Leading interiors stylist LeeAnn Yare shares her top finds at the Decoration + Design Sydney 2011 exhibition.
1. Nostalgia
"We are going to surround ourselves with objects that confidently assert what we hold dear," says Marshall. There is a shift to consciously choosing products made from artisan traditions that will last a lifetime. The Evolution fabric designs are not only functional, but use evocative prints such
as old school portraits, and family signatures, to reflect a nostalgic story, using people or places that have meaning to us. emilyziz.com
2. Light fantastic
Throughout the past three decades mood lighting has been mostly achieved through the application of concealed downlights, but today retro-led fashion movements are helping us rediscover the statement pendant light.
Damon Nash from About Space says "Taking cues from classic interior design of the 50s, 60s and 70s, the modern space - both domestic and commercial - is once again embracing the feature pendant as a focal point".
The distinctive shape, light and shadow created by a well-chosen pendant can literally transform a room with the flick of a switch, from the bigger is better approach to clusters of naked bulbs.
Both the Birdcage and Lineare series lights are a happy medium between the two extremes, which is great for those wishing to dip their toe into something slightly daring. Instead of trying to reduce the glare, these lights exploit it through their distinctive silhouettes which cast interesting shadows.
The Apollo is instantly striking from a distance with its angular and futuristic exterior, once lit the neo-classical relief inside softens the mood and a conversation piece is born. aboutspace.net.au
3. Colour confident
After a decade of beige, there is a strong shift to designing with colour confidence, showcasing individual style with the use of bold hues and patterns.
"We are set for a new era of becoming fearless about surrounding ourselves with objects, patterns and designs that mean something to us. It's a real time of design confidence" says influential trends forecaster Genty Marshall. A matched set of anything, from dining chairs to bedside tables to a dinner set, has certainly passed its use-by date. Indulge your creative side and mix don't match, rather embrace the rise of a more individual way of decorating. Wrought iron chair, from vixenandvelvet.com
4. Felt
South African textile designer Ronel Jordaan is taking the globe by storm with her creative 100 per cent wool, hand-dyed and hand-felted creations, including cushions, hanging dividers, throws, rugs and planters.
Inspired by nature, she shapes felt into leaves, flowers, thorns, and is most recognisable for her pebbles and rocks.
While they make a quirky addition to any interior, these felt products can also be treated for outside use. emilyziz.com
5. Sitting pretty
Based on time-honoured Mayan handmade hammock weaving technology, this indoor or outdoor Acapulco chair unifies tradition with innovation and harmonises the function of ergonomic comfort with retro-modern aesthetic form. The Acapulco is in every way cool. Its weave perfectly cradles the body within its clean lines without suffocating, and offers a character of casual sophistication to every home or institution. The flexible yet durable vinyl cord gives the chair's guest an instant siesta.
It was originally designed in the 1950s era of the Kennedys and Sinatra, but more recently reinvented using recycled materials and hot Mexican colours. It oozes both retro and contemporary cool, and while the chair remains to be prolific in Mexico, the original designer appears to be a mystery. acapulcochair.com.au
6. Up and coming
Taking out the student award at The Edge design competition, which showcased the works of Australia's most promising fledgling furniture designers, was Daniel Mazic, with his asymmetrical Contour Chair. Constructed from laminated plywood and organic in form, this piece was inspired by the gothic stylings of Gaudi.
"The Edge 2011 saw an unparalleled range of entries, this years competitors really pushed the boundaries," says curator Uli Hasel.
7. Futuristic
Chunk Design, winners of the commercial award, are a collective of young Australian designers. Their Robo Stool was inspired by an episode of Futurama where a humanoid robot reinvents himself into an environmentally friendly newer model for fear of becoming obsolete.
Made from sustainable bamboo this clever design utilises timber joints that don't require screws or glue for assembly - a great combination of futuristic and eco chic. chunkdesign.com.au
8. Fold it
Freefold furniture is the brain child of architect Toby Horrocks, using modular geometry and recycled cardboard sources to create a bookshelf, screen, plinth or bench.
Perfect for renters, it is lightweight, easy to assemble, strong and infinitely adaptable. It's also available as a flatform shelf, where the strength relies on the folding. freefoldfurniture.com
