Design Trends To Consider

Many home décor magazines and blogs publish a list in December of trends to look for in 2016.  Now that we are a few months in to the new year, it's easy to see the predictions that are coming true.  As you begin your decorating projects, look for:

Quality craftsmanship over price. "Made in the USA" and "Buy the Highest Quality You Can Afford" are not passing fads in design. In 2015 there were several highly publicized (and still ongoing) instances of some overseas manufacturers using dangerous materials that can leech into the air, causing significant health risks.  

Also, always factor in the long-term cost of ownership.  For example, disposable furniture ends up with a much higher price tag over 20 years than one may think:  a $600 couch that only lasts a couple of years actually costs more than a $2500 model that still looks great a decade later.

Fabric wall art.  Adding texture and fabric to your space is no longer limited to upholstery & pillows. Frame a unique antique piece or find a to-die-for print and explore interesting ways to display them on you walls. 

Greys---pushing past its neutral cousins: taupe, beige, and cream---grey is everywhere:  in paint, flooring, furniture, even cabinets.  Grey is equally at home as the understated neutral backdrop in a period restoration, or the blank slate in a modern space to contrast warm hues and pops of color. 

Graphic tiles---make a big statement and hearken back to the midcentury, when tiles embraced color and pattern. Try to find something you feel you can live with for a long time, as tiles are quite durable. Think of it as art. It's an investment that will grace your walls for years to come.  Use accent tiles or decorative borders to add pizazz if an allover bold field tile is a little too much for your taste.

Sectional sofas. This trend is here to stay. Today, people are designing their spaces to be used. The formal living room is mostly a thing of the past in many homes, and creating spaces where you can hang out with friends and family in a comfortable manner as opposed to a formal one seems to be the way to go.

Reclaimed materials---turning old, worn materials into things of beauty.  Barnwood, distressed flooring, and vintage lace (curtains, tablecloths) is being seen in every room of the house.

Black window frames. What better way to bring attention to one of the most important things in your house than with a dark, bold frame? The natural light coming into your house is essential. If there's a view that goes along with that natural light, accentuate it with a bold black window frame.

Statement light fixtures. Think of light fixtures as art. You can have the most simple space, but if you put an amazing light fixture in it, you automatically boost the room's atmosphere and presence.

Stairs as a focal point. Stairs take you up or down from one floor to another. But when stairs are transformed into a design focal point, beyond merely a mode of transportation, then you lift your renovation to the next level.

Open and airy.This has to be the No. 1 request these days. Today's families tend to be incredibly busy, and multitasking is the norm. Having clear views of what's going on in your home from anywhere in the house makes sense.

No formal dining room. Just as the formal living room is a thing of the past for many, the formal dining room is also going the way of the dinosaurs. People are starting to realize that pleasures are not experiences that should occur occasionally, but rather should be part of everyday life.

Minimal design. Creating a space that's free of clutter and ornate decor means a space that's easier to focus in, easier to clean and easier to move through.

Asymmetry.Unifying mismatched elements and creating a sense of movement, asymmetric design allows you to work with pieces you adore while creating a visual hierarchy to showcase important elements.

Geometric elements---back in a big way, and not just in the kitchen backsplash. In 2016 fluid geometry paired with textures will wow us in everything from furniture to accessories. 

Natural & layered bedding.  Layering improves both design and function. Seeking out natural materials helps regulate body temperature, protects the environment, plus you'll sleep more soundly.

Warm colored wood finishes.  Think less red and more brown.  Cool mid-century woods have been a staple for a long time but as the trend fades, honey wood finishes are in. Mix warm woods to make cool colors stand out or create continuity with a single tone. 

Innovation.  Control your home from your pocket, 24/7. There are new apps on the market every day that have the power to change the way you design, live, and work. Even window coverings have gone high tech:  ask us to show you Hunter Douglas PowerView Motorization.

Jewel tones.  Bold, rich, deep colors are in, for every room of the house. From rich upholstery, to bold paint colors and finishes---it's OK to be luxurious!

Unique hardware.  Reconsider your hardware choices:  vintage, bold, even mix and match.

Curves.  The incorporation of more organic shapes and curving structures have been redefining modern architecture for decades. Now is the time to ease away from the strict definitions of the 'modern' aesthetic and bring some softness into your spaces with curved furniture, art, lighting, and hardware.

Space savvy solutions.  The age of the sprawling suburban McMansions is coming to an end. As more and more people move into urban areas, and/or opt for smaller footprints, everyone is looking for space saving innovation. Expect new and creative ways to maximize space and utility in layout and furniture design. 

Florals---not your grandmother's florals. This year we are seeing the re-emergence of classic and bold floral pattern as a backdrop for more modern, eclectic designs. Expect pops of floral throughout the home, from dramatic wall murals to understated bedroom upholstery. 

Mixed metals.  Mixing metal finishes was once a major design faux pas- but no longer. Pair warm and cool finishes, use contrasting accents, play with texture and sheen.

Finally, no one re-decorates every few years.  For this reason, aim for a timeless design aesthetic in your major pieces and purchases, and use inexpensive accessories for the passing trends.