Trendspotting: Move away from minimalist styling

A simple design aesthetic is still in favour, but eccentricity is creeping in. Watch for things like ornate Baroque patterns and stronger retro influences.

Topman's personal shopping suite at Oxford Circus, designed by Lee Broom, shows the trend for a simple, retro, masculine look. Debbie Bragg / Topman

With the economic downturn, we embraced minimalist design and greater levels of simplicity. But now, on the road to recovery and armed with a more positive outlook, we're ready to experiment again.

Moving forward, we will continue to favour a simple design aesthetic albeit in combination with uber modern elements. This season, watch for simplicity mixed with eccentricity: a subtle palette of chalky whites and foundation tones mixed with ornate Baroque patterns and scrollwork. There is a composed maturity to the styling. Expect stronger, more ordered lines, retro influences and a more masculine edge.

The British designer Lee Broom's work perfectly captures this trend with clean lines, simplistic forms, intelligent use of subtle colour and quality craftsmanship. Broom works closely with specialist traditional craftsmen, and his work is greatly inspired by London and its culture. "I work in East London, which is a very creative area," he says. "London has a really strong street culture so you only have to step outside of the studio to get inspired."

Having establishing his own label in 2007, Broom is now one of the industry's leading product and interior designers. He has launched five furniture and lighting collections, designed more than 40 retail, restaurant and bar interiors, and won more than 17 awards including the Elle Decoration British Design Award in 2011 for Best British Designer.

Lee also designed and curated Topman's new personal shopping suite at its flagship store on Oxford Street in London, which opened in May 2011. The suite echoes the mood of a contemporary gentleman's club and features Lee's own pieces, including the Cathode Console from his acclaimed debut collection, Neo Neon.

Oak and walnut lend a relaxed yet exclusive air to the space. There is also a hint of retro in the styling and colour palette of natural earthy tones, chalky neutrals and exquisite teals. Plush sofas in a perfect shade of blue wrap around Lee's hexagonal Parquetry coffee tables from the Heritage Boy collection, while traditional herringbone patterns line the walls with clothes hanging from trompe l'oeil printed wall panels. Gold pendants from Broom's One Light Only collection add the perfect finishing touch.

We'll certainly be keeping our ears open for news of Lee's upcoming projects. "I'm involved with something for the Olympics, which is really exciting, and I'm also working on a London Design Festival project," he says.

Shelley Pond is the creative director of Scarlet Opus. For more information visit www.trendsblog.co.uk or twitter.com/scarletopus. For more information on Lee Broom, visit www.leebroom.com