Top Trends of 2018

January is one of my least favorite months.  It is long, cold and by the end of the month I am starting to realize that my zeal for achieving my resolutions is starting to wane :0  One of the only reasons I like January, is the excitement in seeing the new trends in home design.  Some people have an aversion to trends (even the word itself launches some into a soliloquy on how style should be timeless, blah blah  blah.  I have a blog post saved up just for this topic).

In the beginning of January everyone is throwing out his or her predictions for the new trends.  However, by the end of January, the Industry Influencers have spoken and the trends have been set.  Here are some of my favorite trends forecasted for 2018:

 

New Year, New Trends

ABSTRACT FLORALS

I love abstract anything!  I love when it is left to the individual to interpret what he or she is seeing; I feel that it makes an object more interesting.  This is how I feel about abstract floral prints.  The subject is timeless, but its expression is more modern.  This is why pairing an abstract floral with geometric patterns look so rich.

VINTAGE DECOR

Using vintage items in a more modern space will be all the rage for 2018.  This has been one of my favorite and most satisfying additions in my projects with clients.  Using vintage elements takes the “newness” out of a recently redesigned room.  It gives the room a more curated feel, as if the room unfolded over time.  I LOVE this vintage Parisian Salon Mirror from Wisteria.  It adds the perfect dose of history and glamour to this dining room.

 

WHITE PAINTED ROOMS

Fall 2017 was all about the jewel-tones and rich velvet.  2018 is calling for a “palette cleanser” of whites.  White painted rooms are by far one of the hardest to get right, but when done right, they take a room to a whole new level!  There are so many undertones to white that choosing the best white for your room is based on SO MANY factors:  the direction the room faces, the tones of other elements in the room, light sources in the room, etc…. Enlisting an expert really is key to getting this color done right!  Here are some of my favorite white paint colors:

CURVY FURNITURE

Like the addition of vintage elements, you will see a lot of curvy furniture in 2018!  We have had a long run of minimalist decor.  Modern Farmhouse is a trend with very square edges and clean lines; a very no frills look.  Love it or hate it, this trend is on the decline.  Curvy, more ornate furniture will be big for 2018.  The KEY to getting this look right, is using only ONE piece in a room.  Using more than this, will put you over into the “overly traditional” category.  If that’s your thing, great; otherwise, stick with using just one piece of furniture in this style.

NON-STAINLESS APPLIANCES

Hallelujah to the end of the stainless trend!  While I think stainless appliances were a nice addition to kitchen design, like granite counters, they have had their run!  It is time to add color and different finishes to kitchen appliances!

This GORGEOUS Le Cornue stove is such a work of art!  The black finish and mixed metals are so stunning and such a statement piece, that I can’t imagine this stove ever going out of style!  Since I think mixing appliance materials is a definite “design-do” (limit to a max of two finishes) I think having all stainless or all black appliances and mixing in a stove like this would be beyond stunning!

GOLD DECOR

Gold metal has been big for the last 5 years.  Industry Influencers have predicted that it will continue to be “the metal” for another 10 years.  I still have a lot of clients that are hesitant to embrace this trend.  However, the clients that have made the leap have never turned back!  Gold gives a warmth and richness that chrome just can’t achieve!  While I like chrome, it conveys a completely different look.  Builders are still using chrome for their spec houses (and a lot are still using granite :0 )

If you are going to choose a metal, choose gold or brass.  If you are still unsure, at least choose pieces that are mixed metal pieces.  For a few years now, mixing metals in kitchens and bathrooms has been popular.  I love the way it looks to mix!  You won’t regret choosing gold or brass over chrome.

I hope you enjoyed my trend forecast for 2018.  Let me know if there are any trends I’ve missed.

xo

Laurie