Debbie Travis
Ialways look forward to previews of what’s new and trending for the coming year. It’s exhilarating to survey the latest in paint colours and wall coverings, a fresh take on pattern shapes and sizes, and how decorative cladding, including tiles and stone, are being utilized.
This year’s splendid array offers something for every taste and style. What stands out across all decor types is a continuing emphasis on all things that bring comfort and optimism to our homes.
Call it a backlash, given the scary headlines and challenges of modern life. Whatever the reasons, we crave an inviting environment, rooms that offer a collective hug.
Here are some inspiring thoughts, and products that are ready and waiting for you.
Soften up those hard edges on furnishings with curvaceous shapes. Rounded sofa backs, padded arms, plump cushions and tactile fabrics are de rigueur.
Yes, you can be sophisticated and comfy. Velvet is super popular, along with smooth fabrics in bold colours. Coffee tables shine bright in brushed metals and glass, with rounded edges and see-through supports.
Practical and open solutions to shelving and storage are indicative of a looser, less-than-perfect attitude, where everything is out in the open, easily accessible, and part of the overall decor.
Shelves are an economical alternative to kitchen cabinets, especially the uppers. They are easy to organize and actually make even a small kitchen appear larger.
Whole walls in the living area are arranged with a variety of wood and metal storage units that can be fashioned for an industrial, modern or traditional style.
Wabi-sabi is the traditional Japanese esthetic that encompasses the art of imperfection. It gives the nod to pottery that’s cracked, chipped or uneven, mismatched wood grain, weathered walls, peeling paint finishes. It’s a comfort to think that a messy bed or untidy room is acceptable, and it does fit into a relaxed mood.
Dark colours are showing up on more than focal walls; whole rooms are painted in deep red, powerful pink, bold black and nautical navy. Brightly coloured furniture and artwork stand out against these rich shades.
Painted furniture continues to be popular, transforming secondhand finds as well as new tables, chairs and cabinets.
Wallpaper has come full circle and is on everyone’s list. But these papers are better quality and colours and images have shifted with the times. Ever popular florals come in sizes from small to big and fat. Light and shadows bring out the embossed textures in fine grass papers and reveal the beauty of layers of colour in the painterly wallpapers.
The metal scene is exploding around us, from the multiple metallic sheens in fingernail polish to flooring patterns enriched with slivers of silver tile. Metallic paints create a shimmery luxe mood on walls and furniture. From fashion to home design, upholstery and drapery fabrics are threaded with colourful metals that link to brushedmetal details in furniture.
Always on trend, nature’s lush shades and rich patterns are at the core of design. Green is a living colour, and permeates life and the fashions we create. Bringing it indoors is easier than ever with oversized images of flora and fauna showing off on wallpapers and fabrics.
Have you thought about a jungle room? Or perhaps an English country garden overrun with botanicals?
Bring comfort and joy into your life. It’s never been easier. Debbie Travis’s House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please email questions to house2home@debbietravis.com. You can follow Debbie on Twitter at twitter.com/debbie_travis, and visit Debbie’s website, debbietravis.com.