Issue 154

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THE KEVIN MCCLOUD COLUMN
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Don’t be surprised if interiors soon feature more crown moulding, elegant parquet flooring, and
even occasional bursts of chintz fabric, marking a return to timeless aesthetics.
The shift back to classic styles will also manifest in the colour palette we choose for our interiors.
Instead of stark whites and minimalistic hues, expect to see a resurgence of warm, earthy tones
like sage greens, terracotta reds and sun-baked yellows.
These colours don’t just add visual appeal; they have a profound impact on our psychological
well-being. They evoke a sense of comfort, warmth and stability, resonating with our innate
desire for environments that feel like a sanctuary.
Adaptive and flexible spaces will be key in future design, especially as homes continue to serve
multiple functions like work, education and leisure. Prompted by recent global events, this
multifunctionality isn’t a fleeting trend but a lasting shift.
Design will play a crucial role, featuring modular furniture, movable walls and integrated
technology. These elements work together to create environments that can adapt effortlessly to
our ever-changing needs, consolidating varied activities within one space.
The boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces will increasingly blur as we move further
into the decade. Driven by a growing appreciation for nature and the benefits it brings to our
well-being, people are likely to incorporate outdoor elements into their daily lives in more fluid
ways.
Think retractable walls that bring the garden into the living room or ‘inside-outside’ rooms
teeming with natural light and lush foliage, facilitating a seamless blend of our built and natural
environments.
As we embrace sustainable practices, eco-conscious living and time-tested styles, we will create
homes that are not just spaces to live in but sanctuaries that echo the principles we hold dear.
The future looks not just stylish but also incredibly sensible.
A DESIGN FOR LIFE…
the Kevin McCloud
column
Designer, writer and television presenter, Kevin McCloud leapt into our
consciousness with his vastly successful Grand Designs show on Channel 4. This
month, the affable architectural business owner talks about how design habits may
change in the coming years.
As someone who’s spent a lifetime championing good design, I’m thrilled to see how the next
wave of creativity is taking shape.
The second half of this decade promises to be an exciting period, where we’ll witness a
confluence of sustainability, eco-consciousness and a deep-seated nostalgia for the old ways.
The pendulum swings back and forth in design, but in the 2020s, it seems it might just rest at a
harmonious middle ground for a while.
The desire for sustainable design isn’t new, but as we forge deeper into the decade, it will be less
of a trend and more of a necessity. In fact, I predict that we’ll see a greater integration of locally
sourced materials. People will prize craftsmanship and durability over disposable fast furniture.
As part of this sustainable approach, designers will look to implement renewable resources, such
as bamboo, hemp and recycled metals. Forget flat-pack furniture – welcome back, hand-crafted
chairs and family heirloom tables!
In parallel with sustainability, eco-conscious choices will steer interior palettes and layouts.
Indoor plants have already been gaining ground, but I predict the integration of more ‘living’
elements – like vertical gardens or even aquatic features.
These aren’t merely decorative; they improve air quality, balance humidity and contribute to
mental well-being. Smart homes will do more than just operate our lighting and entertainment
systems; they’ll manage resources efficiently, cutting down waste and saving energy.
As the world grows more unpredictable, the allure of familiar, classic design styles is stronger
than ever. There’s a sense of comfort and reassurance in what we already know. In response, we’ll
likely see a resurgence of traditional craftsmanship, from skilled stonemasonry to intricate wood
carving, bestowing rooms with a sense of permanence and history.
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