By Rosemary Sadez Friedmann
McClatchy-Tribune
Goodbye old. Hello new. The new year brings new ideas for design. So what will we be seeing in the new style and trend for interiors in 2014? Well from what I’ve seen coming up, just about anything goes. But there are some trendy things to consider.
Technology has taken over the world, like it or not, and we need to learn to live with it. Our phone, tablets, game systems, e-readers — and more — need to be plugged in all the time to recharge the batteries. Now there’s a new wall outlet option called a U-Socket. It has two built-in USB ports in addition to the two traditional AC plugs. It also has a smart sensor that lets it shut off when the device you’ve plugged in is fully charged. Quite handy.
Jumping to the bathroom, stand-alone tubs are popular instead of built-ins. There are many interesting styles to choose from and they take up less room than the conventional, tiled in decks.
Multigenerational living is popular. Important accommodations include widened doorways and passageways for wheelchairs and installing levers instead of knobs on doors. Wall mounted sinks also are good for wheelchair access, particularly in the bathroom. Motion sensing faucets are another popular item, both for the bath and for the kitchen.
The minimalist look is truly in vogue. Since most of our lives are filled with other clutter, the lack of clutter found in this style seems to be the draw. Yet the minimalist look in your home doesn’t have to be stark or cold. A more relaxed minimalist style can be achieved easily by simply clearing out and minimizing what already is in your room.
Geometric patterns are still in, but are softened by coupling those designs with classic, floral patterns. For example, if the sofa has a geometric pattern on the upholstery, adding floral pillows will complement and modernize the look. Or if there are throw pillows on the sofa that are of a geometric pattern, the addition of floral pillows will balance the look.
Accessories are where your personality should shine. Make the accessories talk about you, perhaps even to provoke conversation. A collection of elephants or a collection of sports paraphernalia or anything that says “you” should be displayed with pride.
And finally, wood, metal and stone are still good and very popular for 2014.
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