Are decor trends important?

I am interested in following the latest  trends in interior design.   I need to know these things to have relevant discussions with clients and to understand where the industry is headed.  Many  trends come and go without ever hitting the average home.



Colour of the year is a good example of a temporary trend.  Depending on which paint company your like, you will have a different colour of the year!   I use Benjamin Moore paint and this year the colour of the year is ....

 Lemon Sorbet 2019-60

This is an interesting fact to know, but I doubt this time next year it will make much difference  because there will be a new colour of the year.

 Then there are broader colour trends that seem to last for much longer, e.g., the change from beige/brown to grays as the predominant neutral in home decor.  This type of information  is  more important to be aware of because it produces whole palette shifts in home accessories including textiles. The  change to grays has moved palettes from warmer and earthy  to cooler and cleaner colours.

 Rather than the burnt orange/rust  of the brown/beige  era

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 you will now find  a more true orange mixed with grays.

 Rather than olive/mossy greens of the brown era...

  you will find fresh apple greens.

You can have such wonderful pops of colour with grays and this is reflected in the vibrancy of home accessories available in the market place today. 

 Several years ago I looked for emerald green accessories for a client.  It was almost impossible to find any!  Pantone's colour of the year for 2013 is...

I find Pantone's colour predictions have more impact on fashion and home decor than those of specific  paint companies. This year you will have no difficulty finding emerald green accessories.

 It is important to keep up with trends that will  impact big ticket, relatively permanent products like hardwood, tile and cabinets.  You do not want to select something that will be dated  quickly.  Awareness of these trends does not mean you have to buy into them.  Sometimes choosing exactly the opposite is the the best design solution for longevity.   That is why it is wiser to choose  more neutral  long term items for your home.

Homeowners  who jumped on the dark wood look  for kitchens will probably end up sorry for their selection sooner rather than later.     Extremes rarely work for long periods of time. I predict the patterned glass mosaic backsplash tile that is all the rage now  will have run its course soon too.

 Reynolds Architecture- Northfield, Illinois

That's why classic soft white kitchen cabinets will always work. There are no extremes in this kitchen.   The style is softly traditional, the tiles are plain and the counters are  lighter granite.   I know it isn't everyone's cup of tea.  I am talking about what stands the test of time.

 

Staying with a traditional example, if you don't like white, consider a more mid tone neutral  or  ...

  mid toned stained  wood. 

Stay tuned for 2013 decor trends with staying power. 

Modern beautiful home gardens designs ideas.

Modern beautiful home gardens designs ideas.

Modern bungalows exterior designs views.

Modern bungalows exterior designs views.

Luxury modern bathrooms designs decoration ideas.

Luxury modern bathrooms designs decoration ideas.

Modern home kitchen cabinet designs ideas.

Modern home kitchen cabinet designs ideas.

Modern beautiful bedrooms interior decoration designs.

Modern beautiful bedrooms interior decoration designs ideas..

A little red year round

Red  is a great accent colour anytime, but it seems to be even more inviting at Christmas.  All it takes is the merest hint to bring a room to life. It can be used in small accessories, window treatments or furniture.  In all can't be ignored.

A splash of red always works

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What a difference a pillow can make.  Remember to have at least three hits of an accent colour around a room to create movement.  

Black and red are very dramatic

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Red and black is always dramatic, and when your throw a bold pattern into the mix it is even more so. 

Stunning patterned bar stools

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 Red and gray is refreshing.  I especially like this crisp blue red with a white pattern. Three hits of colour is well displayed in this vignette. 

A sprinkling of red

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Red paired with black and white patterned area rug is very eye catching.   What an interesting window treatment for more than one window set close together. Vertical stripes are so commanding. 

Who could ignore red with black and white?

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 Bold black and white again with a red sofa.  Very commanding.  When you are hanging artwork on a striped wall it is best to keep the mats light and the images simple. 

Red and white striped headboard

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A striking red striped headboard with charcoal and white. 

A stunning red console

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Red with liberal amounts of neutral always works.

Modern kitchen designs ideas.

Modern kitchen designs ideas.

Modern homes garden designs ideas.

Modern homes garden designs ideas.