By Jason Donlon, Millennium Blinds
Window dressing has quietly become one of the most expressive parts of a room. The trends we are seeing in South African homes this year lean warm, natural and practical, which is a lovely combination for our light and our lifestyle. Here are five worth knowing about.
1. Warm neutrals over cool greys
The cool grey palette that ruled the last decade is giving way to warmer tones. Think oat, sand, mushroom and soft clay. These colours flatter our strong natural light and they sit beautifully against the wood and stone finishes that are popular in local homes.
2. Natural textures
Flat and flawless is out and texture is in. Woven looking fabrics, linen weaves and timber grain finishes add depth to a room without shouting. A textured roller or a wood look venetian brings a tactile quality that a plain panel simply cannot.
3. Day and night versatility
The double roller, sometimes called a day and night blind, has become a firm favourite. It layers a sheer fabric with a blockout on the same bracket so you can move from soft filtered light in the morning to full privacy at night with one simple adjustment. For open plan living areas that change use through the day it is ideal.
4. Layering for softness
Designers are pairing a functional blind with a soft curtain to get the best of both. The blind does the work of light and privacy while the curtain adds warmth and softens the hard lines of a window. It is a look that feels considered and it suits both modern and more traditional interiors.
5. Understated hardware
Chunky visible mechanisms are on the way out. The move is towards slim profiles, hidden fixings and cordless or motorised operation that keeps the window looking clean. The blind becomes part of the architecture rather than an accessory bolted onto it.
Finding your look
The easiest way to land on a palette is to see the fabric in your own room against your own walls. Order up to five swatches through our sample service and live with them for a day or two before you commit. When you have a favourite our configurator prices it for your exact window, and you can explore the full range on our shop page. Trends come and go but a warm and well dressed window never really dates.
