Stepping up to the future with optimism and style
As the world seemed to unravel before our eyes, 'unprecedented' quickly became an understatement. Now as the world emerges from a period of change that will shape our lives for many years to come, design trends indicate that the 'new normal' will be anything but normal.
In an uncertain world, we all crave reassurance and a sense of confidence and control. Firm Foundations is a timeless design direction that delivers just that. While this look is all about dependable function and practicality, it's also uncompromising in bringing understated elegance and comfort to contemporary living spaces.
Firm Foundations combines the strength and resilience of nature with a raw-edged and utilitarian industrial vibe. Think dark timbers, exposed brick, polished concrete and terrazzo. Think modern statement furniture and a moody dark palette with bursts of colour that provides a backdrop for optimism and a comfortable life of luxury.
From inky ocean blues to deep forest greens, night-sky darks to natural stones and slates, the Firm Foundation colour palette draws on the raw and energising power of nature. Be bold in exploring the dark side, use shadowy and moody tones to create a cosy and cocoon-like space in which to retreat and recharge. Add colour with artworks, fabrics and objects - hand blown glass, a sheepskin throw or contemporary ceramics and clay.
Pinterest, Product: LooseLay Originals Brockton LLP153
Whether at home or in commercial interiors, chocolate browns, deep charcoals and matte blacks will play an essential role in creating Firm Foundations. Counterbalance the darker tones with light concretes, or sand coloured stone finishes rendered in soft tones and tactile grains.
As we look to live closer to nature and bring the outdoors in, texture and tactility play an essential role in creating this look. Natural timbers, stone and concrete set the scene on which your personal style and confident choices can be layered. Start with your flooring and build your look from the ground up.
Pinterest, Product: LooseLay Originals Madison LLT203
Contrasting and layering textures will help to bring gravitas and contemporary elegance to your space and prevent dark schemes from feeling too harsh. Introduce warm tones of timber furniture or the cool contrast of white. Add tactile fabrics, natural leathers and subtle prints inspired by natural motifs to help build on the theme. Even painted finishes can bring texture and tactility to your space by incorporating painterly and watercolour techniques.
A less highly finished, more lived-in look can bring a timeless comfort and relaxed feeling to your space. Subtle patterning softened rough surfaces, and patinas contrast with clean and contemporary lines to create a sophisticated look with an overall feeling that is understated and timeless. With the dependable and timeless qualities of Firm Foundations, you can be better prepared for whatever the future may bring.
Selecting new flooring for your space? Try our Floorstyle flooring visualiser tool. Simply upload a photo of your room and select from any of our flooring products to view digitally in your room.