Since the new year is quickly approaching, I've been trying to compile a list of design trends that have either been prominent in residential design for at least a year or are starting to gain popularity within home decor. This list is based off personal work experience, my late-night Pinterest binges, Interior Design magazines, watching design TV, as well as just random online searches. All of the photos I pulled from Pinterest or Google to support the trends.
These 8 design trends range from grand architectural features to just simple room color schemes...and even if you aren't planning an entire home remodel there are still some great trends that can be applied to any home!! OR....if you're like me and just want to look at some pretty freaking cool rooms :) then please, have a look.
1. METALLIC OR TEXTURED WALLCOVERINGS
Here's a trend that can have an extremely dramatic effect or a subtle one instead. The image above shows a textured acoustical tile that can be applied on top of most interior walls. Acoustical tiles might be useful for areas you would like to keep more private or need some type of sound buffer...maybe like a theater room or even a private office. Some of the more subtle versions of this include shiny floor tiles, chrome tile backsplashes, or tow-toned wallpaper done in a matte with a gloss. Below you are examples that show the different ways this trend is being used in homes or use these as inspiration to create your own new design style with metallic and textured wallcoverings.
2. DESIGNING WITH CONCRETE
This trend is definitely picking up some steam in residential design. I've even seen designers on HGTV use concrete in many of the ways I am about to share. Above you'll find a close up of stenciled concrete, which can be used both indoors and outdoors. Sometimes the concrete underneath is stained before stenciling, but the natural concrete works just as well...just chose your stencil and a proper concrete paint, then roll away and boom a brand new chic floor. Other ways to incorporate concrete into your design, besides flooring, is through countertops, fireplace structures, and interior beams. Most of these looks tend to go more towards the industrial side, but there are many innovative ways concrete is now being used too that allows it to transcend through different design styles.
There's even ways to make concrete look like marble, granite, and also wood!!
3. GREEN BUILDING & SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
More and more people are becoming interested in their personal environmental impact and learning ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Sustainable design is a great way to hold yourself accountable for the impact your putting on your living environment. You'll often see reclaimed wood, low-flush toilets, living walls, solar panels, multi-use furniture/spaces, outdoor rain collectors, and recycled building materials.
Today, due to the concern of climate change and figuring out ways to lower our carbon footprint, this section of the design industry is steadily growing and it is the design style I have been most drawn to and would like to work on sustainable or green building projects in the near future. I think it's important to discover new ways of living, especially since our environment is always changing.
Here's a little cheat sheet of ways to turn your home green.
Here's examples of some of these sustainable design features...
Another big way people are incorporating green design is through TINY LIVING!! These tiny homes are usually mobile and range from 500-1000 sq. ft. (more or less). People are converting shipping container's into residences as well as way to repurpose old equipment. Check out these tiny homes and one container home I found that look so luxurious and surprisingly spacious. Plus the use of space is so clever!!! Also if you enjoyed reading about sustainable design, head on over to my Portfolio and browse through my projects ...many of which incorporate sustainable design features, one in specific that takes a glamorous private office and redesigns it using primarily green design features. All of the details and specifications were researched...I also got Best of Quarter for that class.
4. BARN DOORS
Now this trend has been popular for quite some time and it is used primarily in rustic or country design styles. However, I am starting to see barn doors used in more of a modern way as well as for other uses like covering TV's or laundry machines. Any homeowner could use barn doors in their home design...
Barn doors can also be a great space saver if you're working with limited square footage. Functional and stylish, barn doors can come in all kinds of designs from modern to rustic to even patterned doors. Although they are most often used in design styles like Industrial or Modern Farmhouses, I believe barn doors can be used in ANY space and add a unique touch to the overall design.
5. TWO-TONE KITCHEN CABINETS
I've been dealing with this particular trend a lot at work and they range from all types of colors or wood stains as well as a blend between the two. Sometimes the look is subtle, while other times it is much more bold...like with a white and yellow scheme. Usually, the upper cabinets are done in a lighter color or a neutral (if using paint) and then the lower cabinets painted in a darker color or a bolder accent. The wood stains can vary all over the spectrum using dark or light on either the upper or lower cabinets.
I was able to find many examples for this trend in varying design styles, so I hope they bring you inspiration for your next home project.
6. OUTDOOR/INDOOR LIVING
A trend that is sweeping the residential design world, especially in California and other warm climate areas because it brings the outdoors into the home and vice versa. This is done through incredibly large sliders (like the one shown above that pretty much goes the whole length of the home) or picture windows, exposed ceiling rafters or beams, and heavy use of natural materials like wood, stone, and greenery.
These are great communal spaces and can really bring people together, which is perfect for larger/extended families. This is a design trend that can also be incorporated into green building and sustainable design since it focuses on natural materials and the love for the environment. Check out some of these cool examples on how this trend is being utilized.
7. MONOCHROMATIC COLOR SCHEMES
Maybe my favorite trend...besides the last one (right after)...because it looks so luxurious to me, no matter what color is selected. There is just something so ingeniously elegant about having everything in the space all done in varying shades of one color.
This design trend can work in both large and small spaces because you get the freedom to play with dark and light. Don't be afraid to go with a darker color on the walls and then play up the decor in lighter shades in that color family, just like the picture on the left.
The examples are all awesome, but I specifically like the emerald green one, that you'll see below, mainly because my favorite color is green, but there's a mysterious charm about it that I'm immediately drawn towards.
8. LUSH VELVET
Finally, this last trend is one of the more recent ones I've been seeing. I can absolutely understand why this velvet trend is being used more...it is just so delicious. Who doesn't want to sit or lay on some comfy velvet? You'll never leave the house!!
Velvet is being utilized through upholstery, bedding, drapery, rugs, and other accents throughout the home. This textile is the definition of LUX and will give any space that extra UMPHH or dash of elegance!!! Not to mention all the beautiful jewel tone colors of velvet, which is often paired with this trend. Enjoy!!
Well I hope that wasn't too long for you all, but I really wanted to share all 8 of these home interior decor trends. I think many of you will be able to incorporate some of these trends for affordable ways in your own homes. I know my little wheels are already turning for the different ways I'll be able to use some of these trends in my own home one day or even my apartment somehow!!