Linda Castle
As an interior designer for more than 30 years, I have seen quite a few trends in our industry come and go. Even the best decorating needs to be refreshed about every five years. There are always “classic” items and furnishings that stand the test of time, but colors, textures, patterns and styles do evolve and change.
There are always some regional favorites, and some areas tend toward favoring certain colors or styles simply due to geography or climate. A clean-lined sofa in a soft turquoise color might work well for a seaside home. But if you live in the mountains, you might prefer that same sofa in burnt peach.
Here are some popular national trends:
Open concept floor plans: Clients love rooms that flow into each other with large openings between them and virtually no walls at all.
Upgraded kitchens with bells and whistles: High-end stainless steel appliances, granite or other hard-surface countertops, farm sinks and backsplashes with personality and "pop" are in demand.
Clean and unadorned window treatments: Yesterday's fluffy balloons, swags with lots of trim and bullion, and drapery panels that have fringe and puddle are being replaced with clean and edgy valences, cornices, and simple drapery panels.
Less embellished furniture: While the lines may still be classic, they are less adorned. Think straight legs vs. carved ones. Sofas and chairs with sharper lines are preferred over large rolled arms in an overstuffed look.
50 shades of gray: What's the new "neutral" color? The core color is some form of gray, taupe or khaki. So many colors work well with this as the base. Blues, greens and terra cottas work well with a gray foundation.
Freestanding soaker tubs: There are less requests for a built-in spa tub with jets.
Chrome plumbing fixtures: They help echo the new desire for a "spa" feeling in the bathroom. This also dovetails beautifully in with the use of gray paint and white and gray tiles and marbles in the bath.
Carpet rugs: These types of rugs add texture and warmth to a room. The traditional patterned rugs are used more sparingly.
White cabinetry: White cabinets have returned, as well as more "shaker" styling. As with furniture, people are choosing cleaner lines, lighter feeling. Stain or paint the island, or parts of the cabinets, a darker color for contrast.
Kitchens and bathrooms rule: If you're planning to remodel, money is well spent on these rooms. Allocate a generous budget if you're building a new home.
Hardwood floors in exotic woods vs. oak: Engineered floors vs. on-site finished floors are popular when remodeling because there is less mess and a stronger topcoat finish.
Lighting: We are seeing more "industrial" and, in some cases, retro looks. Less of the predictable chandeliers with "arms" and traditional light bulbs or crystal only. A more casual and simple style is emerging. The crystals are more chunky and mixed with iron or wood and globes.
To summarize, the design/remodel trends are moving toward clean, comfortable and fresh furnishings, paint colors, fabrics, and window treatments. Mix this up with those special pieces such as a fine antique, a family piece or something from your travels. All this adds personality.
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