Image courtesy of Sissey
“Plants transport you to another world of tranquility…even without having to do yoga, and going beyond meditation, their beauty takes you far beyond all that. They are relaxing, and soften any room in a home.”
—Laura Colleen, sustainable artist & painter
Gain insight into the latest-breaking technology and its connection with nature at the Ideal Home Show, coming to Olympia London March 22nd – 7th April. Known as Britain’s most iconic home event, the show will be celebrating its 11th year. Everything from interior inspiration to expert advice, along with 600 exhibitors and live performances with celebratory talks will be hosted. You won’t want to miss out on viewing The Evolving Home either, created with a modular system that is environmentally friendly due to its low waste.
Key takeaways for this year seem to be drawing on inspiration from the themes of nature. By bringing the outdoors in, greenery is shifting the design world as we know it, infusing natural elements with the combination of the latest technology.
“Nature is the foundation of all life. It creates the oxygen we breathe…it’s family friendly,” says Laura Colleen, sustainable artist and painter. “We all know that once you go outside and clear your mind, you can go back inside and work a lot harder. So really it’s the bedrock of everyday life.”
Colleen, who is a home design enthusiast, says that she draws her inspiration on the power of nature.
“It’s just so peaceful and friendly, and helps you in your daily life. Plants transport you to another world of tranquility…even without having to do yoga, and going beyond meditation, their beauty takes you far beyond all that. They are relaxing, and soften any room in a home,” says Colleen.
So trend is plunging us forward? It seems that window space takes the prize, channeling us towards the realms of a more sustainable future.
Unwanted walls are now removed, creating a free flow to allow spaciousness to envelop the consumer. From environmental habitats to natural lighting, let nature pierce peacefully into your environment. Vistas at the show will provide examples of this air space to demonstrate the importance of lighting in interiors. Students take note—because sitting closely to a naturally sun-lit environment has proven to work wonders when cramming in those final exams.
The world of upcycling has proven to leave its fresh and influential mark in interior trends this year, directing us towards a more sustainable future. With euphoric outdoor themes and natural looking scenography, upcycling designers like entrepreneur and TV presenter Max McMurdo will be hosted at the show. The designer, who works in his shipping container office, complete with bi-fold doors, solar panels and moss roof—has a range of high-end furniture from wastes that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill. From skateboard shelves to vintage trunk coffee tables—you name it, McMurdo’s got you covered. With plenty of whimsical and genius ideas, from Ben the plywood-birch bin to a gas bottle pizza oven—you’re sure to find something fantastic.
McMurdo, also author of his book Upcycling: 20 Creative Projects Made from Reclaimed Materials, will help you release your inner design genius by turning scrap ideas into refurbished masterpieces. You can find a copy of the book yourself here.
McMurdo established his company Reestore after becoming uneasy with the consumption-focused ways of the traditional design world. As stated on his website, “eco friendly products do not need to be made from mud and hemp, they can be contemporary, stylish and desirable, as well as taking the environment into consideration.” George Clarke, presenter at Channel 4’s Amazing Spaces has described McMurdo as, “an upcycling alchemist who turns junk into something wonderful.”
Other eco-friendly initiatives like Eco/Sustainable Design are giving more care to sustainability in construction. The care scheme, which includes the incorporation of waste reduction, keeps in mind the impact that buildings have on environmental sites. These schemes aim to meet standards of sustainability in hopes to reduce future carbon footprints.
Visit the Ideal Home Show yourself for more information on news, speakers, venues and other exciting events here.
A couple more dates to jot in your dairy are Grand Designs, coming to London 4th – 12th of May 2019 at London ExCel. And, Clerkenwell Design Week, which is also happening the end of May, will have amazing exhibitions open daily from 10am – 9pm. For more information visit: Grand Designs Live and Clerkenwell Design Week.
❦
Home 