Trendy or Timeless? Vol.2
Last year we introduced a new series here on the journal called ‘Trendy or Timeless?’ where I look at interior design trends, offer advice on how to use them in a timeless way and share local product recommendations.
For Volume 2, I wanted to challenge myself to flick through some of my old magazines from 2016 and see if I could detect any recurring trends that would still be considered ‘in style’ today. As a big magazine lover, my collection spans across many years of both Australian and Kiwi design. For this challenge I used Inside Out, Your Home And Garden and NZ House & Garden.
It was incredibly interesting to look back on some of the interior design trends that were used in 2016, some of which definitely did not stand the test of time. My observation after studying these old magazines against current interior trends is that a lot of what makes something still feel current is that it has already been around for decades. Classic. Nostalgic. Vintage. Comfortable.
Here are a few of the recurring interior trends that I spotted in those 2016 mags that are (in my humble opinion) truly timeless…
Banana Palm Print
2016 was all about the banana palm, with this classic vintage inspired print popping up on cushions, wallpaper and furniture. Inspired by the iconic vintage wallpaper at The Beverly Hills Hotel, the banana palm print is a timeless addition to any space.
With strong retro / tropical vibes, I’ve been seeing this print pop up again over the last couple of years with the resurgence of retro style in both interior design and fashion. We even installed a version of the banana palm wallpaper by Hygge & West in our old weekender home in Martinborough back in 2019 and I still absolutely love it!
I think this print is especially effective in spaces with some connection to the outdoors, creating a sense of nature flowing through into your interior space. I’m also a big fan of a banana palm wallpaper in a bathroom or powder room, very luxe!
Rattan Furniture
Rattan was another element that popped up several times in these 2016 magazines. Again, with strong retro vibes and often used in resort style living rooms to create a sense of relaxation (paired with a banana palm wallpaper and you’re off to the races)!
Rattan furniture is definitely making a comeback, with high end furniture designers circling back to this classic material. I especially love the use of rattan in sideboards / living room pieces and outdoor furniture. I think it creates a real sense of tropical relaxation, which we can all agree is a great vibe!
Blue & Orange Colour Combo
Few colour combinations have the same visual impact as blue and orange, whether that’s a deep midnight blue and rusty orange or a baby blue and terracotta, this combo is truly timeless! 2016 was all about blue and orange, with these colours often appearing in soft furnishings and wallpaper.
Again, these colours are a classic vintage / retro pairing and have been used for decades, meaning they’ll most likely always be circulating in the trend cycles in some way, shape or form. Although I may lean towards deeper shades of these colours in interiors nowadays, I’m still a big fan of blue and orange!
Indoor Plants
Finally, an element that popped up more than anything in 2016 interior design was the use of indoor plants. It somewhat goes without saying that an indoor plant is timeless, but especially a statement plant such as a palm, monstera or fiddle leaf fig.
Although these larger plants can be a tad pricey, the difference they make in a space was as evident in 2016 interiors as it is today. Much like the banana palm print, indoor plants are one of the best ways to bring a sense of the outdoors into your home, making them a great longterm investment!