What is happening in the world of design trends?

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After wrapping up Furniture market in High Point NC, the trends were very interesting.  Gray is starting to fade away, and Taupe’s and Linens are beginning to show. BLUE, BLUE AND BLUE!  If you want to know what color to bring into your home, it is blue. Replacing everything is often not an option and adding the new trends needs to be in a pillow it throw, or maybe new art. Sometimes, it can be just moving your furniture around a bit, or repainting a room. Replacing a large amount of furniture is often done when the kids move out or you just landed that first big job. But change to what??? This is when a designer is very helpful to move you through the trendy to the classic, so you invest in longevity and keep the flash to smaller items, a custom chair, pillows, art and throws, that can be replaced quickly and easily.

 

Where to start?  COLOR! That is the number one trend on at this time. Gray, tan, cream and taupe, are the hot trend colors that you are seeing on Pinterest and Houzz. Navy and copper are your go to colors with a touch of teal.  And…. say goodbye to shiny silver and hello to warm gold. This was everywhere at the High Point Furniture Market and can be seen frequently at the big box accessories store.

 

Style and lines of furniture are changing to a straight and simple look.  Remember the sofas with the BIG rolled arms and lots of loose pillows on the back? These have been replaced with track arms or English arms, the back pillows are large, and unattached so they can be flipped easily for extended use.  Many sofas have a two over two cushion design or a large bench seat.  This gives the look of less busy and complicated. Fabrics are durable like sunbrella or revolution, not so much with the fragile linen.

 

The same carries over to cabinets in the kitchen and baths.  The raised panel door with many grooves and crevasse has been replaced with a shaker style door, which is clean without adornment, and the dark glazing is out, but light or white glazing is in.  Granite has gone to quartz, open and more consistent in its color.  Top look for a kitchen is white cabinets, white and light counters with an amazing pop of something, tile, range hood, or island lighting.  Marble is still popular, but the durability is a major factor. Hardware is soft like a stainless steel or…of course the warm gold!  I will be putting this in my bath this spring!

 

So let’s talk window treatments for a minute.  Window treatments are big again and really finish a room.  Dressing a window is like putting on jewelry.  It makes a simple outfit look amazing.  Panels have pattern and colors and can be pleated to pop the look of an otherwise tired space.  Panels can be ready made or custom and easily changed because of the many top options available. But, nothing beats a great pair of custom panels to make a room say WOW!  Check out places like overstock.com and Amazon to see lots of options at great pricing for readymade drapes. Roman shades are still popular and allow for windows to be closed, and keeps the cost down in fabric. Think bold here in your pattern and color to really make a statement.

 

If all this is overwhelming, and you’re not sure where to start, head to your local bookstore/ library, Pinterest or Houzz, to flip thru some design and decorating books.  These give me inspiration and let you see fresh ideas and color combinations.  If you do not know what HOUZZ is, HOUZZ is a professional portfolio of pictures from designers that showcase their works and ideas.  Some even post where you can buy their finds.  Pinterest is a great place for DIYer’s to see projects with before and after’s that showcase options and get your thoughts going.

Bringing in the current design trends is not hard, but needs a focused eye to apply to your home.  Look at a new paint color, art or maybe a rug to get things started.  You can do this gradually or jump in full force.  The result is a home you are proud of, feel comfortable in, and gladly welcome friends and family to enjoy.