Decorex SA connects you with the best 2019 décor, design and lifestyle trends
The African continent is positioning itself as a global style icon, fusing the influences of international trend-makers with the unique colour and vibrancy that characterises its people and cultures.
The impact of this colourful continent on the 2019 lifestyle trends will be brought home through the features and products showcasing at Africa’s biggest décor and design exhibition – Decorex SA. Consisting of Decorex Durban, Decorex Cape Town and Decorex Joburg, this year’s much-anticipated theme ‘Designing for Africa - feels like home’ encapsulates the re-birth of the African style powerhouse.
“We are at a crucial moment in the evolution of technology, both globally and here at home,”
explained Anita Bloom, Creative Director at Decorex SA.
“The incredible advances in artificial intelligence, virtual augmented realities and 3D printing are about to transform every aspect of our lives. And in response to the imminent digital revolution we are re-focusing on what it means to be human, and this is taking us back to our African roots. Consumers are at a crossroads asking profound questions about their place in the world. How do we hold onto our identity? How do we stay emotionally aware? How do we re-connect with the world around us? By creating a calm, home-style space that gives our minds the freedom to wonder. A space to embrace a positive, new approach to life.”
Decorex SA reveals the revitalising trends to look out for in 2019 and beyond:
Getting a feel for it
Surface Tactility
The average human interacts with a digital surface over 1000 times a day. This constant technological interaction leaves us craving a tactile experience with soft, porous surfaces that breathe life. Walls, fabrics and even counter tops are taking on a more tactile sensation through ceramic tiles, 3D printing and textured paint. New interior design materials - including grounded tiles, recycled plastics and materials - with more traditional materials – marble and granite – are all finding their place.
Photo Credit @homelivingspace
Ribbed Surfaces
This tactile experience extends into this folded style of dynamic skin. The rounded, 3D effect plays with the concept of light and dark through delicate shadows. Textured ceramic wall coverings, wooden panels, velvet walls, and chrome cylinders will allow you to control the mood and tone of any room through this enfolded décor trend.
Photo Credit Irene Kyriacou & Reedeco – Saint Restaurant Photo Credit Decorex SA Photographer: Elsa Young Photography)
Rugs as Wall Art
Statement rugs are now moving from the floor to the wall, with quality fabrics and enchanting designs taking their righteous place in a visually captivating space. Draw the room together with a textured, hand-woven rug.
Photo credits Voke Rugs
Taking shape
Reinventing the Arch
The traditional arch-style from the 1970s has been reinvented in entrance hallways, walkways and alcoves providing a soft space for the presentation of signature décor items.
Photo Credit Bang & Olufsen Photo Credit Irene Kyriacou & Reedeco – Saint Restaurant Photographer: Elsa Young Photography
Abstract Art
Muted, natural prints, one-line sketches and asymmetric patterns with minimal definition are characterising the on-trend abstract art finding its way into 2019’s décor style. Complete the natural look with hand-crafted, wooden frames.
Photo Credit @homelivingspace
Mirrors and New Circles
In a space to reflect on humanity and our place in the world, mirrors form an integral subject matter that speak to who we are. Circular shapes are coming to the fore, with stylised, straight lines used to contrast this smooth flow, while many are looking towards more imperfect shapes. Wood and glass are being incorporated into this Japanese Wabi-Sabi style, seeking beauty within the imperfect.
Photo credit @homelivingspace
Less or more?
Mindful Minimal Interiors’
The Eastern-style simplicity is echoed in Mindful Minimalism which encourages the decluttering of a life in search of harmony. Rather than overconsumption and unconscious reaction, we are seeking introspection and conscious action. Lighter tones complete this space, envisioned in silence.
Photo Credit @homelivingspace
Japandi (or Japanordic) Style
Elegance meets minimalism in this Eastern-style trend that hints at wabi-sabi’s search for beauty in imperfection. Muted tones continue in this serene design which incorporates textured finishes – ceramics and woods – with Scandinavian clean lines anchoring this playful design.
Photo Credit @homelivingspace Photo Credit Plascon
Maximilism
There’s room for layering in 2019 as colour, patterns and texture combine in one fuller décor trend. Pre-conceived ‘clashing’ colours, vibrant patterns and deeper hues – in Maximilism, more is more…but in small doses.
Photo Credit @homelivingspace
Bold Wallpapers
Large colour prints, florals, clouds, birds and decadent, abstract patterns have found their place as Bold Wallpapers adhere to interior décor trends. Manufactured with innovative waterproof technology, we will even see Bold Wallpapers working into bathrooms and kitchens.
Photo Credit @home The Homeware Store Photo Credit Drummonds Wallpaper by Anna Glover
Return to nature
Dried Botanics
Working into the Mindful Minimalism and Japandi trends, dried flowers and branches allow for the vital re-connection with nature without overwhelming the senses. A simple botanic feel with unannounced organic colours root any space with the outdoors.
Photo Credit Bang & Olufsen Photo Credit Kohler
Wicker Returns’
The former industrial trends of steel and light have softened into the organic Wicker Trend that is weaving its way into design. Rather than the traditional organic colours, wickerlastic is being re-discovered in the classic black, perfectly partnering with the Geometric Monochrome Trend.
Illuminating Trends
The cold, industrial-style lights are being re-envisioned with handblown glass, wicker, wood and stone – fused with copper and gold brass - creating undefined shapes that illuminate every space. The simple, natural lighting styles are being cleverly digitised, allowing for Smart lighting functionality. With the mere touch of a button, every aspect of home illumination can be remotely controlled, offering security and style in one motion.
Photo Credit Eurolux
Long forgotten spaces
Statement Ceilings
Referred to as the ‘5th wall’, it seems Michelangelo had it right all along. Ceilings are no longer just functional and forgotten, rather gaining well-deserved attention through intricate paintwork, wooden structures and even digital imagery.
Photo Credit Irene Kyriacou & Reedeco – Saint Restaurant
Bathroom Design
Merely utilitarian no more, the bathroom is an extended living space, with personalised décor, upholstered seating, cushions and clusters of pendant lighting creating a soft sanctuary. This is now a room to de-stress and unwind, away from the demands of work and even home life.
Photo Credit @home The Homeware Store Photo Credit @homelivingspace
Interior to exterior
Architects, landscapers and designers are working these modern styles into the outdoors. Whereas the exterior was once an afterthought, more conceptualisation is going into making this more than just ‘outside’. Matte roofs with gloss gutters; industrial-style, red-brick feature walls; neutral palettes combined with steel and raw concrete; upgraded landscaped elements and re-envisioned garage doors and sheds are being integrated into interior design.
Image Supplied by Decorex SA Photo Credit Caesarstone
The right tone
A vital component of every décor aspect is colour. And you can expect some really exciting tones and hues entering 2019.
Ice cream/gelato pastels on feature walls, dining room chairs, table runners, scatter cushions, vases or doors. A touch of these Spring colours will enliven a room.
New mint is a gender-neutral colour with a futuristic feel, forecast to be the colour for 2020.
Earthy colours and warm neutrals allow us to transcend the cold, sterile shades of previous years and embrace the warmth of nature. Layers of burnt orange, warm beiges and shades of green create a soothing atmosphere.
Believed to be the colour for 2019, Night Watch is a lush, rich teal which is calming, fresh and healing.
The vibrant Gen Z yellow is being mixed with greys as a pop of colour. It can be used to brighten a door or even room as a feature wall.
Sage green is a subdued, almost neutral colour that works well with dusty pink, offering a fresh interior accent.
Sage Green. Night Watch.
Photo Credit Plascon Photo Credit @homelivingspace
Bloom said the 1970s Home Décor Trend is also finding its place in the 2019 décor and design realm, with boho chic and retro glam reflected in key elements such as lighting, ribbed fabrics and re-used bricks.
“The 1970s style calls for bold confidence in colours and shapes with a design that integrates easily into the modern-style trends,”
explained Bloom.
Photo Credit Irene Kyriacou & Reedeco – Saint Restaurant
Photographer: Elsa Young Photography
“Finally, the Personal Touch Trend will never go out of style. Take inspiration from the emerging trends, but personalise them by adding elements that mean something to you. Trust yourself to know what will revitalise you in your own, safe sanctuary.”
Photo Credit @homelivingspace
DECOREX SA 2019 DETAILS
Decorex Durban
21 – 24 March 2019
10am – 6pm daily
Durban Exhibition Centre
Trade-focused day: 22 March 2019
Ticket Prices: Adults – R95
Student/Pensioners – R85
Kids U12 – R20
Trade – R85
Decorex Cape Town
1 – 5 May 2019
10am – 6pm daily
Cape Town International Convention Centre
Trade-focused day: 2 - 3 May 2019
Ticket Prices: Adults – R110
Student/Pensioners – R100
Kids U12 – R20
Trade – R100
Decorex Joburg
7 – 11 August 2019
10am - 6pm daily
Gallagher Convention Centre
Public holiday: 9 August
Trade-focused days: 7 - 8 August 2019
Ticket Prices: Adults – R120
Student/Pensioners – R100
Kids U12 – R20
Trade – R100
