7 trends for 2017 — beautiful foundations

Do you remember growing up there was a certain point in time when life was filled with an endless, almost magical sense of possibility? You could change the world… You could be any person you wanted to be, do anything, go anywhere - the future was limitless. The start of a new year can also feel this way. It’s an open book; an opportunity to look at everything with fresh eyes, a new perspective and unlock the potential.

With more of us deciding against the high cost of moving house, we’re turning our focus towards what we already have. Perhaps our existing home is good enough, perhaps we just need to see it in a new light. We can have everything we need or want. Extending, re-decorating, re-doing, a few new touches here and there and suddenly you can recreate the familiar into something special.

The top trends for 2017 will help to transform and inspire. They’ll let you re-imagine the way you use and live in a space and give you the confidence to go for something bold and new. So without further ado, here are the 7 trends you’ll see more of this year:

1) Luxurious Velvet

We first saw this material edge into our homes at the end of last year and it's set to be big in 2017. We want comfort, we want luxury, we want somewhere to escape to. Velvet ticks the right boxes. It can instantly glam up any room...

2) Cork Walls

Yup, you heard right! This material will warm up and add instant texture to any space. But it's not just for walls. Try a cork side table or stool or use as a coffee table with a stone top.

Photo: domain.com.au, Petra Bindel. — *Photo: domain.com.au, Petra Bindel.*

3) Jewel tones

With Greenery announced as Pantone's colour of 2017, we're going to see a lot more green in the high street and this calls for strong colours to accessorise with. Jewel tones fit this perfectly. They'll look bright and modern with green and lift a neutral interior. If you don't want to make any big changes to your home this year, adding a few cushions or throws in jewel colours will instantly bring your interiors up to date.

4) Artisan, handmade items

We've been DIY-ing like crazy over the years but we're now turning towards skilled craftsmanship, requiring more time and specialist knowledge to complete. These objects are unique and can take pride of place in our homes. Glass blowing, intricate woodworking, ceramics, silversmithing - these will be covetable this year.

5) Matt metals

Shiny metals are out, matt muted metallics are in. Stripping away the shine and the glitz, the form of the object becomes much more visible. And rather than a super polished look a more industrial edge is welcomed. Muted antique brass, greys, pewter, burnished metals, black steel. All beautiful in their understatement with clean lines.

Photo: blogof.francescomugnai.com — *Photo:* *blogof.francescomugnai.com*

6) Terracotta tiles

I know what you're thinking, but terracotta can look lovely. It will instantly add depth and warmth to a room. The trick is to keep them matt.

7) Lighting

It's all about the right lighting in 2017. You can have the most finely crafted furniture or the most sumptuous accessories, but if the lighting is wrong, it'll all be for nothing. Rather than 1 bright ceiling light, use multiple lamps, lighting strips along a wall or soft lighting along the floor or stairs. Better still, make the lights also look beautiful in their own right and you're winning.