Bring summer inside with sunny shades and Quick-Step
Bring summer indoors with sunny shades and Quick-Step flooring. Discover how yellow and peach accents can brighten your interior.
The past year has taught us many things, and one of these is undoubtedly the importance of good interior design. At a time when teleworking was the rule and going out was out of the question, many of us started to see our homes with new eyes. As a result, minimalism has made a comeback – but this time, as a counterweight to social distancing, we traded its trademark sterility for warmth and softness.
‘Back to basics’, ‘less is more’ … Minimalism is all about taking us back to the bare essentials. And in a way, this includes a return to nature and the use of natural materials as well. Parquet flooring, for example, is definitely having a moment right now. Want to create a minimalist bedroom that exudes warmth? Choose pale-toned woods for that trademark ‘zen interior design’ vibe.
Remember Marie Kondo and her KonMari method? In the past few years, this Japanese art of tidying up has been hugely popular all over the world, and that’s no coincidence. Tidying experts all agree that throwing unnecessary ballast overboard is a great way to establish peace of mind and regain a sense of control.
It also explains the appeal of minimalism. The goal here is not to idolise emptiness, but to create spaces that provide tranquillity and a zen atmosphere. It motivates us to only consume what we need, and invest in sustainable goods that increase our quality of life in the long term and leave as little impact on the planet as possible.
The global pandemic of 2020-2021 has taught us all the meaning of distance. So, it’s no surprise that we’re looking for closeness more than ever. In minimalist interior design, this translates into a turning away from the sterile black and white designs of 1990s interiors and towards warmer tones of beige, sandy colours, and powder shades. Tactile elements, like soft carpets and handmade knitwear, add a sense of touch.
This renewed focus on natural materials also explains the increased use of wood in our interiors – not only for furniture, but for floors, walls and ceilings as well. Contrasted and combined with minimalist lines, organic forms and light colours, wood provides a much-cherished warmth and natural proximity.
The demand for wooden parquet flooring continues to grow as a result of these changing perspectives. What we’re witnessing today in particular is an increased focus on light woods that contribute to a sense of lightness and spaciousness. For our flooring, we tend to be attracted by pale-toned woods with hardly any knots or cracks. They form the perfect basis for a zen-like interior where purity and serenity come to the fore, while introducing a natural sense of variety and detail.
Wondering if the zen attitude of parquet fits your interior? See for yourself with our RoomViewer.