With a new year comes a host of fresh ideas on how we would like our homes to look and feel. If you’re unsure of what’s in and what’s out this year or where to start, we’re here to help.
We’ve highlighted four design trends for 2019 as demonstrated by Airbnb Plus hosts from around the world. From a green home in Stellenbosch to a treehouse in Tuscany, we’ve found inspiration from homes and hosts who have gone the extra mile.
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What is Airbnb Plus?
If you haven’t heard of it yet, Airbnb Plus was launched in 2018 in order to recognise those hosts who go out of their way to provide outstanding hospitality to their guests. These homes are thoughtfully and beautifully designed by hosts who have impeccable style. Each one is imbued with its own character and flair, and has been personally verified and inspected against a strict checklist to ensure that it offers the ultimate experience in comfort, cleanliness and design.
As these homes (and their owners) are design-focused, they give us a pretty good idea of what to expect in the world of interiors in 2019. They also give you an idea of how to incorporate these looks into your own living space. So, let’s look at four really simple design ideas for a beautiful home:
1. Green is the New Black
Greenery isn’t a new trend at all, and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere soon. Chris and Dane are horticulturalists and landscape designers with a modern farmhouse in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Their home blends modern and traditional materials and it is a shining example of how the natural world can have a striking impact on an interior.
Potted plants, feature firewood, fresh flowers and ferns transform this stunning space that has been designed to make the most of the exquisite mountain scenery that surrounds it. As a result, Chris and Dane’s house is as welcoming as it is beautiful.
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“We put flowers in the rooms, in the bathrooms, in the lounge… We’ve had guests that come back and say, ‘We’ve done this because we saw it at your house,’ and that’s nice – to inspire people without even knowing it!” – Chris and Dane, Airbnb Plus Superhosts.
Get a full tour of the Stellenbosch home here and watch a video here.
2. Rustic Chic
We’re seeing more and more homes that seem to combine contemporary design elements with that of the more ‘historic’. For example, Chris and Dane’s farmhouse in the winelands is startlingly modern on the outside but the interior, as they put it, is ‘old farmhouse’. Similarly, Elena, another Airbnb Plus host, has a home in Florence that blends ultra-sleek with rustic.
A multidisciplinary architect, designer, and printmaker, Elena has infused her futuristic Tuscan treehouse with a steampunk aesthetic, installing retro fixtures and fittings (like a cast iron stove, vintage copper and steel faucets, wash basins and piping) in an otherwise contemporary space.
Get a full tour of the Tuscan treehouse here and watch the video here.
3. Staying-In-imalism
Over the years, there’s been a subtle shift from stark minimalism to a more hyggelig aesthetic amongst Airbnb homes, with hosts using plenty of fabrics and other comforting materials to furnish their spaces. There’s also been an increase in the number of hospitable flourishes (such as cosy reading nooks with fireplaces, fluffy pillows, soft and moody lighting, etc.) Comfort is definitely king, and this trend has us asking: why go outside when you can stay in?
Meik Wiking, author of ‘The Little Book of Hygge,’ describes this Danish concept as the art of creating a pleasant and cozy atmosphere at home while enjoying life’s simple pleasures. “It’s not just about how things look, but also how they feel, sound and how they affect our mood,” explains Wiking. “Hygge means thinking about how you interact in a room – is there a nice spot to sit and read? If not, think about creating a hygge nook in front of the fireplace.”
Consider ‘hyggeing’ up your home in an effort to save money on travel expenses. If your own house is a charming pocket of hygge, perhaps you won’t feel the need to escape as often.
ALSO SEE: 6 Ways To Create A Calm and Happy Home
4. Pops of Colour
An elegant home in Los Angeles features splashes of warm ochre and soothing aqua on the walls to give a fresh yet bohemian feel that remains true to its West Hollywood setting. While a neutral palate is still a popular choice for interiors, this house shows why it should be paired with bold pops of vibrant color on feature walls and multicoloured artwork.
By introducing bold pops of colour, a neutral interior comes to life and provides an uplifting and energising space for its occupants. Experiment with bright colours and fun hues in your home by introducing elements such as a colourful rug, a bold orange throw, a hero armchair in luxurious blue velvet or a single wall painted in sunshine yellow.
Compiled by Food and Decor Editor, Claire Badenhorst (information and images supplied by Airbnb)
