A very Happy New Year to each one of you reading this !
We all make resolutions as the new year starts and for some of us it fizzles out as the year passes.. i am hoping that is not the case with me :). This year i would like to start writing blogposts more often so that i can explain my thoughts in depth.
On one hand where technology and digitisation has made our lives simpler, easier and convenient on the other hand the effect of climate change is taking a toll on the planet and we can experience it in severe ways across the globe.
Globally we are becoming more and more aware of this issue. This year rather this decade we need to address this issue seriously so as to leave a liveable world for our future generations.
Like many other industries the Interior Design Industry is also responsible for these environmental changes. The manufacturing and usage of synthetic materials to create cheaper products which can be replaced and changed easily is causing us to leave a huge carbon footprint. Globally we are trying to address this issue.
This year we are working towards a more responsible design suggestion.
The Design Suggestion for 2020 or the Design Trends for the year 2020 is
MINIMAL ; SUSTAINABLE ; HYGGE
MINIMAL DESIGN - this is a rage now.Some are following it purely because it is in Trend and some understand the actual need for it.
The Minimal form of design involves using clean lines, is reductive, uncluttered, monochromatic and simple. 'LESS is MORE' This is the motto of Minimalism. It does not mean throwing a few pieces of furniture or decor on a white backdrop making the space look sparse, cold and un lived. It is a careful selection of elements which give the space a clutter free, serene, balanced and elegant look.
Every piece be it flooring, ceiling, furniture, lighting, decor, wall treatment or accessories, each of them serves a purpose and is placed mindfully giving it its due space and respect. The lack of visual clutter is the key to a minimal decor.
Using natural wood and plywood, stone, terracotta and bamboo instead of synthetic and resin based materials. Using energy efficient lighting systems, breathable and natural wall claddings, natural fibres for furnishings and upholstery like linen, hemp and cotton.
STEP 4 - LIGHTING
We all make resolutions as the new year starts and for some of us it fizzles out as the year passes.. i am hoping that is not the case with me :). This year i would like to start writing blogposts more often so that i can explain my thoughts in depth.
On one hand where technology and digitisation has made our lives simpler, easier and convenient on the other hand the effect of climate change is taking a toll on the planet and we can experience it in severe ways across the globe.
Globally we are becoming more and more aware of this issue. This year rather this decade we need to address this issue seriously so as to leave a liveable world for our future generations.
Like many other industries the Interior Design Industry is also responsible for these environmental changes. The manufacturing and usage of synthetic materials to create cheaper products which can be replaced and changed easily is causing us to leave a huge carbon footprint. Globally we are trying to address this issue.
This year we are working towards a more responsible design suggestion.
The Design Suggestion for 2020 or the Design Trends for the year 2020 is
MINIMAL ; SUSTAINABLE ; HYGGE
MINIMAL DESIGN - this is a rage now.Some are following it purely because it is in Trend and some understand the actual need for it.
The Minimal form of design involves using clean lines, is reductive, uncluttered, monochromatic and simple. 'LESS is MORE' This is the motto of Minimalism. It does not mean throwing a few pieces of furniture or decor on a white backdrop making the space look sparse, cold and un lived. It is a careful selection of elements which give the space a clutter free, serene, balanced and elegant look.
SUSTAINBLE DECOR
This is a term which is also becoming extremely popular in todays world. As the name suggests it is usage of products that have a longer shelf life, are made using natural materials, are eco friendly and bio degradable and hopefully produced ethically. Using natural wood and plywood, stone, terracotta and bamboo instead of synthetic and resin based materials. Using energy efficient lighting systems, breathable and natural wall claddings, natural fibres for furnishings and upholstery like linen, hemp and cotton.
HYGGE DECOR
Hygge is a Danish term, It means a state of mind which is peaceful, friendly and stress free. This form of design is mainly achieved through accessories and lighting. Lighting plays an important part in interiors and warm lighting makes a space inviting and gives a sense of coziness to the space. The comforting vibe of hygge is also achieved through furnishings and accessories; using throw pillows, blankets, candles and personalised decor makes a space feel warm and stress free. 
The aim this year is to marry these 3 design styles together to create a clutter free, stress free, cozy and sustainable interior space. To make your homes achieve this one can follow some simple steps.
I am listing below the 6 key steps to creating a Minimal, Sustainable and Hygge space.
STEP 1 - FLOORING
Most of us live in urban homes and when we buy our homes they come with pre fitted flooring of vitrified tiles, In most cases we are unable to change the same due to the cost factor. Removing these tiles generates extreme amount of waste leading to a toxic environment. So it is suggested to keep to the tiles that have been provided. However if you happen to purchase the house whilst under construction and have the option of changing or not taking the tiles provided by the builder or are building your own home then you can choose your flooring wisely.
Using stone is the best option in Interiors. As stone is a natural resource use it wisely and use the stone which is naturally available in your city and suits the climate of the place.
Marble is also a stone that is found naturally and makes a space look minimal and clean.
The most sustainable option is to use Terracotta tiles. These are made using natural clay and are made chemical free. They are available in various shapes and sizes and one can choose the ones that suit your interiors.
STEP 2 - FURNITURE
Furniture forms a major part of our spaces. But furniture is meant for a purpose
and not as a decorative piece. For a minimal decor choose furniture that has a purpose in
your room or home; these furniture pieces should be in clean straight lines and have softer edges. The minimal style of design stays away from intricately carved pieces.
While choosing furniture or getting it made make sure that it is made of
natural materials like wood, bamboo or metal. If teak wood is not pocket friendly then one can use pine wood to make furniture. If you feel that maintaining wooden furniture is difficult then you can get furniture in plywood. Use natural wood or lighter wooden colours for furniture for a more scandanavian feel.
STEP 3 - WALL TREATMENT
Walls form three times the floor area of our homes or spaces. The vertical space in our homes is defined by walls and visually walls can create a sense of space or clutter if they are not treated properly. Having only one accent wall makes the space look clutter free and yet add character.
To keep the look as the natural as possible an exposed brick wall or a wall with wooden cladding looks elegant, minimal, is sustainable and also gives an inviting feel.
Creating a gallery wall or even using a vertical garden on one wall imparts a beautiful and personal feel to the space.
While choosing paint for your walls there are range of eco friendly and breathable paints now available for home use. Sticking to pale and softer colours for walls and ceiling makes a space look clean, larger and reflects light. It also imparts a scandanavian vibe to a space
STEP 4 - LIGHTING
Lighting can make all the
difference in the interiors and sets the mood of the space. White light gives the necessary light needed or our daily chores and yellow light imparts warmth to your space. it is best to use a combination of both kinds of light. Using energy efficient lights like LED lights are a good way to save electricity.
Use soft diffused light creates an inviting feel. Use accent lighting creates a comfortable, cosy and a stress free soothing feeling. You can add hidden lights like the ones shown in the pictures above so that no light fixture is visible and you get a diffused soft light.
STEP 5 – FURNISHINGS
A space feels personal and lived in only once we add furnishings. Adding cushions and pillows creates a cosy vibe but adding too many can make it
look cluttered so add cushions and throws wisely.
For summer months add
cushions in linen, cotton or hemp.Adding a jute or hand woven cotton rug along
with linen and sheer drapes gives the space a homely feel. During the winters
these can be switched out for woollen, flannel, suede or silk pillows, knitted
blankets and woollen rugs. The space feel completely transformed and
personalised with the furnishings.
STEP 6 – ACCESSORIES
Accessories are a personal choice
but they play and important role in the look and feel of a space. To achieve a
Minimal, Sustainable and Hygge vibe in your homes I suggest that you accessorise sparingly and with natural things. Use one or 2 big pieces to
create impact. Decorate with your favourite books for a personalised look.
Use
accessories in natural materials like cement, rattan, cane, jute. Use candles
to create hygge vibe. And last but most importantly bring the outdoors in. Use
plants to accessorise your space. They bring in life to your space.
Following these 6 steps one can easily transform a space to make it feel Minimal, Sustainable and Hygge.
What are your thoughts on these design styles and how do u plan to implement them in your homes? I would love to hear from you.
We have made a video on the above which you can watch here.
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