Something I find fascinating are the new looks predicted to dominate home design every year. What is OUT and what is IN! But always keep in mind that no matter what the latest trends are, a home is your very own personal space. The colors, textures, art, and images you surround yourself with should be exactly what makes you happy and smile when you think of HOME. I happen to love the off-whites, natural woods, high character grade random width flooring, gold fixtures, and blues mixed with creams. And I am always impressed by a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace with a nice hand-hewn repurposed wood mantle and Bluestone hearth ….. but that’s just me! So, what is trending forward may — or may not — be right for you!
So let’s have some fun, here we go: “WOW” taking a deep dive back into the 80’s is the experts’ forecast! Should I start teasing my hair again, too? LOL
Prints and Chintz … it’s the 80’s all over again. Yes, we are talking patterned wallpaper, patterned furniture, and patterned rugs. Recycled fabrics with a nod to natural materials and pastoral themes, especially large-scale prints, organic motifs, and florals are encouraged. Self-care and creating an environment that facilitates healthy living re-gained popularity during COVID restrictions and continues to hold an important place in our homes. Incorporating natural light through big, bare windows and addressing indoor air quality using plants continues to be part of improving your home’s health and its occupants’ wellbeing. You may be surprised to hear that another quarantine-driven focus on home office space has been re-directed back to the kitchen and living areas. While open layouts still prevail, butler-style pantries and aesthetically pleasing organizational systems (to hide the mess that has undoubtedly accumulated) are projected to become more prevalent.
Copper, nickel, bronze and the newly introduced unlacquered brass finishes are topping the “IN” list for lights and fixtures in the bathroom and kitchen. Gone are the days of sparkling chrome and gold! Marble and soapstone with lots of veining and movement will overtake the heavy quartz trend for countertops and vanities.
Returning for yet another year (I don’t think it ever went out!) is fabulous furniture from the 50’s, otherwise known as Art Deco or Mid-Century Modern Furniture. Artisans and craft people will be in demand with their handmade custom pieces, both decorative and functional, moving forward into 2023. Mixing new furnishings with vintage or antique pieces is inspiring and more popular than ever. But no more “pop of color” pillows on plain, boring couches – this tell-tale sign will scream “OUT” and is sure to give a dated look to your room! Use a muted texture or faux fur throw pillow to pull your sectional together.
Bold, vibrant colors are trending this year! While neutral colors are necessary, right? … cool grays and silver tones are taking a backseat to warmer beige and browns. Green hues will continue to be popular and will be freshly paired with terracotta, rust and other earth tones. Emerald Green is an upcoming favorite. Sage is also a front runner. Brace yourself: as much as I did not want to report this one, Dusty Rose kept appearing in my research and is supposed to be making a comeback from the 90s – but I am going to fight this one. Are you with me?!?!?!?! NOOOOO!!!!! Cobalt Blue (which is darker than Royal Blue), Mustard Yellow and Orange are also included on the palette, and I will not object.
Seriously, and speaking of going Green: Sustainability remains super important! With signs of rapidly increasing climate change, architects and experts are looking for ways to reduce carbon emissions when renovating or building. Homes are becoming even more multifunctional and demands for more entertainment and exercise rooms (think theater, game rooms, gyms and saunas) are predicted. What can we do right now? Upcycling components and reusing existing materials whenever possible is always fashionable, budget friendly, and will also help maintain your “green” goals. So don’t just knock it down; see what makes sense to reuse. When purchasing new products, choose stone or responsibly harvested wood which take less energy to produce as compared to steel or concrete. Source locally, for instance: if you live near a quarry, look to them for stone.
Well, I hope this has been as fun to read as it has been for me to write! Until next time.
