We regularly invite design and interiors experts to write for our blog. Read the latest guest blog here, on spring interior trends as seen by Okapi Home

Claire Arnott, co-founder of African inspired homeware and gift company, Okapi Home, talks through the latest trends in the world of interiors.

As the dust settles on the last of the Spring Fashion Shows and the Ideal Home Show at Olympia closes its doors for another year, the interiors world is left reflecting on the trends which are likely to dominate the industry for the next 12 months. As such, here is our take on what to look out for in the coming months:

Trend One: Global Infusion

We live in an age of global travel and as a result, we are exposed to an ever wider range of cultures and traditions. This passion for travel is also creating an environment where new ideas, design and use of colour from faraway places have greater currency than ever before in the UK and international design circles.

Trends we are seeing range from the use of bold, colourful odes, to the glamour and exoticism of far flung places such as Morocco or India. Some are themed rooms that evoke dreams of adventure and safari and others are simply delicate touches to remind us of the places we have been and things we have seen.

When it comes to accessories in the home, this trend is translating into products which are tactile, bold and utilise local textures and materials. One such example from our collection is our popular Brass and Cow Horn Coaster Set from Uganda.

The influence of faraway places sits alongside the maximalism we have seen replace the understated minimalism of the past few years. Gone are the muted rooms and neutral colours, to be replaced with bright colours and multiple themes in a single space.

This is a trend to have fun with – let your personality shine through!

Chitenge Cushion, Feathers, Malawi

Trend Two: The Return of Rattan

We are seeing a lot of Rattan furniture and accessories in the interiors world at the moment, in the form of both indoor and outdoor pieces, from the traditionally inspired to the modern and innovative. This echoes the Seventies inspiration we have been seeing on the catwalk at fashion shows such as Céline this year.

Rattan can work both as a full furniture set or as a carefully curated addition to a room. See below for a few favourites from Okapi Home’s Malawian range of furniture:

Natural Malawi Chair and Nesting Cone Stools

Bring in bold accessories in the form of cushions and vignettes to brighten this up, or go maybe for some coloured rattan to really bring some zest to your home:

    Coloured Malawi Chair and Neon Laundry Baskets

Trend Three: The Great Outdoors

We are seeing a lot of inspiration from the Great Outdoors in our homes at the moment. There is plenty of greenery and jungle tones in the shops, along with playful references to animal friends and inspiring landscapes.

Bring in this trend with big houseplants, spring colours and prints that incorporate a little animal inspiration.

Namibian Cushion, Ostriches and Trees

As the weather gets warmer, these nature inspired trends are perfect for garden rooms and orangeries, eroding the barrier between the inside and the outside and helping you to enjoy your home and garden as one.

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Okapi Home specialises in uncovering some of the best craftsmanship across East and Southern Africa to bring you quirky homeware and beautiful home accessories. Their range, which contains perfect housewarming gifts, includes homeware, kitchenware, ceramics, bar essentials, cushion covers, baskets, textiles and much more. Launched by London based siblings Rob and Claire, you can find out more about Okapi Home at www.okapihome.com.