There are no set rules when it comes to decorating your walls and floors. In fact, it's a great time to experiment. Local suppliers are spot-on with stocking up on the current international trends and thanks to the latest technology, we can now customise and create a look that is not only unique but brings a personalised touch to your living space.
Berna Ramey, interior designer and owner of the shabby chic-inspired boutique Cottage Chic, suggests that wallpaper works as a great alternative if you're not a fan of paint. "It is making a comeback big time - there was a long period after the 1970s where people shied away from wallpaper. I have always been a big fan of wallpaper and use it in all my designs, from an accent wall or throughout the home. I find it adds warmth to a space and complements any decor style.
"When it comes to wallpaper, I think it is important to educate the consumer that it does not always come in heavily patterned and bold prints. There are simple, flat-coloured options too, which help break the patterned accent walls. Also it's a more economical option than a paint effect done by hand. A lot of companies have become more creative and you can have anything from a panoramic scene to panels."
Going digital
Kelly Hoppen is constantly evolving her design ideas and her digital wall art range fits in with this year's trend perfectly. Hoppen's prints are a great solution for those looking for a quick and creative application for their walls. Although Print on Demand Art is not the most vibrant of collections, it does have a timeless presence thanks to the black and white photography and simple, clean-lined images. Vintage cameras, Buddhas, coral crystals, dominos and playing cards are a few of the objects the designer has played with in this Monochrome Chic series.
A different means of expression
Design enthusiasts are always looking for decor that will bring a unique offering to their homes and push the boundaries of creativity. One brand that follows this philosophy is Swedish company Mr Perswall.
Linda Pålemo, designer, says, "If you have walls and a ceiling, you always have a place for wallpaper, especially if you have a small room. A photographic motif is perfect since it helps create an illusion of depth and space. The ceiling is, of course, also a perfect spot for wallpaper, and a door or wardrobe can also be beautifully disguised. We at Mr Perswall believe in the personal touch and therefore we invite the consumer into the design process. All our collections are influenced by trends out there since we work with designers and photographers from all around the world, but we always try to create collections and designs that can easily be enhanced with personalisation because we do not believe in trends per se, we believe in expressing a personal story with the help of wallpaper. It could be by adding a personal message or photo into the design or just changing the size or colour. The most important thing is that the wallpaper that you choose tells your story instead of shouting out the latest trend."
A piece of art
For a unique, beautiful and artistic finish to your walls and floors you could try resin flooring. The impact of this product is astonishing and it is available in several customised colours and finishes. "The resin technique is like working on a canvas," explains Mino Longo, an Italian artisan from Modula Conceptio. "It is an art, everything is done by hand and there are several layers and steps to this method that not everyone can perform."
Resin is available in transparent, shiny, satin and opaque finishes with printed, uniform textured and patterned backgrounds. The creative options are endless with this product. It can be applied on walls and floors, furniture, lighting and staircases and is widely used in the busiest areas of residential and commercial spaces. "The benefits are that it's a unique and customised product which is long-lasting. It's also non-slip, waterproof and does not attract dust," says Mino. Although resin is easy to maintain and does not damage easily, expect to find a slight variance in the overall finish.
Back to Nature
"Everyone's looking for products and designs that are stylish and environment friendly," says Sarah Madani, marketing coordinator at Nordic Homeworx. "Design trends are constantly changing and choosing material can be difficult when thinking long term, but one thing is for sure - sustainable and healthy products are here to stay. As a result, top industry professionals and design-savvy consumers not only want a product that is beautiful but also environmentally responsible. Wood flooring offers both. Your interior settings can change many times over the years while your floor remains timeless and only adds value to your new design. Wood floors conform to their environment and add value with age. With regards to floor design trends, the desire for darker, heavily stained floors has been evolving into a demand for floors with fresh and natural finishes in 2011. This is a result of designers and home lovers becoming more open to mixing the traditional with the contemporary."
"For example, lively timber floors bring natural interest to sleek interiors and a paler, more modern floor brings a contemporary feel to more traditional spaces," adds Sarah.
But the real benefits of sustainable flooring such as the Kahrs range available at Nordic is that you can eliminate damage to the sub-floor, which means you are able to pack up the floor and take it with you if you ever decide to move. "Another added benefit," explains Sarah, "is that engineered wood floors are fashionable, minimalist and above all, desirable, which means that they increase the value of your home. Kahrs uses only timber from sustainably managed forests to produce floors, and they make sure that the floors contain very few chemical compounds. This, combined with a very strong, factory finish and complete care and maintenance programme, means that we are able to offer a wear-through warranty of up to 30 years."
