Kate Instone, Founder and Creative Director of Blush International, sets out the five exciting trends, or should we say lifestyle choices that should be part of everyone’s wishlist
Blush International is an interior design studio that specialises in creating homes that epitomise elegance and sophistication. With over 20 years of expertise and a portfolio spanning multiple countries, we have had the pleasure of working with outstanding clientele such as Madonna, Seal, Hugh Grant, sports stars, and heads of state.
In the world of luxury residential interior design, where extravagance meets elegance and functionality, Blush International creates places that are both functional and visually appealing. For those wishing to enhance their homes with the latest trends, Blush International has identified the top five luxury interior design trends now dominating the market.
WELLNESS
Incorporating wellness into residential design is now more than a trend; it’s a lifestyle choice. We are seeing health, relaxation, and overall well-being being a major priority to our clients. To design a wellness space, one must thoughtfully combine luxury and functionality, creating environments that are both invigorating and restful.
You don’t have to own a mansion to include a health space in your home. With some careful planning, you can transform your master bedroom into your healing oasis. You can create a relaxing and meditation-friendly environment by using neutral colours, natural materials, low-level lighting, and indoor plants.
Your bathroom can be transformed into your very own spa to decompress and rejuvenate. Upgrade your shower by adding a steam unit, rain shower head, body sprayers, and a built-in bench for the ultimate luxurious shower experience. Install a deep soaking bath or a sauna if you have the space. Heated towel rails, plush robes, and slippers create the luxury spa feel. I love this holistic trend of luxury wellbeing within the home as it not only significantly enhances your quality of life, but also increases the value of your property.
SUSTAINABLE LUXURY
I believe that sustainability is not only one of the most important trends in luxury interior design; it is a fundamental imperative and personal responsibility.
We now see a move towards homes that are not only aesthetically captivating but also forward-thinking, sustainability is now at the forefront of luxury interior design. Eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technologies are making a significant impact. We should all try to minimise our impact on the environment and one way we can do this is through our homes. As well as the more dramatic measures such as the use of solar panels, eco-friendly insulation, high-efficacy appliances, and more considered building techniques and materials. we can also look at being more sustainable on a smaller scale.
The production of luxury furnishings and décor items often has a significant environmental impact, instead of buying new furniture you can upscale old furniture and give it a new lease of life by re-painting, re-modelling, or reupholstering. We also encourage our clients to invest in vintage or antique furniture and fittings, these are far more sustainable and add character to your home. I love this trend because by prioritizing sustainable practices, we not only enhance the beauty and elegance of our homes, but also leave a lasting legacy of sustainability for generations to come.
BIOPHILIC DESIGN
The new buzzword in interior design. Biophilic design is the trend when you incorporate elements of nature into indoor spaces, not only to enhance the aesthetic but to promote well-being and a deeper connection to nature within your home.
The concept involves incorporating direct views of nature; views of outside gardens or the creation of inside gardens, lots of indoor plants, or living walls. Use natural materials within your home and mimic the patterns of nature in the interior design. Lots of natural light and air are key elements along with the presence of water. It’s creating a space whereby you feel you are surrounded by nature.
This trend aims to reconnect people with the natural world, promoting well-being and enhancing the overall quality of life. By blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, we can create environments that inspire, rejuvenate, and nurture. The biophilic design creates immensely grounded homes and I believe helps to increase your well-being and reduce stress.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
This is a new trend that cannot be ignored. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now a driving force in the realm of interior design. AI is revolutionizing the way we can conceptualize, create, and curate our homes. With AI personalised design solutions, we are now able to tailor every aspect of the design process to meet our exact needs. From furniture selection, colour schemes to spatial layouts and lighting preferences. AI will ensure that every detail is considered to ensure your interior is tailored to your exact individual requirements and it’s done in record time!
VR and AR technologies are also revolutionizing the way we envision and interact with our future homes. AI-powered VR and AR platforms allow us to create immersive, lifelike simulations that enable us to virtually walk through and experience our homes before a single piece of furniture is purchased or installed. This is a hugely useful tool when designing your new home, this level of pre-visualisation was historically very expensive and time-consuming; it is now almost instantaneous and available to everyone.
I find this trend very exciting; AI is most certainly ushering in a new era of innovation and sophistication in interior design. As designers continue to embrace the transformative power of AI, the future of interior design promises to be even more exciting, dynamic, and visionary than ever before!
QUALITY OF BUILD TO WITHSTAND TURBULENT WEATHER
This trend stands out as both a necessity and a hallmark of excellence: prioritizing the quality of build to withstand the forces of nature, particularly flash floods and storms. As climate change continues to manifest in extreme weather events, the demand for resilient and durable interior spaces has never been greater.
We are now seeing homeowners wanting to ensure that their homes are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly resilient to water damage. We are seeing an increase in the use of water-resilient materials from moisture-resistant hardwoods and waterproof laminates to durable stone and porcelain tiles. Every element of the interior needs to be carefully chosen to withstand the impact of flash floods and storms. By prioritising quality materials with proven durability, we ensure homes remain intact and pristine even in the face of nature’s fury.
This trend of prioritizing the quality of buildings against flash floods and storms represents a paradigm shift in interior design in the UAE. Embracing resilient materials, smart construction techniques, and integrated flood protection systems, enables us to create luxurious living spaces in an era of climate uncertainty. As the importance of resilience continues to grow, this trend will undoubtedly shape the future of luxury interior design, setting new standards of excellence and innovation in the industry.
