Whether you’re backpacking through Europe, jetting off to the Caribbean, or barely stepping over the country limits, travel is an educational experience above all else. As global citizens, we have the unique opportunity to learn about what other cultures eat, what they wear, and, of course, how they choose to decorate their homes. But just like fashion and food, interior design trends can vary greatly based on location. From muted color palettes, to hydraulic tiles, to spaces that evoke a sense of leadership, all of this from different countries and cultures. Let’s dive in and see if we are that different after all.
AUSTRIA: MINIMALISM
Vienna is well known for its opulent and luxurious turn-of-the-century architecture, which dominates the city's appearance. On the other hand, they also have a strong tradition of minimal austerity, influenced by modernists such as Josef Frank and Adolf Loos. In each project, they explore the aesthetics specific to this city, which allows to move between a strict rejection of ornateness and playful opulence.
CANADA: A HUMAN TOUCH
In Canada, they are spoiled with miles of natural wilderness so they are looking to connect with spaces that feel real and lived in. People want spaces that tell stories—things touched by hand. There’s something powerful about a bowl or a piece of wood that has been formed by human hands. In a time when ‘antiques’ can be reproduced quickly, it will become more important to seek out unique, expertly crafted pieces made from natural materials. It’s this handcrafted care and connection with uneven edges, imperfect shapes, and layered textures that makes a space a home.
THE BAHAMAS: WOVEN WARES
Decorating in the Bahamas means paying equal attention to indoor and outdoor entertaining areas and creating spaces that make the best use of sea breezes and scenic views. Sourcing the right outdoor furniture is critical, and the ubiquitous dark brown plastic faux wicker is mercifully seeing the end of its popularity. Light-colored wicker and rattan in nostalgic 1920s shapes are making their way into the marketplace.
CROATIA: LUXE LOUNGING
Croatians are finally showing their big personalities and hedonistic lifestyle in the interior as well. You can see a lot of oversized plushy armchairs, and big, cozy lounge sofas in bold, deep colors. There's definitely a lot more luxurious interiors—not being afraid of accessories with ‘personalities.
ENGLAND: ECLECTICISM
The fashion trend that you can see more than anything else is towards all things ‘eclectic.’ It has to be longer-lasting but in good interior design, you can have mid-century with industrial, 18th century, or ethnic fabrics. All those things together have built a strong trend towards eclecticism, and they’ve turned away from a beige industrialized look, which is reminiscent of the old hotels.
FINLAND: ECO-CONSCIOUS ENVIRONMENTS
Finland has a long tradition of sustainable design. Finnish people spend a lot of time indoors and invest on their home furnishings and interiors. They are well educated and aware of environmental issues, which is very encouraging and makes the companies work even harder. We believe that the actions required to fight the climate change would actually make our lives better and more meaningful.
ITALY: GREY KITCHENS
The most important trend I can see in Italy is the choice for a kitchen different from the classic white. Gray and resin effects are very popular. We also love a greige resin effect for a modern kitchen.
PORTUGAL: SELF-REFLECTIVE SPACES
More than a trend is the reaffirmation of one's own style. In a world where trends come and go and we have already seen everything, staying true to what we are and idealizing this ‘self’ in a space is a task even more difficult and satisfying than following a rule or a trend. Half of this ideal, comes with the bespoke design. The other half belongs to their memories, their past, and their roots materialized in diverse textures and materials, vintage pieces, as well as timeless designer pieces.
MEXICO: HANDMADE’S TALE
The Mexican design community has realized the unique value of craft in their culture and has embraced it after decades of seeking an international level of industrialization.
RUSSIA: MID-CENTURY MODERN
The use of Soviet mid-century objects— in particular, lights, chairs, ceramics, and parts of mosaics. There are a lot of galleries which hunt such objects everywhere in Russia and repair them. They have a really good price compared to European or American mid-century and a nostalgic value. People just want to have some record and be more sustainable by using vintage things and not buying new.
SOUTH AFRICA: POWER CLASHING
A huge trend at the moment in South Africa is pattern and print mixing. We are seeing this in everything from wallpapers, tiles, and textiles to the fashion runways, where geometrics are layered with animal print or stripes in crazy clashing colors. There is definitely a maximalist shift in terms of layering. Finally, South Africans are moving away from the dreaded gray sofa and are embracing color again!
USA: INNOVATIVE WALL DÉCOR
Of course, you didn’t think that we will finish this blog post without mentioning one of the most popular ways to décor the walls in USA. Yes, 3D wall panels are making a huge impact to the décor world. It is a simpler, more elegant and more practical way to decorate the walls and we all know that Americans love easy, quality and cheap products/services. 3D wall panels give a completely new and different look to your home, so why not to try them?