| Weekend House by Gafpa architects |
Whenever I visit interior fairs, I always intend to take it a little more easy, put my feet up here and there. And then I get there and there’s so much to see and feel inspired by I end up running around like crazy and arrive at the press happy hour totally disheveled (and in desperate need of a glass or two!). Perhaps it was ironic then, that my favourite trend forecast at the wonderful – which focuses on international consumer goods – in Frankfurt this weekend was ‘Quiet Surrounding’. Annetta Palmisano, Cem Bora and Claudia Herk picked this out as one of three 2019 trends alongside ‘tasteful residence’ and ‘joyfilled ambience’ – all of which have an underlying theme of sustainability, naturalness and recycling (hurrah!).
| Noma restaurant, Copenhagen |
So what is ‘quiet surrounding’ all about?
“Simply beautiful: natural, simple and useful products satisfying a yearning for calm and honesty. They create in soft colours unpretentious havens for everyday life free from stress. Respect for materials and creativity in the use made of them are of great importance here.”
Sounds good to me – and something very close to my ‘scandinavian heart’, how about you? But how do we tap into this trend and create our very own sanctuary far from the stresses and strains of everyday life? Here are 5 simple steps:
1. Colour:
Think about introducing soothing, earthy, muted colours inspired by nature to your home. Walls, textiles and accessories in ‘green moss’, stormy sea’ and rose dawn’ are bound to help you lower your pulse and create a dreamy haven!
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2. Natural materials:
This season is all about natural, honest, sustainable materials and are “combined with a love of experimentation and traditional handcraft techniques”. Furniture and accessories in wood, stone, glass, paper and wool with a handcrafted finish will help you to reconnect with nature.
The beautiful patina from different types of respectful, handcrafted items made from wood tell a story and add to the warm and inviting, ultra cosy feel of the home. Plus they’ll just get better with time!
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3. Textiles
Linen tea towels, bedding, knitted dishcloths and blankets not only make you feel super comfy so you can relax anywhere in your home – but they also help to dampen noise for a calmer abode! OK, and they look pretty too!
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4. Plants and flowers
I always find it incredible how quickly you can be in the moment and unwind when surrounded by nature. Think about the last time you are in a forest, a meadow, the local park or walking along the beach – everyday concerns seem, to disappear (even if for a short time). It makes sense then, that bringing plants and flowers into your home are an instant mood lifter – and an essential part of our ‘oasis’!
| Climbing plants in the |
| plant pot / Wooden vases by Danish |
5. Wildlife
You might be lucky enough to have a wonderful furry friend rocking about the house, but for the rest of us pet-less folk – bringing wildlife indoors can help to complete your oasis! And I’m not talking about the two homing pigeons that made themselves at home in my bedroom last summer (I’m still worrying they’ll be back again this year!). Search for beautiful Danish bird-shaped ornaments and nature-inspired art. Or go a step further with an indoor ‘‘ bird house with sensor chip: every time you walk past, the birds start to sing!
| Finnish Illustrations by / |
| Weekend House by Gafpa architects |
Whenever I visit interior fairs, I always intend to take it a little more easy, put my feet up here and there. And then I get there and there’s so much to see and feel inspired by I end up running around like crazy and arrive at the press happy hour totally disheveled (and in desperate need of a glass or two!). Perhaps it was ironic then, that my favourite trend forecast at the wonderful – which focuses on international consumer goods – in Frankfurt this weekend was ‘Quiet Surrounding’. Annetta Palmisano, Cem Bora and Claudia Herk picked this out as one of three 2019 trends alongside ‘tasteful residence’ and ‘joyfilled ambience’ – all of which have an underlying theme of sustainability, naturalness and recycling (hurrah!).
| Noma restaurant, Copenhagen |
So what is ‘quiet surrounding’ all about?
“Simply beautiful: natural, simple and useful products satisfying a yearning for calm and honesty. They create in soft colours unpretentious havens for everyday life free from stress. Respect for materials and creativity in the use made of them are of great importance here.”
Sounds good to me – and something very close to my ‘scandinavian heart’, how about you? But how do we tap into this trend and create our very own sanctuary far from the stresses and strains of everyday life? Here are 5 simple steps:
1. Colour:
Think about introducing soothing, earthy, muted colours inspired by nature to your home. Walls, textiles and accessories in ‘green moss’, stormy sea’ and rose dawn’ are bound to help you lower your pulse and create a dreamy haven!
/
2. Natural materials:
This season is all about natural, honest, sustainable materials and are “combined with a love of experimentation and traditional handcraft techniques”. Furniture and accessories in wood, stone, glass, paper and wool with a handcrafted finish will help you to reconnect with nature.
The beautiful patina from different types of respectful, handcrafted items made from wood tell a story and add to the warm and inviting, ultra cosy feel of the home. Plus they’ll just get better with time!
| , |
3. Textiles
Linen tea towels, bedding, knitted dishcloths and blankets not only make you feel super comfy so you can relax anywhere in your home – but they also help to dampen noise for a calmer abode! OK, and they look pretty too!
| , and |
4. Plants and flowers
I always find it incredible how quickly you can be in the moment and unwind when surrounded by nature. Think about the last time you are in a forest, a meadow, the local park or walking along the beach – everyday concerns seem, to disappear (even if for a short time). It makes sense then, that bringing plants and flowers into your home are an instant mood lifter – and an essential part of our ‘oasis’!
| Climbing plants in the |
| plant pot / Wooden vases by Danish |
5. Wildlife
You might be lucky enough to have a wonderful furry friend rocking about the house, but for the rest of us pet-less folk – bringing wildlife indoors can help to complete your oasis! And I’m not talking about the two homing pigeons that made themselves at home in my bedroom last summer (I’m still worrying they’ll be back again this year!). Search for beautiful Danish bird-shaped ornaments and nature-inspired art. Or go a step further with an indoor ‘‘ bird house with sensor chip: every time you walk past, the birds start to sing!
| Finnish Illustrations by / |
