Author
Symmons Industries
Design trends lend themselves to traditional representations of Old World techniques and decorative approaches. If an upcoming project calls for globally-inspired decor, here are four trending interior design motifs and their historical influence to inspire you.
Four Globally-Inspired Design Motifs
Moroccan Trellis Rugs
Embrace ancient and modern Moroccan symbolism with a floor or wall installation that commands attention and creates conversation. Known for their high-quality craftsmanship, Moroccan trellis rugs are recognized for their geometric symmetry. Many patterns are representative of the Arabic and Moorish influence of the country’s architecture. Common Moroccan motifs boast scrolling patterns consisting of a quatrefoil design with curves, points, and combinations of domes and arches.
Complex mosaics known as Zellige Art also influence some motifs. They exhibit a series of 8-pointed stars with symmetrical pattern surrounds, which represent religious symbolism in Moroccan history.
Artisanal Expression and Italian Statement Ceilings
A Gothic tradition long embraced by Italian artisans, painted and patterned ceilings are taking modern interior schemes to new heights. However, ceilings do not need to be domed or vaulted in order to obtain an Italian Renaissance veneer. Illusionist perspective tactics, such as trompe l’oeil, can create a 3D appearance on a two-dimensional ceiling space. Quadiatura style, another Illusionist method, uses trompe l’oeil to visually extend a room’s interior architectural design while creating the illusion of a “recessed” space.
If you are looking for simplicity, there are several materials and pre-formed molds representative of Italian-inspired architecture that establish basic yet attention-grabbing motifs.
Exotic Brazilian Hardwoods
Often the choice of designers and contractors because of their resilience and beauty, Brazilian hardwood planks create impressive decorative accent panels with multiple hued planks and shapes. Popular options include the use of border patterns, herringbone patterns, alternating colors to create natural room transitions, and mixing and matching stone tiles to accent the wood. Four Brazilian hardwoods to consider are:
- Brazilian Cherry: This hardwood boasts magnificently rich deep reddish-brown colors.
- Brazilian Walnut: This harder wood features natural golden brown tones. It requires no pre-treatment and is an attractive option for inspired outdoor decking motifs.
- Brazilian Koa: Also called Tigerwood, this species features bold and captivating striped orange patterns.
- Brazilian Teak: Honey-golden hues make this dense hardwood ideal for most spaces.
Wicker and Rattan
Wicker and rattan materials are making a huge comeback due to their affordability and flexibility. Many people confuse other natural materials like rattan, seagrass, bamboo, and willow for wicker. However, wicker is a technique that describes the winding and weaving of some combination of these natural materials. Wicker craftsmanship is documented in ancient Egypt, but the word “wicker” is derived from “vikker,” a Scandinavian name pronounced “wika” that means “willow.”
There are more than 600 species of rattan, a word that comes from the Malay word “rotan.” The majority of rattan originates in the southeastern Asian rain-forests of Indonesia and Malaysia and is believed to have been used since primitive times to create furniture. Beyond furnishings, these materials can be woven to create intricate decorative motifs. Wicker and rattan make ideal wall accents and create stunning focal points in bathrooms, pool areas, basements, and other moisture-prone common areas.
Complete your globally-inspired design with kitchen and bathroom fixtures that complement your motifs. Explore Symmons’ vast selection of high-quality, ultra-efficient, and attractive product suites for kitchens and baths before completing your next Hospitality or Multifamily project.
