Dezeen Magazine

Pinterest names watercolour prints and 1970s furniture as top interiors trends for 2017

Interest in plywood kitchens, retro furniture and watercolour wallpaper is skyrocketing in the UK, according to the latest trend report from Pinterest.

Green tones, herringbone tiles and minimal clothing storage rails are also among the trends listed by the online bookmarking platform, after analysing over 1,000 UK-based user pins from the past year.

Watercolour patterns was one of the most popular themes. The report states that user engagement for watercolour wallpaper has increased by 248 per cent in the past year, and "watercolour" as a general search term is up 31 per cent.

The report also states that 70s-inspired interiors and retro furniture are making a comeback, as images of bohemian peacock chairs, shag rugs and vinyl players are amassing high engagement.

1970s-inspired interiors, like this one by designer Maria Speake, featured heavily in the images Pinterest analysed for the report

Pinterest spokesperson Michelle Kramer said the resurgence of 1970s fashions reflects the current political climate.

"It's a mix of nostalgia and tapping into a time when people were perceived to have cared deeply about the issues of the day," she told Dezeen.

"It's essentially an on-point nod to the resurgence of activism as well as the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love."

The report also notes a surge in interest for plant-filled bathrooms and green kitchen tiles, which are up 67 and 28 per cent respectively.

The report also identifies green as a big colour trend, in response to images like this one by tile brand Fired Earth

Plywood kitchens – such as the fronts used to hack IKEA Metod kitchens by startup company Plykea – are up 182 per cent, with DIY furniture up 19 per cent.

Meanwhile minimalism continues to grow in popularity, with pared-back clothing rails up 80 per cent and concrete bathrooms up 56 per cent.

Pinterest generated the report by analysing user data from May 2016 to May 2017. It selected 1,000 popular images and identified recurring themes, which were then tested against the rise in "pins", or images saved by users.

Unlike many trend reports, which are generated based on what is being offered by brands and retailers, Pinterest's data reflects consumer tastes, by analysing the aesthetics that they envision for their homes.

Other trends include plywood kitchens, like this one by Sustainable Kitchens

"We find that people are in a planning mindset when they’re on Pinterest. Trends emerge from people engaging with ideas and discovering things that personally inspire them, then trying those things offline," said Kramer.

"Our internal data shows how and when people are interacting with ideas, versus a more conventional trend forecast."

Data was analysed from over 1,000 pins nominated for Pinterest's UK Interiors Awards, which were held in London last month. Judges included fashion designer Matthew Williamson and interior designer Kelly Hoppen, who described Pinterest as "the ideal tool for creatives".

Other trends predicted to be big this year include dark interiors, which dominated at Stockholm Furniture Fair, and colour of the moment millennial pink, with furniture featuring the colour seen everywhere during Milan design week.

Main image was pinned by Glasgow blogger Hege Morris from wallpaper store Murals Wallpaper, selected by Pinterest UK to illustrate the watercolour trend.