National Post

Fresh, hip home trends

- KARL LOHNES

It has been a long year at home and I bet you’re ready to make some changes around the house. While you’re at it, why not incorporat­e some of the decor trends that are predicted to have longevity?

Trends that can last five to 10 or more years will give you a hip-happening look today and tomorrow … and beyond. These three trends aren’t going anywhere any time soon and are easy to incorporat­e into most existing decor schemes.

I predict all you need are a few current-looking improvemen­ts to wake you up to how great your home really is.

GO FOR GOLD

Gold and warm metal tones are a trend that should have staying power for a few years. If you like gold, it’s a great way to add some bling with lighting, hardware and furnishing­s — like jewelry for your house.

You’ll see gold on modern and contempora­ry styles (rather than traditiona­l decorating styles) — it replaces the silver and nickel metal trend that has been around for the past while.

Want to make your house look 10 years younger? Try switching out the ceiling light fixtures and interior doorknobs. It will be an excellent return on your investment, since it will pay style dividends for years to come.

Tip: To make many gold-toned elements feel cohesive, choose one finish (shiny, dull or antiqued) for everything.

ADD PATTERN

Coloured tile patterns have not only taken over the floors, but are being used on walls and even ceilings. They can look great and be very useful in high-traffic areas like family breakfast nooks, laundry rooms, bathroom and foyers.

Reminiscen­t of 1970s Portuguese tiles, the colour and designs are not for the pattern-phobic — today’s trend-driven look is bold-colour floral combos that add a one-two punch of pattern.

Afraid to go with a more permanent installati­on? Try patterned wallpaper, paint finishes and rugs to get the look without the long-term commitment.

Tip: Love the patterned tile look? Choose one surface (floor, walls or ceilings) to adorn with pattern, otherwise you might make yourself dizzy.

WARM THINGS UP

Is your place taking on a cool vibe with too much grey, blue and cool colours? Get on trend and add warm colours like red, orange and yellow.

These colours can easily be added to a cool palette and will liven up a room. Add warm, spicy coloured pillows and a throw on a grey sofa or choose an area rug, ceramic lamps or comforters with the warm colours.

SO MANY CHOICES

Trying to choose a style in which to redecorate? Here are a couple that will enter the home decor scene in 2021.

1 Shabby Chic

Classic slipcovere­d sofas, ruffled floral bedspreads and whitewashe­d furniture are returning to relax more formal modern spaces.

2 Art Deco Modern

First rising to popularity in the 1920s and ’30s, this look — known for its symmetrica­l design layouts, bold shapes and luxurious wood, metal and fabrics — is coming back on the scene.

Do you have a decor dilemma or want to give feedback? You can contact Karl on Instagram at Karl Lohnes. Karl has worked as a home-decor expert and product designer for 25 years. Postmedia News

 ??  ?? Warm decor colours and modern brushed-gold accents like door hardware will get homes on trend and add a little pop to your personal palace.
Warm decor colours and modern brushed-gold accents like door hardware will get homes on trend and add a little pop to your personal palace.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Canada