Discovering the Latest Interior Design Trends with Unfolded
We spoke with interior design expert Camilla Ingall, founder of Central Coast design service Unfolded, to uncover the hottest trends, fabrics, and materials.
Unfolded was launched in 2019 by Australian Interior Designer Camilla Ingall. With more than ten years of experience in property styling and staging, Camilla has earned a reputation for her strong industry connections, exceptional quality of work, and effective project management. She established Unfolded after realising there was a crucial link missing between her clients’ design aspirations and their individual functional and lifestyle needs.
Camilla’s thoughtful, patient, and innovative approach creates a tailored experience for each client. This ensures they feel understood and confident that their project will be managed smoothly, resulting in timeless spaces that truly represent their unique style.
WHAT ARE SOME CURRENT TRENDING DESIGN STYLES AND APPROACHES?
Sustainable Design: Eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices are at the forefront, with a focus on natural, renewable resources like bamboo, reclaimed wood, and recycled materials.
Biophilic Design: Integrating nature into interiors through the use of plants, natural light, and organic materials. This trend aims to create a connection between indoor spaces and the natural environment.
Earthy Tones: Warm, earthy colour palettes featuring shades like terracotta, olive green, and deep browns are popular, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
Minimalism: Clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and a “less is more” approach continue to be a significant trend, emphasising functionality and simplicity. Inspo for this approach – Wabi Sabi
Artisanal and Handmade: Unique, handcrafted pieces, including furniture, textiles, and decor, are highly valued. These items add a personal touch and support local artisans.
Textural Variety: Mixing different textures, such as velvet, linen, and woven materials, adds depth and interest to interiors, creating a tactile and visually appealing environment.
Vintage and Retro: Incorporating vintage or retro elements, whether through furniture, lighting, or decor, adds character and a sense of nostalgia to modern interiors.
Open Plan Living: Open, flexible spaces that encourage social interaction and adaptability are still very much in vogue, particularly in urban environments.
Smart Home Integration: The use of technology to enhance living spaces, from smart lighting and climate control to integrated entertainment systems, is becoming increasingly common.
Bold Patterns and Colours: While neutral tones remain popular, there’s a growing trend towards incorporating bold patterns and vibrant colours as accent pieces to create focal points and add personality to spaces. – bold green, cobalt blue, bright orange and sunshine yellow.
Above: Rugs for Good, Amalfi Linen Abstract Rug in Bronze
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP CHOICES FOR MATERIALS?
Natural natural natural – everyone is wanting to go back to basics and recycled materials is also on the up. People are creating at home more than ever and using old materials to recreate pieces and / or reupholster vintage chairs with a new brighter fabric.
SPECIFIC MATERIALS YOU LOVE?
Travertine: A natural choice for timeless appeal.
Irregular edged tiles: Ideal for bathrooms.
Reclaimed hardwood: Sourced from original railways.
Microcement: Achieve this look with Stone Paint Fine in Rubble from Porter’s Paint.
CURRENT TRENDING FABRICS?
Natural fibres; textural cottons and linens, particularly for curtain and bedheads. There is also a new fabric by Zepel (FibreGuard) that is popular, particularly for my clients with family homes. It’s proving stain resistant to common marks and stains and still presents beautifully.
YOUR FAVOURITE FURNITURE PRODUCTS RIGHT NOW?
Nested coffee tables (ultimate versatility), modular sofas that come in several pieces, again the versatility piece (see my current fav here). I’m also loving a built-in bench seat with table setting, it provides a casual, relaxed style dining and can be tucked into a corner to create more space and larger thoroughfares in the home.
YOUR FAVOURITE SUPPLIERS AROUND THE COAST?
Stone Arc, La Bohème, Loughlin Furniture, Jachavela, Avoca Lighting
YOUR TOP ‘MUST-DOS’ WHEN STYLING A HOME?
Add mirrors where you can to reflect and bounce light into your space, make sure your chosen artwork is proportionally fit for the home (eg. we always measure it to suit the size and scale of the wall, and also you must ensure that the wall can bear the weight); tips and tricks interior designers can assist with!
Bringing the outdoors in; having plants indoors help to naturally control the temperature inside, and help to remove pollution from the air.
Colour scheme for cohesion: Lastly, when starting your project—whether a full interior design scope or simply sourcing pieces for your new build—begin with the investment areas of your home, such as the living room, dining room, entryway, and master bedroom. First, choose a colour scheme for these larger areas. Then, pull one colour from that scheme to use as an accent in more private spaces like the home office, ensuite or guest bedrooms. For example, you can take the Navy from your living room sofa and tone it down to a subtle blue grey for the ensuite or office. Carrying the textures and colours through create harmony and cohesion.
Remember, it’s your home or space, ensure to have all the things you want and love and get an interior designer to help you pull it together. One of the most common phrases we hear is “We know what we like but we don’t know how to pull it together”… that’s what we’re here for!
Above: Blackbutt Timber Shelves, Loughlin Furniture
TIPS FOR TRANSITIONING YOUR HOME FROM WINTER TO SPRING?
Declutter: I know you’ve heard it before however as we transition from winter to spring, it’s the perfect time to declutter and refresh your home, embracing a lighter, more airy atmosphere that aligns with the vibrant energy of the season.
Rotate Seasonal Items: Store away heavy winter blankets, bulky coats, and other cold-weather items. Bring out lighter linens, spring decor, and seasonal clothing.
Update Your Entryway: Create an inviting spring vibe by refreshing your entryway with a new doormat or hall runner, sourcing fresh cushion covers for your bench seat, or fresh flowers in a clear glass vase.
Outdoor Prep: Don’t forget your outdoor spaces. Clean patios, update garden furniture, and plant seasonal flowers to extend the fresh, spring feel to your exterior.
Refresh Decor: Swap out winter-themed decor for spring accents. Consider lightweight fabrics, vibrant artwork, and spring-themed accessories. Ultimately thinking lighter and more simplified.
For more design tips and inspiration, head to www.unfolded.com.au and stay up to date with their latest projects and inspiration on Instagram.
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