As we move into a new season our demand for fresh ideas is in full swing. Innovative designers are always searching for ways to revolutionize the interior architecture industry, while also responding to the culture and personality of the time. At the residential level, we are noticing some popular trends in the industry. Here are nine trends we're loving.
Bronze Accents
Courtesy Binyan Studios
Bronze is hot this year and is appearing in many luxury residential projects in the form of furniture, plumbing and more. This luxury condominium rising above Long Island City is a great example of interiors making bronze a feature piece. Crafted by Hill West Architect's design arm, Whitehall Interiors, Skyline Tower has a grand staircase in the residential lounge, which features bronze accents. The building also has bronze kitchen plumbing, bronze-lined hardware, and fixtures in its bathrooms, bronze-mirrored walls in the fitness center and bronze furniture plopped in the lobby and lounge areas.
Biophilia
Courtesy Steelblue
Incorporating a biophilic design in the home is a popular trend in both residential and commercial spaces. It's also a great way to provide a greater connection to the natural environment, especially in city living. San Francisco homes Residence 950 and Residence 2646, feature biophilic design to provide residents with elevated, wellness-focused living experience. Designed by Troon Pacific, the home's design provides a connection to nature through ample natural lighting via oversized skylights and glass elevator. In addition, floor-to-ceiling glass pocket doors seamlessly connect the indoor and outdoor worlds. Natural materials and finishes such as European white oak and Mandarin white limestone bring nature indoors.
Eco-friendly Materials
Courtesy Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences
Eco-friendly materials are a major factor in the design realm and continue to be at the forefront of architects' projects. For instance, wellness epicenter, Amrit Ocean Resort and Residences' interior aesthetic have been largely shaped by the environmentally-conscious materials chosen. The design team meticulously chose natural fibers, recycled fabrics, and wood, as well as the exclusion of harmful chemicals used. The interiors also provide a harmonious link to the project's oceanside environment and Florida landscape with monotone colors, a warm contemporary approach, and varying textures to calm the mind and relax the body.
Spacious Terraces Maximize Views
Courtesy Three Marks
Designers continue to focus on designing to maximize views for residents and to amplify access to fresh air and unobstructed views. Terraces are a great way to achieve this, and creating spacious terraces allow for entertaining, and more. 277 Fifth Avenue has four Loggia Residences—sheltered double-height open-air living and entertaining areas. Designed by renowned interior architect Jeffrey Beers International, the loggias are seemingly carved out of the building's corners and provide stunning views of New Yorks most iconic buildings, like the Chrysler and Empire State Building. Talk about maximizing views.
Porcelain Tile
Courtesy of Meshberg Group
Immerging technology and improvement in printing and material quality have allowed for the creation of faux stone, marble and other imitations of natural materials. At Wynwood 25, an apartment complex in Miami, Mershberg Group uses porcelain tile for the accent walls in the lobby space, which creates a durable concrete large format look. This replacement of natural materials like concrete and Italian marble could be the future of interior architecture—at least for this year.
Thin Countertops
Courtesy of Meshberg Group
The idea of seamless is desired by anyone who wants the appeal of the smooth and uninterrupted design. A trend we're noticing is the three-quarter inch countertops, which creates a different and unique way to approach a kitchen staple. At about half the thickness of traditional countertops, this movement is something we love. At the Grand McCarren, a luxury Greenpoint development designed by Meshberg Group, thin countertops can be found in several kitchen spaces throughout.
Flow-Through Design
Courtesy CRAFT
Who doesn't love an open concept? The flow-through layout design is becoming increasingly popular, to offer unobstructed views with a sense of openness. Corte, a new luxury condominium in Long Island City, is a great example of flow-through design. Designed by Argentinian architects Dieguez Fridman and New York-based Beyer Blinder Belle, the residences of Corte include an open layout and large, floor-to-ceiling windows to create a flow within each residence, amplifying a sense of airiness.
Less Is More
Photo credit: Barry Grossman
There's a saying that less is more and this year that couldn't be more relevant. Minimalist design continues to be a popular trend in 2019. At Oceana Bal Harbour, Piero Lissoni, world-renowned Italian interior designer, created gallery-like spaces in the two twin lobbies. The minimalist design focuses on a museum-worthy art collection, including two Jeff Koons piece, Seated Ballerina and Pluto and Proserpina.
Statement Staircases
Courtesy The Ritz-Carlton Residences
Statement staircases are relevant every year however this year we're seeing an extra demand for the beautiful feature. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach, features a unique multi-million-dollar lobby designed to cater exclusively to art enthusiasts and travelers. The $500,000 Piero Lissoni-designed staircase acts as the focal point, leading up the second-floor library. It is designed for both beauty and function.
