Link between trends in fashion and interior design

Hi all.

I am renovating my home at the moment and in the happy position (some would say) of choosing tiles, colours, decor etc for my home. (Actually a bit stressful, but that's another story.)

Anyway, I have noticed some links (I think?) between trends in fashion and trends in interior design. For instance, "fresh and cool" colours, particularly grey and white seem to be really "in" in interior design, and more earthy shades (such as beige and brown), which were popular about 10 years ago, are not so popular now. Similarly, fashion retailers (in Australia at least) seem to be selling a lot of grey at the moment, and a lot of black and white, and the earthier shades are harder to find. To my memory, brown was very "in" about 8 years ago in fashion - so there seems to be a correlation.

And even though boho is supposedly back (hallelujah!), I have not seen a lot of earthy shades in the stores (with the possible exception of Zara). (Again, at least in Australia.) So I am wondering if the 2015 version of boho involves a fresher colour palette than the 2005 version?

I have also noticed that black and white graphic prints (eg chevron and Moroccan inspired) are very "in" in tiles and cushions, and also in fashion. I have 2 skirts in prints very similar to tiles that I seem to see everywhere!

So this makes me ponder whether the links go deeper. eg If minimalism is "in" in fashion, is it also "in" in interior design? That would make sense. I have noticed a return to what could be called "classic" styles in kitchen decor (subway tiles and shaker doors). I am wondering is there a fashion equivalent to that trend? Jackets and blazers perhaps?

The other thing I wonder is who is leading who? Are interior designers effectively taking their cue from the fashion runway or is there a runway equivalent of interior design that is itself generating trends in fashion?

I find all of this quite interesting. Would love to hear the views of other people.

10 years ago

Anonymous

I agree. I too always noticed the link between fashion and interior design. Mostly though, I noticed it in color palettes. But you have been doing more work than me and would be much more aware of it. Fun, huh?

Deb

Veteran

Clothing designers aren't the only ones influenced by fashion weeks around the globe. Favoured and current colours and patterns always find their way in to interior design as well. A valid observation Brooklyn.

Ledonna N.

I think it is an ebb and flow to what leads what. Just like fashion recycles it self.

Runcarla

Very astute of you to pick up on this, Brooklyn. I've noticed that 'mid century modern' - furnishings from the 40's-50's and 60's have replaced 'antiques'. These items provide the juxtoposition in modern houses, like a jean jacket thrown over a pencil skirt outfit. Also interesting to note, after years of showing renovated 100 year old homes, the decor magazines are starting to feature made over homes from 60's-'70's and '90's. Lower ceiling heights, lack of interior trim, open concepts are the new challenges.

We just moved into a 22 year old ranch/bungalow with dark wood floors. The rooms were saturated colours of tomatoe, mustard, and sea glass green. It felt very dark. We have painted all the principal rooms Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter and furnishing are neutrals ranging from light honey through cream and grey.

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Brooklyn

Runcarla, I love your mood board! That's what they call it isn't it? Picture 3 looks lovely and inviting.

I guess I was struck by the similarity between the 2 industries - which shouldn't be surprising given that they are both about design! Besides the fact that they are both very trend driven, and both enjoying similar trends, there are also similar themes and ideas. Runcarla mentions juxtaposition. I would add to that similar ideas about mixing and matching furniture/mixing and matching prints, creating a cohesive look by repeating colours or motifs.

I think Angie could moonlight as an interior designer.

DEB and Ledonna, I am sure you are right about the ebb and flow. And who would be surprised if the 2 industries shamelessly "borrow" each others ideas.

Sterling, I have found the renovation process interesting and educational but not that much fun to be honest. I think because decisions about the home (especially tiles, kitchens, sofas) are so expensive and permanent compared to decisions about fashion. If I decide I in a years time that I no longer like a top I buy today I can purge it fairly easily (perhaps with a little guilt!) because I don't spend a lot on any individual fashion item. But if I decide I don't like my bathroom tiles in a years time I am stuck with them!

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