Digitisation, sustainability and creative use of space count among the top 10 trends that are transforming interior design in the Middle East, say the organisers of an upcoming international design event in Saudi Arabia.

Constant innovation and ever-changing personal preferences make interior design one of the fastest-changing industries. Understanding these issues is an integral part of the design process - designers must ensure they respond to the social context of a project while also applying creative solutions that address the occupant’s needs and aspirations.

The organisers of Decofair 2014, Saudi Arabia’s only premium international design event, say there are 10 major trends influencing interior design in the Middle East.

1. Digitisation

By changing the way that we communicate and connect, digital technology has not only simplified our lives, but has also provided designers and architects with more tools to create individual and customised spaces and bring more comfort into our everyday lives.

The seamless integration of technology both at home and in the workplace can be seen in every room from an office to kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms. Electronically-controlled fittings are becoming increasingly common for lighting and airflow, with complex systems often being combined and operated via universal touch screen panels in central locations.

2. Sustainability

Twenty years ago the term sustainability was little-known, and personal preference towards certain materials created a demand over the mass market, which led to great impact on the environment.  Nowadays, as the issue of sustainability has come to the forefront of society, the design industry has experienced increased pressure to implement environmentally-responsible practices.

Modern designers and clients are equipped with an increased awareness and understanding of materials, and are much more likely to ‘go green’ and use materials based on sustainability and recyclability. Additionally, architects and designers are more focused on maximising the use of natural light, which not only reduces energy consumption, but also contributes to the health and wellbeing of the occupants.

3. Conversion of spaces

For some, increased real estate value has forced the need to maximise available space. For others, it’s about wishing to decorate blank spaces. Whatever the reason, a trend has emerged that is seeing designers repeatedly manipulate light and design to convert previously unused spaces into spaces of complete functionality.

The most common practices have included turning an alcove or recess into a small study, and the space under one’s staircase into a library or gallery. Hallways are increasingly being used as transitional areas in a home or office, with lighting and design playing a big part in changing the energy of a house or office.

4. Feng Shui

The ancient art of spatial arrangement and its effect on the flow of energy has been an ongoing trend for a number of years, but has gained more traction in recent times.

People are expressing greater interest in harmonising their living spaces, resulting in clutter-free, clean spaces with good quality air and light. Real Estate brokers and developers are also engaging Feng Shui consultants from the first stage of construction to ensure the property appeals to a wider range of buyers.

5. Residential entertainment areas

Heightened interpersonal entertainment is increasingly affecting residential design, with as much emphasis being placed on creating intricate, well-designed outdoor areas as with indoor spaces.

Cabanas, hammocks and daybeds alongside swimming pools, comfortable outdoor settings, retractable shade covers, built-in barbeques, sunken fire pits and seated areas and French-style glass doors that open to seamlessly connect the inside and outside, create perfect entertainment areas that demand to be experienced and enjoyed.

6. The kitchen as the ‘hub’ of the house

The kitchen is home to a hive of activity, and designers are acknowledging this as one of the most important rooms of the house. The creation of larger, open-plan spaces more conducive to congregating has become very popular.

As people are becoming more aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle and are beginning to cook more at home, there has also been a push towards kitchens with professional fit-outs and an increasing number of areas for growing herbs and vegetables for home use.

7. The bathroom as a personal, regenerative space

The bathroom has recently emerged as an increasingly important living space for personal regeneration and privacy. People are beginning to place greater emphasis on its design, with a shift towards creating a sensory bathroom experience where body, mind and soul can relax and recharge with the aid of nature-inspired fittings, lights and features.

For those without budgetary constraints, bathroom design can go as far as to recreate the ultimate spa experience at home with water features, luxurious furniture and materials, dimmed lighting and fragrances.

8. The bedroom as a place for calm and relaxation

Long regarded as a sanctuary for calm and relaxation, bedroom design has been influenced in recent years by an increased understanding of the importance of sleep on one’s personal health. Whilst colour schemes are a matter of personal preference, neutral and soft charcoal colours are featuring heavily due to their calming effect.

There has also been a movement towards integrating natural elements and rustic materials into bedroom surroundings such as wooden floorboards and features as well as brick and aged stone walls that help to create a cosy, warm ambiance.

9. Office spaces redefined

The push towards open plan offices, originally thought to promote collaboration, has been reviewed lately to allow more flexibility and address the needs of both introverts and extroverts at work. The balance between encouraging openness and offering privacy is now emerging as the new trend in designing the perfect workspace.

Employees’ health and wellbeing is a focus for businesses now more than ever, with architects and designers focusing on maximising access to natural light and clean air flow whilst creating a space to promote workplace satisfaction and employee engagement.

10. Arabesque

Proud of their heritage and enthusiastic about sharing it with the world, architects and designers in the Middle East are embracing traditional design, especially in the hospitality industry, as the region experiences high growth in tourist and expatriate numbers.

Largely aware that people who visit the region enjoy immersing themselves in the local culture, many designers are encouraged to fuse traditional Arabic style with modern influences through the use of mosaics, intricately-carved furniture, Arabic calligraphy, rich upholstery and curtains, hanging lamps, Arabic trimmed doors and windows, and the recreation of the Majlis. This contemporary re-interpretation is giving rise to a new and distinctive Arabian style.

Back for its sixth edition and taking place from November 10 to 13 at the Jeddah Centre for Forums & Events, Decofair covers the interior design industry from A to Z, and provides exhibitors with the opportunity to showcase their products and services. The show covers nine key sectors: Furniture, Furnishings, Flooring, Accessories, Lighting, Textiles and Soft Furnishings, Outdoor Furniture, Kitchen and Bathroom Products and Design and Architectural Services.

Organised by Reed Sunaidi Exhibitions, a joint venture between the world’s largest event company Reed Exhibitions—a co-organiser of global design show Maison et Objet—and Sunaidi Expo, a division of Alfadl Group, Decofair 2014 is open to trade and consumer visitors. – TradeArabia News Service