Design

2008 Interior Design Forecast

2008 will bring further demand for professional interior design services.

Major textile supplier, Hoad reported that representatives who recently visited Heimtex International Trade Show have confirmed that Black and white and all hues of grey will remain strong and generally indicate that the colour palette is still being strongly influenced by Taupe, Coffee and Chocolate palettes.

Melissa Esler, Hoad Textile Designer says “blue is making a comeback in the form of soft duck egg blues through to sky, cobalt and teal. Metalics in gold, copper, silver, pewter and bronze are standing alone or as highlights. Greens are soft, using Pistachio through to Pale Lime.”

2008 will see the revival of old favourites but in a new and modern form including wallpaper.

The wall paper revival is being fuelled by international design trends which continue to move away from minimalist styling towards glamour and luxury. Rococo (ornate 18th Century French art) is also emerging with over-sized patterns and metallic verses matt accents.

The environment is now a major design consideration spanning intelligent choices of materials which either improve liveability and conserve energy to choosing products that are themselves ‘greener’.

Simplicity and practicality remain key components of design in 2008. Making the most of storage, de-cluttering…creating a sense of comfort through order.

The minimalist style continues, but sharp edges have softened, mostly the result of introducing fabric.

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“Wallpaper is making a huge return. The revival is fuelled by international trends moving away from minimalist design.”

The Neuendorf Design Team

Gardisette Fabrics

Meridian’s Aitutaki Collection by Mokum. 100% solution dyed acrylic. Suitable for outdoor use - water resistant, mold resistant and has excellent colourfast properties.

Wall Coverings

You may be surprised to learn that some of those ‘classic’ wall paper patterns from Grandma’s house are actually sought-after as fashion turns full circle to make everything old, new again.

Wallpaper is in fact a very practical design tool.

It can hide a multitude of imperfections – covering mended cracks and dents while patterns can camouflage lumps and bumps in the wall surface.

Wallpaper instantly creates a feature wall of colour, pattern or texture.

It works easily with furnishings, carpet and furniture and it blends well with adjacent painted surfaces.

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Rejuvenation Zone

In terms of personal spaces, bathrooms which have been growing in size for some time and will now become even larger.

They will be uncluttered, beautiful, restful… merging the essential elements of the traditional bathing area with relaxation which will include furnishings including upholstered armchairs or chaise lounges, wall art, sculptures and mood lighting in addition to task lighting.

The larger tiles will continue. Across the floor to the ceiling, this seamless approach creates a subtle backdrop to which accessories and textures may be added.

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Guest Room Revival

The emphasis is shifting to not just home entertaining, but sharing our homes with friends, relatives and business associates.

While often multi-functional, the guest room is enjoying a revival in styling.

No longer is it considered the spare-bedroom. Beautifully decorated, it has a new importance in that it assures guests of their welcome. Today’s guest rooms are ensuited, self-contained and private, allowing guests freedom in their own space.

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The Outdoor Room

NEW Exterior-Use Fabrics

Because we have returned to sharing our lives with those dearest to us, the popularity of the Outdoor Room continues to thrive.

Fabrics feature strongly, but importantly these have been specially manufactured to cope with the elements of sun, sand, salt, humidity and what can be a harsh and changeable environment.

Unlike the somewhat bland exterior-use fabrics of old, the new ranges are innovative, beautiful in their colours and patterns, textured, interesting and above all else, they successfully cope with the environment.

We use and recommend many exterior-use fabrics lines that complement interior colours or pattern stories. In fact, new exterior-use fabrics are perfect for indoors where oversized windows and sun-drenched decks cause fade and deteriorate regular interior-rated upholstery fabrics.

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FREE Design Advice

Fabric has the potential to quickly and easily turn a plain room into one that is simply stunning, breathing new life into older furniture and revitalise a room with colour, texture and even movement.

Of course the more beautiful a fabric the more expensive it is likely to be, so it is important that you have the right information when making fabric selections for curtains, bedspreads and upholstery to avoid disappointment.

So, how do you select fabrics?

Firstly, I strongly recommend that you seek professional advice from your interior designer who will be able to provide advice and answer your questions about its aesthetic qualities but also the practical application.

When it comes to fabric designs, it is important to know that some intricate patterns may be beautiful up close, but from a distance they may appear washed out. Fine fabrics may provide a beautiful billowy curtain, but would quickly wear out if used to cover a chair. And, some fabrics will be sensitive to environmental conditions.

It is also important to consider the proportion of the pattern on the fabric in terms of your intended application. That is, an enormous sunflower would overwhelm a small lamp shade.

On the other hand, rules may be broken, when you know how. Yes, stripes and florals – or botanicals as they are now known - can work together, so long as you have a common denominator, which is usually colour.
– Karen Neuendorf

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Professional interior Design

Our Designers are credited with working on many prestigious private residences and significant commercial developments in South East Queensland and North Queensland development hot spots that include Palm Cove and Port Douglas.

While based in Maroochydore on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Neuendorf Interiors’ Designers are available for private and commercial clients wherever they are – locally, interstate or overseas.

Our knowledge and experience pool is significant and draws from national and international trend to carefully balance the flair of fashion with livability and practicality.

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