Interior design with style and concept

Which materials and furniture are currently in particularly high demand in interior architecture and design? All natural materials are actually being used, although the trend is moving from coarse to fine: from coarse linen to silk curtains, from reclaimed wood paneling to decorative trims. You will also often find large-format statement wallpapers – with the incredible variety of motifs, any style can be complemented.
Leather is and remains a preferred material for furniture. There is currently a large selection of leather sofas, often in a cloudy, Michelin-maneuvered design and generally rounded shapes. Sweeping floor lamps, several small tables and large, round rugs round off the result.
Matt or brushed surfaces continue to be used, although the trend is slowly moving back towards smooth and reflective surfaces. Brass and gold tones are being replaced by silver tones, with nickel and steel being particularly valued for fittings, for example.
 
How can small rooms be optimally designed to make them appear larger? It is well known that light ceilings, light colors in general and walls with contrasting colors that are not painted all the way to the ceiling can make a room appear larger. The use of many small light points, whether direct or indirect, within furniture, e.g. display cabinets, is also helpful compared to a few large light points.
Light and airy curtains should be used instead of heavy and opaque curtains. If filigree and flat furniture is also installed, a certain lightness can be conveyed and the room appears larger.

What tips are there for designing open-plan living areas to create a clear demarcation between the individual areas? It's about clearly defining areas and delimiting them without completely cutting through the space. Room-dividing but open shelf walls or vertical slats made of wood, for example, can be used for this purpose. Well-placed flower arrangements, whether in the form of potted plants or hanging baskets, can help to divide the room.
Skillfully used lighting highlights areas and recedes darker zones into the background. The interplay of light and shadow can therefore also help to define living areas.
 
What role does sustainability play in interior architecture and interior design?
A big role! A rethink has taken place. Everything that has been degraded naturally and in a resource-saving way is very much in vogue. Upcycling items or visiting a flea market to give it a second chance are being used more and more frequently. People are looking at the country of origin and avoiding long transportation routes wherever possible. Of course, we must not deprive ourselves of the illusion that we live on an island and therefore cannot do without transportation unless we use the island's traditional marble or locally manufactured clay products or hydraulic tiles. Architecture is not possible without the consumption of natural resources, but it should be the goal of all of us to be aware of our responsibility to nature and to use materials respectfully.
 
What tricks are there and what mistakes should be avoided at all costs?
Lighting plays a major role in creating a good room atmosphere. A poor light color can make a room appear uncomfortable, no matter how nicely it is furnished. It is therefore important to be aware of your preferred light color (measured in Kelvin) and to use it consistently. Equally important is light intensity (measured in lux). The 500lux required at the workplace would be far too strong for a chilled evening on the sofa. No-goes: use rugs that are too small (they should always be larger than the furniture group), pendant lights that are too high (you should not be able to look directly into the light source) or furniture with an identical look (the difference creates harmony). And please never apply the bright base colors of the paint from the DIY store without mixing them minimally with another color.