Design trends that will rule and create a statement for creative lifestyle spaces

If you have made design resolutions for the New Year, then read on! The last year was more about minimalistic style with personal design preferences. So will we follow the same old trends? What colours, patterns, and designs will take the lead in 2018? Design Middle East spoke to the best in design business— Medy Navani, founder and CEO of Design Haus Medy; Daousser Chennoufi, CEO, Draw Link Group; Monika Janczura, senior interior designer from EDGE; and Lee Morris design director – head of architecture at Atkins. Here, are their design predictions for 2018:

“Wallpaper is making a comeback.”
Medy Navani, founder and CEO of Design Haus Medy

Trends to follow

1. Wallpaper is making a comeback. Bright and patterns are in. We’re using wallpaper more than ever before, and not just limiting it to the four walls either. No longer reserved for just a feature wall, we use wallpaper to express our individuality and personality, whether that’s through clashing wallpaper or large-scale patterns and murals.

2. Sinks with drama are right on trend – concrete, stone, copper or granite to be in fashion in 2018. Today’s sinks are clever, functional works of art. An example would be the vessel sink, which breaks the traditional rules of choosing bathroom fixtures that are all in the same colour family and made from the same material.

3. Warm Neutrals are in. In 2018, we will see the application of greys with rich, earthy shades of camel, rust, tobacco, brown-blacks, delicious red, and burnt yellow. The Nordic “hygge” style will continue to be a focus; this is a simple, homely look that focuses on earth shades and natural materials such as linen, wool, wood, ore and stone.
4. White kitchen accessories and marble are out, and earth-toned shades, stonework and concrete accents are in. Concrete has always been a popular material choice for homemakers.

5. Colour is King! Bright, bold, saturated and strong, colours will be used in 2018 instead of pastels. Expect to see lashings of canary yellow, lime green, citrus orange, peacock blue and fuchsia pink. These strong tones also tap into a trend inspired by electro digital colours – intense, high-octane colours that come at us in playful advertising and over the Wi-Fi waves.

Most revolutionary design! The grand mosque in Abu Dhabi, it’s just a magnificent place. I was always a big admirer of great religious architecture. From the glorious mosques in the Arab world to the impressive churches in Europe to the mystique temples in Asia.

Exciting projects in New Year
We are currently working on some very interesting projects on a big scale, including a zero-emission tower for the Dubai Government. Further to this, we have two research and innovation centres, a luxury villa project at the beach, and a low-cost housing project in Africa.

“Green and yellow shades are my favourites which goes well with minimalistic and elegant interior mode.”
Monika Janczura, senior interior designer from EDGE

Trends to follow
The interior material trends for the next season are real and thick, with distinct features as well as natural and bright colour accents. Green and yellow shades are my favourites which goes well with minimalistic and elegant interior mode. I also recommend a subtle connection of natural themes reflected in fabrics and decorations made of ceramic and metals.

Most revolutionary design!
 I love Madinat Jumeirah Hotel as well as Bab al- Shams Resort. The combination of the materials used there, the dialogue with the surrounding nature and the context of the place, various lighting, and design connectivity make me return gladly to these places as sources of local inspiration and relaxation at a high level.

Exciting projects in New Year
We are working on a five star hotel in Ethiopia and Dubai, a residential tower in Dubai, masterplan development in the UAE, and private high-end interior projects. Every time when we are starting a new project, I am excited. The new challenges and design adventure give me always drive for deeper development.

“Sustainable designs would be at the forefront.”
Daousser Chennoufi, CEO, Draw Link Group

Trends to follow
1. Sustainable designs would be at the forefront this year. The eco-friendly design will be in huge demand, as they use environmentally friendly products to create an ambience and atmosphere close to nature or as natural as possible. To achieve this effect, materials such as wood, and shades of green are utilised.

2. Another trend is intelligent design, which uses technology and automated systems. This trend has been pervasive across five-star hotels and now we are seeing it in high-end residential projects too.

3. Personalisation is a big trend, especially across hospitality projects. The more personalisation is offered, the more the guest would feel like they are home-away-from-home. Timeless trends such as contemporary and classic design remain important considerations across our projects.

Most revolutionary technology! The most important technology that is revolutionising design is the use of 3Ddesign. Its uses are increasing daily from facades to decorations and literally everywhere else.

Exciting projects in New Year The most exciting project in 2018 includes the Rosemount Hotel and Residences by Hilton in Dubai. The entire project will add more than 600 keys to Dubai’s hospitality sector and will be operated by Curio Collection. It will be the firstof- its-kind, super-luxury urban resort located on Sheikh Zayed Road in the Al Thanyah district. Value at an estimated $550mn, the Rosemount Hotel and Residences will be the first building on earth with its own rainforest: a 6868sqm (approx.) jungle complete with a splash pool and café. The supersize terrarium will use only recycled water collected from condensation and will feature a novel artificial beach.

“We will see the growth of more mid-price range apartments.”
Lee Morris design director – head of architecture at Atkins

Trends to follow
Social economics are demanding the reassessment of levels of luxury that we currently see in the design. We will see the growth of more mid-price range apartments for example at Dubai South where overall footprints are reducing and development density is increasing to meet the economic demands. We will continue to see the rise of more affordable, mid-range, low-rise community districts.

Most revolutionary design!
Louvre Abu Dhabi, it’s mind-blowing. A brilliant, extraordinary yet simple feast of visual stimulation.

Exciting projects in New Year
Without a doubt, it must be King Abdul Aziz Road (KAAR) in KSA. Atkins has master planned the entire development over the last eight years and are now designing one of the key gateway buildings to the development and two hotels. We have a huge responsibility to be at the front end of a mindset change, to design something that is both contemporary and speaks to the Saudi Vision 2030 transformation programme but also respects the country’s historic architecture and Islamic heritage. The transformation of KSA is going to be a momentous time in history. With this project, we have the opportunity to lay down a new blueprint for an architectural style and tone going forward.