Oak and Orange talk flooring and window dressing trends

Whether you're embarking on a ground-up build or giving your current home a facelift, reimagining our living spaces with innovative design concepts presents an ideal chance to craft environments that are not just visually stunning but also eco-friendly. Sarah Jobse, a visionary behind the design powerhouse Oak & Orange and a trusted partner of Andersens, shares her insights on cutting-edge interior design trends. Enjoy a world of vibrant colour palettes, luxurious textures, exquisite flooring options, and stylish window treatments. With savvy selections, Sarah demonstrates how you can effortlessly transform your house into a haven.

According to Sarah, this year sees a focus on organic and sustainable design choices. “It's really great to see Aussies getting more tuned into this trend! People are all about crafting interiors that reflect nature while still their own personal style. It's like mixing eco-friendly vibes with your own flair.”  Biophilic design, which integrates natural elements into indoor spaces, is at the forefront, using raw and organic materials that connect us to nature.  Sarah says, “We’re not just thinking about aesthetics; it’s about making sure these spaces are as unique as you are, blending eco-friendliness with your own personal touch.”

Flooring Trends: Light, Natural, and Eco-Conscious

Flooring is often the first element that physically connects people to a room, and therefore plays a vital role in interior design. “Flooring is a crucial element that can really make or break a space. It's like the foundation of a great outfit—it sets the tone for the whole home,” says Sarah. “There’s a strong preference for natural materials like timber, natural stone and bamboo that are known for their eco-friendliness and ability to work for most architectural styles. We’re continuing to see these materials being used in both new builds and renovations.”

In terms of colour, wooden flooring in bleached, light, and white oak is gaining popularity.  “These subtle sand-coloured tones provide a flexible base for homeowners to incorporate other furnishings and design elements around them.  Andersens’ Timbre range of engineered timber flooring in the Ash Oak colour aligns perfectly with this trend offering both sustainability and touch of everyday luxury.  We are seeing favouritism towards wider floorboards, lending a sense of expansiveness to spaces.  Matte finishes on wooden floors are gaining traction, offering durability and a natural aesthetic that mimics the outdoor textures.”

Moving from wooden flooring to carpet, the timeless appeal of light earth-toned hues will continue their reign in creating harmonious and serene interiors.  “We'll see a continued affection for earth-toned hues.  These colours are versatile and blend seamlessly with various interior styles,” remarks Sarah.  “Especially in bedrooms, there's nothing that rivals the tranquillity brought by a luxurious, neutral-toned carpet.”

The paler earth-toned carpets provide a perfect backdrop, acting as a blank canvas, and allowing homeowners to experiment with vibrant wall colours and patterned furnishings, enabling diverse interior expressions.  “Textured carpets are also on the rise, adding depth and interest to living spaces.  Combining natural materials like sisal, jute, bamboo, and wool creates visually appealing effects.  Yet you can achieve a similar look and feel with manmade carpets similar to the effect we created in our Dream Home 8 using Andersens’ twist pile carpet Byng in Wheat.  These are often found in soft, warm colours like beige, sand, cream, and light straw, which are perfect for rugs and carpets,” Sarah added.

 

Beyond aesthetics, sustainability in carpet choices is gaining momentum.  “As designers, we prioritise being kind to the earth, and that's reflected in our enthusiasm for carpets like Andersens’ Feltex Salisbury.  This shift towards sustainable materials is seen in its composition – crafted entirely from wool and naturally dyed in shades like the tranquil Druid Stone.  Its unmatched durability pairs with a unique aesthetic, enhancing the beauty of any space,” says Sarah.

Window Treatment Trends: Natural Textures and Earthy Tones

As interior design continues to embrace natural materials, window treatments will follow suit, complementing these organic trends.  Plantation shutters and wooden blinds, particularly in warm beiges with green undertones or a spectrum of brown shades, will not only add depth and richness to a space but also resonate with the move towards a nature-inspired look and feel.

Plantation shutters are popular for their elegance and ease of use, and they also suit Australia’s affinity with the farmhouse, Scandi and Hampton architect styles.  “Plantation shutters have an enduring appeal,” Sarah notes.  “They add character and sophistication and are incredibly user-friendly, requiring just a quick wipe or dusting occasionally.”

When it comes to choosing between wooden venetian blinds and fabric roller blinds, the decision should be influenced by the existing decor and style of each room.  The aim is to create a harmonious environment where window furnishings align with the furniture, walls, and other elements.  According to Sarah, “You could either match the colours exactly or stay within the same colour family.  For a more subtle, seamless look, opt for shades that are similar to the wall colour, as we did in our Dream Home 8 using Andersens’ Sanctuary Block-out Blinds in the colour Plaster.  However, if you're looking to create contrast and make your window treatments stand out, choosing a distinct yet complementary shade is key.”

 

“It's essential to consider the overall harmony of the room when selecting contrasting colours for window treatments.  Avoid adding complex patterns or bright shades in already busy rooms to prevent a clash of aesthetics.  Also, remember that light-filtering window furnishings can cast coloured light into the room, so it's important to choose colours that blend well with the room's overall palette.”

“Remember, interior design trends are just a starting point, not strict rules.  This year, we're innovating with colours, textures, and materials, and encouraging homeowners to create a home that truly reflects their unique style and personality,” concluded Sarah.

For more information visit https://andersens.com.au/.

You should always start an interiors project with a mood board.  I have a free e-book in my Free Resource Library for you to download which guides you through how to put a mood board together.  I also have lots of other comprehensive checklists and e-books to help you with your next new build, renovation or decorating project.

I also offer online colour consultations for those of you who are stuck with finding the right colour or finish for your home.  Find out more here.