We’ve seen a renaissance of sorts when it comes to modern decor, but more homeowners and designers are moving away from cold and overly linear motifs to warmer versions. Bernadette Schaeffler, owner of her eponymous design showroom near downtown, thinks the minimalist Bauhaus style is here to stay, but adding antiques and texture can bring in warmth to otherwise monochrome furnishings.
“I personally believe that the minimalistic Bauhaus style will still be trendy in 2014,” Schaeffler said. “I think that this design style will be mixed with more decorative features. Imagine such modern design with one antique piece — it can make the interior very luxurious and more inviting. Neoclassical accessories look fabulous in this design.
Mixing minimalist furniture with more feminine decor is a lot like how Transitional style melds traditional-style furniture with modern palettes and accessories. But with many people moving to urban environments and smaller dwellings, a lot of furnishings will have to do double duty.
“Given the fact that I see more and more people moving into apartments, I see a trend in different shelf systems. It can be used as room dividers or bookshelves that gives character and personality to a home,” Schaeffler said. This goes hand in hand with the slow-growing but important move to more eco-friendly manufacture and design.
“I truly believe that in future people will choose materials that are more eco-friendly,” Schaeffler added. “Being German, for me, this was always an important concept. I remember the members of the Green party in early 1980s Germany sitting in our government in sweaters, knitting for the family while making politics. As we have to protect Earth I believe that manufacturers will use more eco-friendly environmental friendly materials.”
But eco-friendly doesn’t necessarily mean drab. Schaeffler thinks color is going to play a bigger role in decor, with pops of turquoise and lighter wood working in harmony to create a more Zen-like environment. The goal, of course, is to make homes more relaxed and “livable,” Schaeffler said.
“I think it is over to just design house or apartment to look good,” Schaeffler added. “I believe that in 2014, people will want to make their homes livable yet stylish!”
Find out more about Bernadette Schaeffler’s style and personality at her Design District showroom.
