Trends in interior design

TRENDS IN INTERIOR DESIGN Just like fashion and our dressing, the modern Kenyan home is a far cry from what it was in the previous century. Some of the trends of previous decades had taken such firm root and it seemed they were here to stay but as the saying goes here today gone tomorrow. The 70’s This period saw homes reflect colonial homes in decor and style. Furniture was roughly hewn and unrefined made by graduates of missionary carpentry schools. Furnishings were largely utilitarian and functional and little or no attention was paid to detail.

The 80’s and 90’s This period saw a marked improvement from the previous decade. It was marked by random mixtures of wooden stools and folding chairs and a smattering of upholstered sofas covered with vinyl fabric that was uncomfortable and cold. Cabinets in the form of side-boards were poorly varnished with shellac. Most living rooms were graced with a large drum that served as a coffee table and the indomitable crochet table cloths and seat coverings. Literary every surface in the house was covered including the wooden transistor radios and TVs.

The walls of living rooms resembled art galleries with row upon row of black and white family photographs. Sitting in a quiet corner with its tendrils creeping all over the wall and ceiling was a Money Plant. The presence of one plant flourishing in your home meant that great wealth would come to you or was already present. A dying or yellowing plant signified the direct opposite. Bedrooms and toilets walls were adorned with newspaper and magazine cutouts. The 20th century 2000-2005 This period was characterized by massive wall units that ran from wall and were the focal points in most living rooms.

They were used to display TV units, music systems and precious crockery and cutlery. Houses during this period were largely overdone. Dr. Hanjira an Interior Design lecturer at Nairobi University says that the opulent sofas and over decoration of surfaces was due to increase disposable incomes among Kenyans. This period also marked some of the worst furniture designed. In trying to meet the demand, furniture manufacturers used cheap and low quality materials. New finishes were also introduced into the market and others that were previously the preserve of offices started being used in the home. 006-2010 Creative home interiors were a novelty, largely due to media exposure, education and wide travel. Every aspect of the interior; flooring, wall color and finish, lighting, and furnishing is critically designed to produce harmonious spaces that reflect one’s personality and create varying moods, character and style. The range of options available is limited only to ones imagination. The trend in interior design today is; whatever the mind of a homeowner conceives can be achieved through creative design and organized planning. What’s Hot in 2011! PAINT

Color is hot, bright, warm and vibrant colors are the best choices. Warm yellows and oranges for lobbies and entrance halls, shades of blue, green and pink for the living room and shades of red for dining areas. Blue, lilac, pink for bedrooms. Color is a form of energy and can be used to alter moods so one should be afraid to experiment with different paint color options. Going green is the next best thing after going bold. Eco-friendly paints that are less harmful to the environment and humans are a good option for home and office use. Paint manufacturers Duracoat have a wide range of eco-friendly paints. WALL PAPER

Wall paper is one of the hottest design fads today and the options are numerous. Spiegel Interiors at Mobil Plaza stock the widest range from floral prints, to plain textured and retro styled texture ranges. One can also use border wall paper available in all leading retail stores. FABRIC Modern graphics and strong shades are hot, so are bold floral prints and textured fabrics. Mix this with plain neutral walls and fabrics for a balanced feel. High quality fabric can be obtained from Tile and Carpet center along Mombasa Road or any of the fabric shops along Biashara Street for a more cost effective option.

Ethnic Art The use of locally created artworks- paintings, furniture, lampshades rugs and other home accessories has found footing in Kenyan homes. Initially a preserve of tourist hotels, this trend is now huge. Lydia Galavu an Art Curator at the National Museums of Kenya says that that people now have more appreciation for locally made items and the use of natural products like sisal, hyacinth and grass. Whatever you do with whatever space you have, let it make a statement. [pic] A well appointed interior space making good use of color, lighting and accessories