbued with various faces, each different in style. One home became many, in a space that could change with the flick of a switch. Our advice is to be daring, creative, and open.

Take A Peek:  www.callenderhoworth.com

9 – Topology

Q: What is the most frustrating aspect of your job as a designer? And the most rewarding one?

Answer: The most frustrating aspect of being an interior designer is narrowing down options for clients – there are so many amazing brands, retailers, colours, wood finishes, paints shades etc that I love and sometimes I find it hard to hone in the option. I always get there in the end but it takes a lot of time and consideration to decipher what exactly will be the best fit for the client.

The most rewarding part of being an interior designer is the satisfaction of seeing everything come together at the end of a project and seeing how happy a client it – sometimes there can be long waits for furniture, and long building work and construction time, so there’s nothing better than seeing a beautiful home come together knowing that it’s what you yourself have envisaged.

Take A Peek:  www.topologylondon.co.uk

10 – Neil Tomlinson Architects

Q: What aspects can make a room elegant and useful at the same time?

Neil: One element which has really has the power to enhance a room is the staircase. The usefulness is obvious; it is the only functional element within a room which can allow movement in the vertical dimension within and from the room and serve as a design device to divide or segregate a space. A carefully-designed staircase can be a focal point and also a beautiful sculptural object. A second aspect with a similar transformative ability is lighting, which can both set a scene and alter the mood of a room.

Take A Peek: www.ntarc.co.uk

11 – Áine Atara-MacDermott Design Studio

Q: What is most challenging about your job?

Áine: I would say that the hardest thing about my job is also the best. People come to me stressed about their dysfunctional home or about their upcoming renovation or new build which they have no idea how to navigate. I help reassure them and we make a plan to solve the issues. As an interior architect with over twenty years experience I now specialise in working with the energy of buildings.

For existing spaces I use intuitive Feng Shui, Celtic land and space clearing techniques as well as modified life coaching methods to uplift an interior’s vibe, so that my clients live more happily and with greater ease and flow than before. For new builds and renovations I work at the earliest stages to help people get clear on what they want and need so that their dream home is built without compromising that dream.

 

Take A Peek: www.pre-designer.com

12 – Pascoe Interiors

Q: How can someone determine the budget of any project?

Clare: There are various stages to determining a project budget. Before you know whether you can embark on a project you must ascertain a budget range, for which you will need an overview of the project proposal that the various specialists can provide outline estimates against.

The upper and lower figure could vary wildly, as there will be many unexplored variables to consider; but if the range is generally acceptable and affordable you can press ahead with the next steps. It would be unrealistic to move forward only if the lower level figures make the project viable unless you are prepared to rein in every decision; as more often than not budgets get pushed as most people take the view that they want to maximize the opportunity, and upscale key decisions.

By inputting a tier of decisions (budget, mid range and high end) you can further explore how seemingly subtle changes to decision paths can have a magnified impact on the bottom line. Consider the process as a detailed shopping list; price up each conceivable element before you have committed to any path; as on paper it is relatively straightforward and economic to change direction – to do so once you’ve embarked upon the build can be highly problematic.

So, the message is detailed design, planning and costing before you even consider digging a foundation.

Take A Peek: www.pascoeinteriors.com

13 – Run For The Hills

Q: How one can design spaces creatively?

Anna: Designing an amazing space requires technical precision and creative abandon. And those two things might not necessarily be the most obvious of bedfellows. But an interior designer needs to be adept at both.

First dreaming up the design vision and then developing the scheme, layered with mood, character and texture. The final, beautifully executed design may look effortless. But it has actually been detailed to within an inch of its life. Every little aspect considered, played with and reconfigured scores of times to find the perfect balance. This process of experimentation is how you happen upon the creative magic.

Take A Peek: www.runforthehillslondon.com

14 – Engaging Interiors

Q: From your point of view, interior design is art or science?

Answer: Interior design is a combination of both science and art. The science part comes from the technology within the products used, the chemistry of the different innovative materials, and the element of psychology involved in understanding human behaviour. The art is in the use of light and how you want it to dance around a space, in how one finish will work or grate against another, and how an interior works as a composition.

Take A Peek: www.engaginginteriors.uk

15 – Meraki Design

Q: What would you advise about visual perception in designing any space?

Answer: Successful interiors have multiple layers of ideas that develop gradually and very thoughtfully. Therefore perception of any space is layered with many different elements to create a whole. Functionality is of course key as well as a strong underlying concept. This is then layered with considerations of light, materials, textures, colours and lastly Objects. When designing it is extremely important to think of things in plan for space planning purposes as well as elevation to understanding the volume the elements are taking in the room.

Take A Peek: www.merakidesign.co.uk

16 – Design By Deborah

Q: Do you prefer functionality or appeal?

Deborah: This is a difficult question as ideally you would specify a product that would meet both of these requirements. If I had to choose it would depend on where in the house it is to be used and the make-up of the family that would be using it. Hard working rooms such as hallways and kitchens require more robust solutions as would large families with pets. However, clients employ designers to help them create beautiful homes so I would never ignore the look and feel of a product.

Take A Peek: www.designbydeborah.co.uk

17 – Knof Design

Q: While designing a living area which essential factors should be taken care?

Susan: When designing a living area the essential factors I always consider relate to the natural elements. My number one priority is where  is the light coming from?

I am a total nature lover so I am always trying to create a layout that revolves around the view of the ever-changing outside world. I like to allow the light in and plan the arrangement around that. Another integral priority is the function. How will the space be used? Is it a place for a quiet retreat? Is it one to gather and entertain or is it a combination?  In this case a casual and considered flexible environment is important.

I love a place that encourages good flow. So I like to consider where the primary and secondary entrances are. Once the general layout and function is determined in comes the layers, the fun, and the style.

 

Take A Peek: www.knofdesign.com

18 – Mk Design London

Q: Who are some of your design inspirations?

I feel inspired by so many things when it comes to Interior design.

I try to travel as much as possible. Asia is always a great source of inventiveness and originality while Scandinavia offers a mastery of design.

Andrew Putman was a massive influence on my work but I am also an art enthusiast and visit an exhibition at least once a week. I love serene stimulating space like Tate or Barbican…

Take A Peek: www.mkdesign.london

19 – Galuchat Design

Q: What inspires you today?

Marie: Inspiration is an appetite in constant renewal.  From the top of a bus, calling me.  Flowers over concrete.  Amber light, rough wood, through a pint glass.  Fun shoes in the rain.  The days of neutral have passed.  I will always love the serene nuances of white to grey via ivory.  They will however always invite to set the calm off with a bang of colour, a pop of fun, a dash of risk.  I am into peacocks now.  A madness of teal, gold, black and emerald green. Summing up my passion for light, depth and no compromise: functional elegance.

Take A Peek: www.galuchatdesign.com

20 – Caroline Cobbold Design

Q: Which tools would you recommend?

Caroline: The tools I recommend using are your eyes.

Take A Peek: www.carolinecobbolddesign.com

For years, the notion of circular economy has been in existence and has become a progressively familiar term in relation to sustainability, and ways in which we can create a new system that can meet our needs within planetary boundaries.

Because it’s a term that’s often misunderstood, it can represent different things.

With this rise in popularity, many speak on “circular economy” or “circular principles” without actually having a definite understanding of what it really means.

On the other hand, if there is an explanation of the term, the definition extensively varies depending on the problems being addressed, the audience, or the lens through which the writer views different cases.

What is a circular economy?

A circular economy can be described as an economic system where products and services are traded in closed loops or “cycles”. It is a concept identified as an economy which is regenerative by design, with the aim to retain as much value as possible of both products and materials. Meaning, the objective must be to create a system that permits the long life, optimal reuse, refurbishment, remanufacturing and recycling of these materials and products.

In addition, with this concept, the growth and success are decoupled from natural resource consumption and ecosystem deterioration. By refraining from discarding utilised products, components and materials, and instead re-routing them into the right value chains, we can create a society with a healthy and sustainable economic situation, motivated by and in balance with nature.

Circular economy is good for everyone

What set circular economy apart from other economic models where the major economic triumphs.

Brands that have put into practice this system are proving that recycling resources are much more cost effective than creating products.

As a result, manufacturing prices are minimised, and this ensures that the sale price is also reduced, thus profiting the customer; not just economically, but also in social and environmental facets.

Timber is an important natural material for the circular economy.

Sustainability is also about securing the future growth of renewable resources —  this also includes sustainable forest management.

When a tree is harvested, for instance, four new trees are planted. Therefore, renewability can be considered as nature’s own circular economy, bio-economy being a significant part of it.

Ultimately, any system ought to aim to generate energy with renewable resources. Compared to other mainstream building materials, wood requires significantly less energy.

Generating steel needs a lot more energy than what’s needed to produce wood; while concrete can give off 140kg carbon dioxide per cubic metre when generated.

As a result of its versatility, wood is capable of displacing energy intensive options and reducing pressure on the environment.

Simply growing trees is good for the grid, but in the United Kingdom the environmental advantages are greatly improved.

According to the Timber Trade Federation’s annual report on “Responsible Sourcing of Timber in the UK”, of all TTF member purchases, 91% were from accredited sustainable sources and just 1-3% were from high-risk sources where members have actually worked to establish their own risk mitigation measures.

Sustainable forestry ensures that the process of carbon dioxide absorption and oxygen emission is increased.

Trees are sustainably harvested at the peak of their cycle, and replaced with younger, carbon efficient trees.

Building blocks of the circular economy

The steps in the technical cycle were identified to facilitate product and material reuse and recycling.

However, the circular economy goes further than this; it requires advanced information sets and working methods.

This includes four building blocks that companies need to approach in order to build core competencies in a circular economy: circular economy design, rethink new business models, reverse cycles and enabling conditions.

1. Circular economy design

This building block involves improvements in the choice of products, and a successful circular design which includes; material selection, designed-to-last products, design for easy end-of-life sorting, standardisation and modularisation of components, pure product flows and style for straight-forward disassembly. The implementation of this building block makes the production process of businesses much more effective.

2. Rethink the business models

The shift from a linear procedure to a circular process requires new business models in order to create new opportunities. This building block concentrates on innovative service versions that inspire other members of our economy to make a positive impact in our world. It requires manufacturers to think differently about production and to take responsibility for products during the life cycle.

3. Reverse cycles

Within this third building block, the emphasis lies the link between customer and manufacturer.

New and additional skills are needed to create systems where the return of materials to the soil or back into the industrial production system can be leveraged. With cost-efficient, better-quality collection and treatment systems, we essentially decrease the leakage of materials that are in the system and encourage circular designs.

This means restructuring supply chains, delivery chain logistics, warehousing, sorting, risk management, and even power generation in order to achieve cost-efficiency, better-quality collection and better treatment systems.

4. Enablers and favourable system conditions

This building block focuses on the widespread reuse of materials and higher resource productivity. The application of circular principles needs more transparency in material flows, aligning incentives and figuring out industrial criteria.

Along with mechanical changes, developing basic customer awareness is required to allow easier application of circular advancements. Lastly, organisations need to also be brought right into cross-sector contact (eco clustering) and be ready to share general and private market information.

These enablers include: collaboration; rethinking incentives, providing a suitable set of international environmental rules, leading by example and driving up scale fast, and access to financing

 

Conclusion

The circular economy challenges the traditional ethos of the linear economy (make, use, dispose), proposing that we keep resources in use for as long as possible. It aims to redefine products and services, hence it is considered to be a restorative and regenerative concept. Because of this, the circular economy is gaining interest with a steady momentum as business organisations realise the need to manage materials and resources. It is being accepted by some companies, but more businesses need to reconsider their existing processes and adapt to this way of sustainable thinking.

Annually we see exceptional progression in the world of design with new, inspiring and interesting trends; from products to materials, colours and everything in between.

In 2019 there is a focus on living room décor trends.

If you’re on a quest for new décor cues to stylishly rejuvenate your abode, read on to discover more about these new living room trends and tips —  from the very best sustainable design practices to savvy colour palettes and intriguing fabric choices.

Sustainable and organic material

With all eyes on sustainability and eco-minded design, it’s probably not a surprise that this makes it to the top of our list.

Living room interior decor continues to make the most of organic as well eco-friendly materials, which is really fitting for the times — they complement a variety of interior aesthetics while offering your home some much-needed personality and appeal, without being overwhelming: from country to scandi, coastal to boho and every style in between.

The aesthetic airiness of handmade upholstered furnishings, decorative pillows and tapestries reference both the natural along with the inherently textural throughout the home this year.

For example, wicker accented chairs contrast brilliantly with a natural leather sofa and organic textile soft furnishings.

More importantly, natural material: hemp, wicker, sisal, jute, wool and rattan stimulate a relaxed and calm feel birthed out of the primaeval desire to be connected to the earth and its origins.

Biophilic design as a necessity

Wellness and nature work closely together in producing built environments that have a positive influence on human health.

If you’ve had your eyes set on architectural and design trends, you may have recognized just how biophilic design has gained momentum over the last couple of years.

Throughout this year, the push for wellness in interior environments remains a great priority.

Biophilia focuses on enhancing and boosting the quality of life by altering and perhaps transforming the indoor environment and implementing liable design into our interior settings.

Incorporating more greenery and natural material such as reclaimed timber, and having adequate access to natural lighting and improved air quality are a few of the essential contributors to enhancing human well-being.

Eclectic and colourful seating

Go bold or go home!

If there’s one interior trend this season that’s captivating and creates a happy lounge room, it’s the colourful and vibrant seating trend.

Nowadays, accent chairs can be found in a selection of eclectic and vivid tones that we have not seen in a while.

Particularly, head-turning jewel tones like sapphire blue, amethyst purple, ruby red, yellow topaz and emerald green.

If you’re up for embracing the vibrant seating trend, there is one essential thing to bear in mind.

Whichever piece of furniture you opt to make colourful, it needs to be the statement piece of the room.

Vivid hues tend to be powerful and terrifying at the same time,  so make sure to create a balance between bold shades by utilising plenty of neutral tones in the other areas of your design. Muted hues will certainly provide the eye with a place to relax and help your overall design from feeling overwhelming.

Exciting floral prints

From fascinating wallpapers to intriguing soft furnishings and beyond, floral prints are here to help you create the artistic interior you’ve been dreaming of.

Florals are currently in complete bloom everywhere and these aren’t your regular granny prints; they’re exciting, bolder and a lot more abstract, and yet enchanting, romantic and lush at the same.

Large prints of peonies, azaleas and lilacs in overstated proportions and in revitalising colour palettes of violet, cherry red, coral, mustard and forest green make an absolute distinctive style statement that’s hard to overlook.

Try playful and appealing removable wallpaper ideas to make a huge impact in a tiny space.

Rich, velvet fabrication

Sumptuous, luxurious, lavish and opulent are just some of the words to describe this rich fabric —  velvet has been growing in appeal, leading lots of design experts to believe it will be this year’s most desired textile.

Consider the sudden impression a gorgeous velvet sofa would have on your guests, or perhaps just how velvet throw cushions would contrast stylishly with various other textural materials like cotton, wool and silk.

These are a few of the most covetable ways to introduce this tactile and luscious fabric into the scheme of things.

From royal purples and soft pinks to breezy blues and organic greens, velvet is the go-to upholstery fabric this year.

Large-scale wall art

Throughout the year, we will see an emphasis on decorating the home with art — particularly, we’re seeing a focus on large-scale art pieces.

Much like the lively and vivid colour trends that are showcased this year, current art styling is big, daring and in-your-face.

Nowadays, it’s not unusual to see prints that use up the better portion of a wall surface as the centrepiece of the room — think sprawling canvases the length of a couch.

This serves as a simple focal point that helps establish the mood, look and feel of the living room with very little effort.

The art of maximalism

We don’t normally hear “more is more” yet that’s pretty much how to interpret maximalism.

Go nuts with your décor styling and colour, pattern and texture choices — and remember to pile on the cushions.

Whether you opt for a bold colour scheme or keep things looking neutral, this trend is best carried out with items you love and filling every inch of your living room.

Mixed shiny metallics

 

As it’s often the room that showcases the best of day-to-day allure and glamour, it only makes good sense to see high-shine metallics and finishes greatly featured in the best living room interior design trends.

It’s usually believed that once you’ve selected your favoured accent metal, you have to stick to it. However, considering that it’s all things bold and daring this year, metallics no longer need to have the exact same finish.

Shiny metallics have the amazing ability to instantly evoke a sense of opulence to any room décor via wallpapers, furniture, soft furnishings, mirrors, and accessories.

Organising elegant items and other decor accents in two or three different shades; think silver, pewter and bronze, is a modern way to add visual interest and extra dimension to your living room space.

Conclusion

While home interior trends aren’t as capricious as fashion, they do surface and urge us to be bigger risk-takers; revealing to us what’s possible, what looks exciting and how we could ideally personalise our space.

This year’s trends are big on vibrant colours, luscious fabrics, bold patterns and natural textures — all the elements that define surfaces, impact scale, convey style and add visual interest.

Which of these trends are peaking your creative urges to renovate your living space?