Design inspiration travels fast, and this winter, we’re looking toward Europe—specifically
Copenhagen’s celebrated 3daysofdesign festival—for cues on what’s shaping the global design conversation. As Australian interiors continue to evolve, we’re seeing new materials, tones, and cultural references influencing the way people think about space, comfort, and daily rituals. At Oliver Thom, we’re excited to explore how these global design movements align with our collection of elevated bathroom and home accessories.
Back to Chrome: The Return of Cool Metals
One of the most prominent shifts on display in Copenhagen is a decisive move away from
warm-toned metals like brass and gold. In their place, silver-toned finishes are taking centre stage. Think chrome, stainless steel, and brushed aluminium—seen across everything from furniture frames to bathroom hardware, soap dispensers, and toilet brushes.
This return to cooler metals evokes a refined, minimalist look that feels both retro and futuristic. These materials are also incredibly durable and timeless, making them a smart investment for those seeking longevity in their spaces.
The Influence of Japanese Living
Across many of the installations at 3daysofdesign, there was a quiet but powerful influence of Japanese design philosophy—from raw timber surfaces and simplified forms to rituals of bathing and living with intention.
There’s a growing embrace of ‘slow living,’ particularly within the bathroom. It’s about more than aesthetics; it’s about how a space makes you feel. The concept of turning the bathroom into a sanctuary—somewhere to pause, soak, and decompress—is one we’re seeing more Australian customers leaning into.
Look for wooden stools, compact shelving, and accessories that balance beauty with
functionality. Neutral tones and tactile materials help evoke the calm, organic beauty seen in Japanese homes.
A Bold New Colour Mood: Deep Jewel Tones
While minimalism and raw materials remain key, colour is coming back in a more expressive way. Deep jewel tones like burgundy, plum, and mulberry are making their mark in textiles, bathroom decor, and even furniture. These shades offer a dramatic contrast to otherwise pared-back spaces, adding richness, warmth, and a sense of opulence.
Incorporating these tones doesn’t require a full renovation—even a plum-coloured towel,
berry-toned bath mat, or a richly glazed ceramic accessory can bring depth and vibrancy into a space.
A European Sensibility, Tailored for Australian Living
While these trends are emerging from Europe, we see them translating beautifully into the
Australian context. Our climate, lifestyle, and architectural style offer the perfect canvas for
bringing in elements like metal finishes, natural materials, and grounded colour palettes.
At Oliver Thom, we’ve always curated with intention, focusing on objects that are both beautiful and purposeful. Many of the themes highlighted at 3daysofdesign are already influencing our product selection—from minimalist steel accessories and organic wooden furnishings to berry-toned textiles and understated fragrance rituals.
As the season unfolds, expect to see more of these emerging European ideas subtly integrated into our evolving collection.
Design That Travels Well
Great design transcends borders. What we’re seeing in Europe is a deeper shift toward
wellness, longevity, and thoughtful materiality—values that resonate strongly with us at Oliver Thom. Whether it’s a polished chrome bin, a handcrafted wooden stool, or a jewel-toned towel, our goal is to help you bring these international influences home, in a way that feels local, intentional, and enduring.
Visit Oliver Thom online or in-store to discover our latest arrivals inspired by global design
movements.
