Nick Bowers Nick Bowers

International Design Trends

@Precht

@Precht

Interior design trends are never a stationary target, and fresh concepts are constantly evolving to inspire and amaze. We love taking existing ideas and reinterpreting them in new ways, and appreciate seeing other designers do the same. But because creation is so often influenced by experience, we frequently like to expand our point of view and see what where design is headed on a more global level.

Today we’re taking a look at international design and the trends that we’re seeing aboard. Take a look below to get an overview of these trends and some of our favorite projects that use them!


ENBRACING A SOFTER SIDE

We’re seeing more and more international design with softer concepts, colors, and textures - check out a few of our favorites below!

@Elena Lokastova

A Moscow jewelry store has achieves a soft and luxurious feel using pastel colors inspired by local architecture and plush textures.

@Bryan O’Sullivan

The Berkeley Bar in London strikes a perfect balance by mixing masculine materials like wood and tone with feminine colors and forms

@PAVE Architects

A recent remodel at the Original Sokos Hotel Arina in Finland introduced locally-inspired theme rooms, which are based on whimsical concepts like as Summer Night and Salmon and Tar


REFINED + MINIMAL

A refined and minimalist aesthetic has been quite prominent in many international projects this year. We love the clean lines, sophisticated palettes, natural textures, and impeccable lighting used in these spaces - take a look below to see a collection of our favorites!

@YuQiang & Partners

A beautiful, minimalist hotel, the Hainan Nanyang Meili Hui in Danzhou, China uses a combination of simple yet engaging geometry and natural elements to create refined and elegant spaces

@Roar Studio

The Sensasia Stories Spa in Dubai juxtaposes brutalist elements with natural materials, ethereal lighting, and glamorous details

@Cumulus Studio

The design team behind Hotel Verge wanted to project to fit purposefully within the heritage and context of it’s location in Launceston, Australia. The area’s industrial history informed their use of sleek, raw materials and sophisticated forms.


BOLD COLORS

A new trend in bold, playful colors and can be seen in many recent international projects - check out a few favorites below!

@Masquespacio

A Milan location for the the Italian hamburger chain Bun mixes vintage elements, bright colors, and sophisticated details to appeal to a new generation of younger customers

@Dvekati

A Moscow wine bar provides a fun and playful atmosphere using bold shapes and bright colors

@Klein Dytham Architecture

The Toggle Hotel in Tokyo makes bold use of color-blocking, mixing clean lines with bright tones for a sophisticated but playful atmosphere


What international design trends are inspiring you lately?

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Nick Bowers Nick Bowers

Trend Watch | Modern 80’s Furniture

@Laura Gonzalez

@Laura Gonzalez

The 1980s are remember for many iconic cultural introductions. Legwarmers, scrunchies, high-waisted jeans - the list of 80s trends is long, and usually inspires a love or hate reaction. And as we keep an eye of emerging 2021 design trends, we can’t help but notice 80s-inspired interior design showing up more and more. Bright colors, geometric patterns, bold color-blocking - we’re seeing all this and more in new commercial design projects, and we’re loving the modern 80’s trend!

One place we’re seeing the modern influence of the 80’s is in furniture. There are a lot of amazing products reflecting this trend, and we love using these pieces to bring a bit of nostalgia and sophistication to any space. Take a look below to see some of our favorites!

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Nick Bowers Nick Bowers

Spring Colors in Tile

As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, we find ourselves getting inspired by the new spring season! Although we love the cool and tones of winter, spring is full of bright colors and interesting textures can add new life into a design.

And one of our favorite ways to do this is through tile - it’s variety and versatility make it a great material for introducing new colors and patterns. Take a look below at some of the spring-colored tiles that are inspiring us right now!


We love the different color color combinations you can make with the Technicolor line from Specialty Tile

 

 

The Grazi Geo line from Ann Sacks takes a modern approach by mixing graphic shapes and textures with bright, contemporary colors

 

 

The Focus line from Trinity Tile is a great mix of bright, energetic colors and bold geometry

 

 

Fireclay Tile offers an amazing variety of tile shapes and hues as part of their Colors line - we love this install of spring-inspired colors!

 

What spring colors are inspiring you right now?

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Nick Bowers Nick Bowers

Trend | Curved Shapes in Furniture, Lighting, & Accessories

Objects of Desire | Nabil Issa

Objects of Desire | Nabil Issa

We love curved shapes in architecture, but love them just as much in furniture, lighting, and accessories. Rounded shapes and curved lines add a playful touch while maintaining a contemporary and sophisticated look. With the growing trend in modern curvilinear design, there’s been a corresponding growth in curve-inspired products - take a look at some of our favorites below!


TABLES + STORAGE

Custom credenza at Portsmith | design by blocHaus

Custom credenza at Portsmith | design by blocHaus


SEATING


ACCESSORIES


LIGHTING

Custom light fixtures at Half Nelson | design by blocHaus


What are your favorite curve-inspired products?

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Nick Bowers Nick Bowers

Trends | Curved Shapes in Architecture

Portsmith | design by blocHaus

Portsmith | design by blocHaus

Curved shapes are nothing new in design and can be found everywhere from archways to circular staircases. Used properly, curves can add sophistication and interest to a space, softening hard lines and adding a touch of the unexpected. Design is constantly evolving and curvilinear forms are showing up more and more lately - take a look below at some of our favorite curve-inspired architecture and design details!


Curves can be integrated in lots of different ways. We love adding curves into the architectural details and millwork for a contemporary and sophisticated look - banquette seating, bar fronts, and wall storage can all be opportunities for great curvilinear design.


Curved ceiling transitions can add a lot of drama to a space, transforming the wall and ceiling into a single surface for unique designs. And as these spaces show, curved ceilings are versatile - they can be sleek and contemporary, or detailed and ornate!


Arches are another curved element that we’re seeing more lately. Rounded corners help soften architecture and add interest to doorways, enclosed seating areas, or custom millwork. We love the modern elegance of these curved openings and arches!


What curved design concepts inspire you?

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