LIFESTYLE NEWS - The hottest living room trends for 2018 celebrate curvier shapes, comfort and colour.
"Twenty seventeen has been a boundary-pushing year for furniture design and, by looking at the trends, 2018 is going to continue in the same vein," says Claire Gibson from leading furniture manufacturer La-Z-Boy.
"We are seeing rounder, softer shapes, soothing cocooning pieces that, more than ever, are aimed at making a home an inviting sanctuary."
Here is her overview of the top trends influencing living room design:
Embrace curves
Curvy furniture is making a comeback. "Feel-good furniture that is padded, with downy fillings for maximum comfort is, above all, what people are looking for.
"The focus is on nurture and restoration, and the shapes, reminiscent of bubbles, nests, clouds and balloons, help feed the creative imagination, maximising the ability to relax and connect with the new generation's quest for 'cocoonection'," says Gibson.
Be a global nomad
Minimalist design is being superseded by what is being termed as "global nomadism" - a meeting of the tribal, the traveller and a global connection.
This burgeoning trend is having a big impact on colours and materials.
"Think lots of leathers, feathers, baskets, wood, earthy colours, stimulating textures, interesting objets d'art - all set in soft, monochromatic colour schemes," says Gibson.
"These are being complemented with industrial elements, such as concrete and metal - offering an urban and contemporary contrast to the collection of rustic components of this look."
Vintage glamour
Glamour is still in vogue, but today's take on this decadent trend is very different to the stark and glossy glamour that has been popular for the past few years.
"Today's modern glamour still means lots of jewel tones, luscious velvet-type fabrics, deep-pile carpets, tufted and quilted patterns, and shiny metallic, but it is being delivered with a much softer, vintage charm.
"Subtle, yet interesting, and oh-so-inviting - think old-world shapes, intensely rich, warm hues, and the glamour of a time gone by - all delivered in a personalised, yet modern way," says Gibson.
A new neutral
Grey is still riding the wave of popularity; however, there will be a few new tweaks going forward.
"Darker tones, such as liquorice, for example, are really gaining momentum. This tone is almost black, and it is being used to great effect as a small accent colour alongside plenty of white and cream - creating a monochromatic look that is strong, but in a calm and gentle manner."
Minimalist design is being superseded by what is being termed as "global nomadism" - a meeting of the tribal, the traveller and a global connection.
Up close and personal
Gibson says that, with the rise of social media, we are all putting our homes on show more than ever before.
However, as our private spaces become more public, so they are also becoming more personal and a better representation of who we want to be.
"This is having a big impact on furniture design, as there is a much greater drive for customisation, and the need for furniture to help tell your story."
Welcome to the jungle
Going green is an environmental trend, but it is also a very interior design trend.
"Shades of green, such as emerald and olive for example, are rising in popularity.
"This is being complemented by a surge in botanical prints and designs making their way into modern homes - through soft furnishings, upholstery, window dressings, wallpaper, art and even rugs.
"It is also being complemented by the addition of many more indoor plants into our living spaces - a literal extension of the 'bring the outdoors indoors' trend that has been making waves for years already," says Gibson.
'We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news'
