STYLE REFRESH
Consider updating your space with these suggestions from the trendsetters for 2018
It’s only the first week of January, but home remodeling and interior design predictions for 2018 are out. In many ways, the home interiors of 2018 will look a lot like those of 2017, but there are enough twists and tweaks to add a fresh, new, stylish look and feel for the coming year.
“I believe that 2018 will bring us a return to some 1980s-inspired finishes, sort of how clothing is all about the 1980s and 1990s right now. I’m talking about floral patterns, wood cabinets, deep saturated colors, patterns, but not in the scary way that you are probably envisioning,” said Marilynn Taylor, an online interior design consultant working in the South Bay. “This is the ’80s done the way we all wish it was the first time around. We are seeing wood cabinets return, in a contemporary way with simpler profiles on the doors, beautiful wood grains and colors, in both vertical and horizontal grains in walnuts, teak and French oak.”
“Boho” world influenced design (i.e., Turkish rugs) will be duking it out with the farmhouse style through 2018. “All you have to do is search #jungalowstyle” (from Los Angeles designer Justina Blakeney) “and you will see what I mean. This style is all the rage and isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, I’d say it gives farmhouse style decor a run for its money. “Overall, traditional design will start to find its way back into our hearts, but with a new twist to keep it fresh,” she said.
Will it be a throwback to the days of Laura Ashley florals, soft pastels and Formica countertops? Home renovation and design platform giant Houzz and its community members suggest the following:
• White kitchens are traditional, but expect to see more color. Neutrals such as blue and gray will make inroads, but warm wood tones are expected, too.
• While they typically show up in kitchens, neutrals may take a backseat in the rest of the house. Grays, camel, burnt yellow and even delicious red will add pops of pizazz.
• Florals are back, brighter and botanical to the max with black and white or teal and gold accents.
• Farmhouse styles haven’t faded, so expect to see more vintage lighting throughout the house, especially with copper pendant lights.
• Farmhouse-inspired trough or apron sinks remain popular.
• Sinks get a hard makeover, as in the use of concrete, stone and even granite. Traditional white or even stainless? More will be replaced with darker shades such as bronze or black.
• Concrete comes inside in more ways than just countertops. It’s showing up in furniture and decorative accessories.
• Joanna Gaines, host of HGTV’s remodeling show “Fixer Upper,” says her favorite material, shiplap, will continue its reign but will be moving into bedrooms.
• Backsplashes go modern and creative with tile looks that resemble wallpaper but are easy to clean.
• Minimalist looks for the bedroom are intended to help you get a good night’s sleep, so opt for soft fabrics and simple yet functional pieces.
Houzz put together the 2018 design trend list with input from its editorial team, industry leaders and its community. But Mitchell Parker, Houzz editor/ writer, said some of the influences are even broader in scope. “International influences often fuel home design trends in the United States, as we’re seeing with the wallpaper-like backsplash tiles, which captured the attention of visitors at Cersaie this fall” (the international exhibition on tile and bathrooms). “These tiles have a wide variety of designs, which also contributes to a trend we’re seeing toward personalization in the kitchen. White will always be a classic palette for kitchens, as we’ve seen in our kitchen trends studies, but its increased popularity means there’s going to be interest fatigue as homeowners look for ways to make their space unique. Expect to see a rise in color, especially blues and grays,” he said.
“We have all gotten used to the idea that brass is back but are already craving new finishes, and copper is making its debut in mainstream design. It seems that there is a move toward more functional design, with trough sinks and open shelving, and while stainless steel and white sinks will always be in fashion, we are seeing new finishes and materials to satisfy those who want something different,” Taylor said.