Here are my top design trends of 2015. Most of these I even plan to use in designing and building my own home this upcoming year. Will they still be a trend in 2016?…I love these and think they are here to stay for a while.
If You Prefer Neutral Color … Try Greige
Not quite gray, but not quite beige, this grayish brown (or is it brownish gray?) is the most versatile neutral in play right now. The shade offers warmth to the space while allowing the crisp white cabinets and ceiling beams to pop — all without a single bold color.
Gray Kitchen or Bath Cabinets
The hue you pick for your gray cabinets relies on personal preference, but it also has a bit to do with the space you are working with. If your kitchen is small or has limited natural light, dark gray cabinets will only make it feel smaller and darker. Deep, saturated hues absorb light, whereas light shades bounce light back into the room, amplifying the brightness in the space. Virtually any countertop color looks good with gray kitchen cabinets. You have endless options because gray works as a neutral hue similar to white, brown, and tan. You can pick a splashy countertop color, such as aqua, or go for a sophisticated monochromatic look using slate or stainless steel. Natural stone, such as granite and marble, is a popular complement to these cabinets because there is often gray veining or flecks in the stone.
Neutral With Texture & Bold Patterns
The texture of the grasscloth wallpaper in this space designed by Jenny Norris offers both warm tones of beige and cooler tones of gray. The beige tones help the wallcovering relate well to the gold accent tables and wooden couch legs, while the color tones mix well with the navy sofa. The bold patterned rug brings out the personality of the designer and owner. A few years ago, chevron print was everywhere — and for good reason. It was an easy way to add playful color and contrasting shapes to many kinds of design styles. If you like the idea of chevron but are ready to try something different, look to honeycomb and other solidly geometric shapes.
A Mix of Colors in the Kitchen
Two-toned kitchen cabinets are an exciting new trend for home design. The ways of using two different colors of paint or natural wood on your cabinets are varied, and the effect can be to either contrast or complement a color scheme. The two-toned approach allows you to play with more than one color to break up any monotony and create something truly unique and inspired.
Apron or “Farmhouse” Sink: Country Flair
Meant to resemble sinks from historic farmhouses, apron sinks add timeless appeal to a kitchen. Apron sinks are available in a wide range of materials, including porcelain, stainless steel and copper. (Design by Dave Stimmel of The Stimmel Consulting Group)
Keep it Raw
This walnut kitchen island countertop designed by Lauren Levant Bland has it all: a rustic live edge with a polished finish. The walnut grain is echoed in the trim of the steel range hood to keep the overall look of the kitchen warm. I even added this look in my current home on a bar top. Its definitely a conversation piece!
Need a Rug … Try a Global Look & Try Layering It
With so much emphasis on craftsmanship in home design, it should be no surprise that today’s most popular floor coverings come from Morocco, Turkey and other Asian countries, home of some of the most skilled textile makers. Another popular trend is layering these rugs.
Reclaimed Wood is a Hot Design Trend
The interior use of reclaimed wood is a hot design trend, with bowling alleys becoming ceilings and wine barrels turning into quirky stools and even distinct wood floors. Here is a cool living room table and wood floors using reclaimed wood. Nothing beats the beauty, charm and warmth of reclaimed wood in your interior and it can be used in so many ways throughout a home.
Handpainted & Vintage Furniture
Reused & recycled furniture has become a popular “vintage” theme in many homes lately. Here is a neat piece from the Hamptons Line on cottage home furniture.com
If You’re Over Those Curtains … Go Without
If you’ve got beautiful natural light streaming into a room or windows with extra architectural detail, then there’s no reason to hide them behind curtains. Go au naturel by foregoing the curtains and other adornments, like Carter Kay did in the design of this Atlanta kitchen.
Paint it Black
Painting window trim black allows the windows to pop and frame the outside view. This is a hot new trend, not just for trim and exterior doors but interior doors as well. To me, black doors look best when paired with clean whites and light neutrals. You get a crisp and tidy combination that is not expected. This is an easy do-it-yourself project and provides a clean french country type feel to any style home.
Hair on Hide
The natural splendor and exotic spirit of animal hides brings the beauty of the beast into your home. With irresistible texture and ferocious style, these hide rugs add a distinctive, one-of-kind element to nearly any décor. Very unique designs and no two are exactly alike. This hide collection can be found at one of my favorite furniture stores, Arhaus design.
Industrial Lighting Look … a Statement Light Fixture
Popular for several years in DIY furniture and light fixtures, the industrial look is extending to higher-end statement pieces. The freshest industrial light fixtures are especially large to balance their pared-down details and bare bulbs, like this stunning selection from Pottery Barn.
Try Warm Metals, But Not Too Shiney
If the look of iron pipe fittings has lost its lustre to you, try the look of warmer, shinier metals. Designers are opting for brass, warm nickel and gold to counter the coldness of the more common features of the modern, industrial style. The key to using warm metals while avoiding a ’90s look is to choose metals with low shine. The brass pendant lights and fixtures in this gorgeous Tobi Fairley kitchen have a bit of a weathering to them for the right kind of vintage touch. The deeper tones of copper are a good bridge between the heavier look of industrial design and the brighter touch of warm metals.
Freestanding Tub
Soaking tubs are showing up in all of our favorite designer’s bathroom spaces. Homeowners who were once after rain showerheads and wall sprayers are now installing freestanding tubs. Soaking tubs also come in classic styles, making them at home in traditional and classic design!
Resources:
www.potterybarn.com
www.arhaus.com
www.hgtc.com
www.cottagehomefurnitre.com
www.bhg.com