Picture the perfect room – inviting, warm, clean, and light and just makes you say…ahhhh. While we are not back to the mustard yellow and earth greens, everything old is new again. White kitchens are HUGE; they keep the room open, light and make even the smallest spaces appear bigger. Gray is another popular neutral color because it is muted, serene, simple and clean. This makes for a perfect backdrop for the many bold color palettes and patterns that are exploding into home décor. We are now adding more florals, geometric patterns, bright color, and layered texture to our design. The Pantone color of the year is Radiant Orchid, and the Sherwin Williams color is Exclusive Plum; both of these colors are bringing purple back! Colors are standing out and saying “wow”.
These are the 10 design trends for 2014 I am falling in love with:
Neutral Background
Keep your walls and furniture simple – adding bold accents is the way to decorate. Your accents can be versatile and also change with the seasons; keeping a neutral base you can add pops of color, geometric prints, or tone on tone patterns to spice things up; maybe even go a little retro with prints/patters/color. The neutral background makes it really simple (and inexpensive) to test out new design ideas without overwhelming the space.
Softer Neutrals
After years of espresso and chocolate, the neutrals are lighter, softer, cleaner and warmer; sand, stone, malted milk, silvery gray, very pale blue.
Bold color
We’re seeing a lot of bright colors, color blocking, and unique color combinations. Indigo is hot- pair the new navy blue with bright coral emerald, orchid and sunny yellow…so many possibilities. But don’t forget white – lots of white.
Patterns
Florals are coming back, but this time they are over-sized, not ditsy and busy like florals of the past. Polka dots, stripes and geometric patterns are HUGE – along with oversized Ikats and Damask prints. Mix it up. Patterns on white backgrounds to give a clear, contemporary feel.
Geometric Shapes
Expect to see lots of octagons and squares in fabric, wallpaper and carpet. Tone on tone geometric designs add the perfect balance to a room that seems to be missing something.
Texture
Linen, grass cloth, felt, embroidery, cable knit. As far as hard surfaces go, quartz is gaining in popularity and replacing granite; it’s more durable, resists staining and is easier to clean. For flooring, vinyl tile and engineered wood floors look like the real thing, but are much more durable so can be used in any room and application.
Playful Design
Whether your style is vintage, romantic, cottage or contemporary, have fun with your color palette, patterns and textures. Add some ketch, think Bohemian, folkloric, animal, crafts. Add a little vintage – stay away from matchy-matchy!
Mix & Layer
It’s all about the mix and layering – old and new, a painted table, mirrored console, different wood tones, metallics and colors that stand out against the neutral back round. Mix and match your metals and add in colored or clear glass for additional accents.
Let the Light In
Light is always an important element in design, but people are really wanting to maximize the amount of natural light in their homes more than ever before. The trend of heavy tailored drapery and swags is going away and being replaced with colorful side panels, sheers, linen or those fabrics that filter the light and don’t block it. Luminette Privacy Sheers and Silhouette Window Shadings are still some of the best-selling Hunter Douglas window coverings, because they combine a light, airy treatment with the need for privacy protection and protecting against sun damage.
Black & White
This is a color trend you can expect to last. Depending on how you use them, black and white decor can make a room feel vintage, bright and contemporary, or sophisticated. Try adding a little bit of black to every room – it could be a picture frame, lamp, pillow or accent chair. Another idea is painting your stairway railings black. It doesn’t need to be a lot, but just add a touch of black and you will be amazed at the difference.
It’s not about the trends
Beyond all the trends. make your home a story – your home tells about the people who live in it and it reflects your personality. The most wonderful homes are those that are decorated with objects that inspire conversations. Make your home your story. Bring in the new, old, expensive, thrift store, neutral, and colorful and mix/match, layer and tell your story. Make it yours. Decorating your home should be fun and unique – a space you love to be in. We are no longer copying the neighbors or furniture store showroom; this is your home and your story. Have fun and enjoy it!