May 2023| Just Act Natural

Organic materials and rounded silhouettes have entered the conversation.

Architect Dame Zaha Hadid once said that the beauty of landscapes— where sand, water, reeds, birds, buildings and people all somehow flowed together — has never left her, thus she tried all her life to invent “an architecture, and forms of urban planning, that do something of the same thing in a contemporary way.”

Hadid, who was not only a talented architect but a true innovator, has been a symbol of architectural experimentation. She brought to life curvaceous forms and bold, fluid, organic designs within her projects -with a perpetual goal in mind: to amaze and inspire peoples' lives. Her approach, even though considered futuristicand fashion forward, reflected the relationship of architecture to the world we live in.

Now more than ever, the relationship of interiors to the world we live in is at the pinnacle of interior design.

With us people having a strong need to create a direct thread with Mother Earth in our search for a primal wellbeing, interior design trends call us now more than ever to surround ourselves with elements that recall nature in form, material and color.

This notion and approach is not new. It has been the greatest source of inspiration for Japanese culture for centuries. Nature has always played a restorative and calming role to human life.

Nature-centric wave persists in fashion, too. Spring/Summer 2023 runways were filled with natural materials as well as direct color connotations to nature. Jaquemus hit the runways with breezy silhouettes wearing raffia hats. Olivier Rousteing inspired by the beauty of Africa, presented watercolour prints for BALMAIN show, with many fabrics made from natural materials such as banana leaf and raffia while Fendi menswear was filled up with vibrant and organic colors mirroring the earth, sea, and sky.

The most recent interior design trends for 2023 break down the barriers between indoors and outdoors signaling a seamless dialogue between the interiors and exteriors of a space. Fresh new designs of furniture and furnishings are making use of stone, reclaimed wood, rattan, wicker and coconut shells.

Rattan especially, a material that dominated the ‘70s and ‘80s is making a huge comeback. You can find rattan and wicker in almost everything, from pendant lighting to chairs and many other furnishings. We currently love Gubi Basket Lounge chair made of hand-woven rattan

Textures like agave fiber, banana leaf and raffia are taking stage as well. Natural-fiber fabrics or raffia rugs and wallpapers are a huge go-to. Check out Tinto design wallpaper from Arte Les Forêts Collection made from the bark of banana tree .

There are plenty of ways to embrace this vibe. Carefully picking material and color palettes to match and celebrate the landscapes that surround a site is also a rising star in terms of a regenerative perspective and natural aesthetics.

Reclaimed wood has been on trend for several years. Mahogany, natural oak or unstained pine are perfect for custom furniture pieces. Add curves in furniture that soften all the straight lines and warm the coolness of the modernity.

Whether used in small doses as an accent table or stone fireplace, or on a grander scale as flooring, stone always makes a “natural” statement. Using sustainable alternatives is also an option. Check out Lea Ceramiche ANTHOLOGY collection of high-tech porcelain slabs that captures all the details of natural stone with an incredible visual look.

Don’t hesitate to mix fine curvy handmade ethnic items from all over the world and well –worn painted pieces with contemporary designer pieces.

“ The golden rule for me personally - when “acting natural” in home design- is to really pay attention to the layout, volumes, and proportions as they are much more important than the actual decoration of a space. The balance you will follow will determine and shape the amount of grounding/earthy effect you wish to receive."

Always here to hear your thoughts.

ELENI NODARAKI

Creative Editorial Director

Write to me on eleni@decorationrunway.com