Laminex Design Centre Manager, Lorraine Brigdale outlines five fresh looks that will be leasing a new life into living spaces for the next 12 months and beyond — marking the end of the monochromatic look and the explosion of colour in interiors.

Modernist

This trend focuses on using as little as possible and as much as necessary to achieve a stylish look. The 40s and 50s are a key style influencer of the Modernist look, with clean geometric lines and sometimes with 50s decorative details, which are reminiscent of Art Deco, New York Chrome, Scandinavian style and Bauhaus design.

As far as furniture pieces go, think oblique coffee tables, sleek natural wood table tops and cabinets, teamed with furniture with splayed legs in wood or black metal.

Revisit

The Revisit trend pares back to real, embracing an evolved approach to decorative details. This contemporary style mixes and matches arty, hand-crafted patterns and colour, with vintage treasures blending romance, flowers, graphic images, script, patterns, wood, paper, metal and linen

Stone, Concrete and Wood

To bring this trend to life, think naturally finished wood grains and stone patterns, washed, weathered, softened and blended so well together to create harmonious interiors. The stone, concrete and wood look can be brightened and lightened with the use of white or colour.

Chroma Quench

The renewal of colour in interiors is on the rise with varieties of each hue ranging from one extreme to the next. Two, three or even more shades, in both common hues and complex arrangements, are being mixed to create interesting and vibrant schemes. A key thing to remember with Chroma Quenchis that colour pops next to neutrals, hessian, black in small accents, and bases of tonal greys.

Large Scale Stone Patterns

The look of Large Scale, Natural Stone that is often seen in hospitality and retail interiors is making a dramatic entrance to residential spaces in 2012. The latest technology has made it possible to replicate a pattern that captures the intricacy and visual drama of a real stone slab in a laminate, meaning the desirable look of stone is available with all the practical advantages of laminate.

For the latest kitchen trends and products visit formica.com.au, laminex.com.au, or essastone.com.au