Around the world, the focus is on creating spaces and places within our homes, where we can retreat, rest, reflect and realign.
We speak to interior decorator and furniture designer, Mary-Ann Prinsloo on how to make your home your happy space … your cocoon … using colours, textures, technology, gadgets and furnishings to foster that mood and reflect your individuality.
Creating Happy Homes is the theme for this year’s East Coast Radio House + Garden Show, and exhibitors have their sights set on providing you with the tricks, tools and know-how to create your own bright and beautiful version of happiness from June 29 to July 7 as the Durban Exhibition Centre is set to be a voyage of discovery.
Mary-Ann Prinsloo of Barbet Interiors is keenly aware of the trends driving interior design and décor this year and says: “2024 is the year the world is taking a break. A step back. That alone is prompting us to reimagine spaces so we can retreat, rest, reflect and realign.”
“Design and interior décor trends for 2024 are, to a large extent, based on ecology. There’s a strong leaning towards the human-nature connection, from little lush details such as indoor plants to eco-friendly fabrics and fabrications, cool and calming spaces, and earth, sea and sky colours. The days of everything matching are gone – co-ordination isn’t a driver. Now it’s about revealing your personality through individual touches, pieces you’ve collected on your travels, and sentimental elements which talk about you…but without cluttering.”
She adds that sustainability sits strongly alongside ecology for this year’s interiors trends, while ensuring that your life story is the thread through it all.
“We’re breathing deeply and retreating into our homes, reflecting on what makes life wonderful, then ensuring we make the changes we need. This process can be wonderfully supported by creative and fun décor and design.”
