Happy Sunday, everyone! The new year is just around the corner (literally tomorrow night!), and it’s got me thinking about all the possibilities and new trends we may start to see in 2019. If you’ve got some home projects on your mind that you’d like to tackle in the upcoming year, I hope this blog post helps you find new ways to approach designing your home!
COLOR
Every year, Pantone releases the color of the year, and this time it’s a bright pinky-orange called Living Coral. However, it’s widely predicted that people will lean more toward the use of darker, moodier colors in the new year, like navy and forest green. In general, the idea is to go bold.
Color experts say it is a reaction to the bright white that has dominated the design world for the past several years. Just like fashion, the pendulum of design always swings, and in this case it’s swinging from all white spaces - like popular kitchens the last few years - to rich, deep hues being used in big ways.
Jon de la Cruz via Farrow and Ball’s Instagram.
Cartelle Designs via Ashley Stark on Instagram.
Rendering by Batsmanova Design
We are also moving away from the heavy use of cooler greys that we saw so much of in recent years. Grey is still a great staple, but choosing a neutral or warm undertone rather than cool will better compliment the jewel tones we’ll be seeing so much of.
Matte black is really the new grey! In architectural finishes, appliances, and furniture.
Magnolia Construction via Joanna Gaines’ Instagram.
UFO dining table by Emmemobili.
Source unknown.
Design by Montana Labelle.
TAKING BOLD RISKS
Thanks to technology and social media, the way people can see design has changed, which has changed what people want. Clients no longer have to imagine what an idea will look like – they actually can see it on visual social networks such as Houzz, Instagram, and Pinterest. This has helped people become more comfortable with the idea of experimenting with bold use of rich, dark colors.
"If you tell somebody, 'Paint your walls dark blue or black,' people might imagine the Addams family house. But when they see a photo of the design and how these colors create a warm and serene setting, they are much more likely to have the confidence to try it.”
- Mitchell Parker, writer and editor for Houzz, via The Washington Post
Deep jewel tones are showing up in big ways, like on entire walls including baseboards and trim in some cases, kitchen cabinets, large main pieces of furniture – like living room sofas, and also BEDS!
SPEAKING OF BEDS…
Winged Velvet Bed via avenue-road.com.
Upholstered headboards in sumptuous fabrics and velvets are where it’s at. They add sophistication and drama. But moreover, people want to feel comfy in their bedrooms, like they have a cozy private retreat where they can be engulfed by soft fabrics – so no more cold metal beds.
Joy Moyler Interiors.
Historically, trends like this come about when there are periods of unrest in the outside world, and people want their homes to feel like a safe and comfortable escape.
Footboards make people feel protected and nurtured while they sleep, so rooms that have enough space for that would do well with a cozy, substantial bed that wraps you in on both ends.
I don’t personally care much for the rest of the decor in this photo, but I think we’ll be seeing a lot of this shape of bed.
BLUSH
Blush is one color that isn’t going anywhere yet. It’s the new neutral, and it’s the perfect compliment to all of the deeper tones we’ll be seeing - and good thing, because it’s our biggest guilty pleasure! It can be combined with bold colors like navy, forest green, oxblood, or even citrine, all while allowing the bolder color to stand out and be the star.
This room by Arent&Pyke features a blush rug that perfectly compliments the curved, sculptural navy blue velvet chair.
CURVY DESIGNS
goop x CB2 Collection
Grace Serpentine Sofa from Anthropologie in Forrest Velvet
1970’s-inspired curvy, rounded furniture will continue to take over. Rounded back chairs, curved or serpentine sofas. Sleek but organic.
Scout Design Studio.
IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS
Small details in upholstery have a big impact on design. Seams, piping and contrast stitching all create uniqueness and add a level of perceived value. A little bit more effort is shown in the craftsmanship of the piece, which buyers are appreciating.
MIDCENTURY MELTDOWN
No more mid-century EVERYTHING. It can still be great when used in moderation, but not overdone to the point where walking into your living room feels like a time warp. In general, homes will feel more eclectic, more “collected” instead of one forced style.
One reemerging style is ART DECO, and you’ll see its influence in furniture silhouettes and also textiles and prints. Just like bold paint is in, so is WALLPAPER– especially in small powder rooms or on one major accent wall, and you’ll see some art deco influences in those patterns as well. I’ve even seen recent installations of wallpaper on the ceiling (see below) – it’s coming back in a big way. Gone are the days when wallpaper was just for your Grandma’s house!
Patterns will be slightly cleaner – so moving away from the Morrocan and tribal trends of the last couple of years. Bohemian patterns will still be available in a more bold, sharp way. Even floral patterns will be seen, and may be abstracted or blown up to a larger scale.
via ArchZine.
Jackson Paige Interiors.
SPA-LIKE DESIGNS
As wellness trends turn towards “self-care” and “self-love,” more and more people are prioritizing quality relaxation time after a long day of work, so we’ll be seeing more spa-like designs.
People no longer see the bath as a purely utilitarian space (in general, design is moving away from anything too industrial). We are all looking for spaces that foster relaxing experiences. But you don’t have to spend a ton of money and do a full bathroom remodel - you can create this with your choice in spa-like accessories, bath tub accoutrements, extra comfortable bath mats and towels, statement artwork, and mood lighting or candles.
Jean Louis Deniot.
BE A COLLECTOR
In line with the more “collected,” eclectic look, people will be willing to invest in handmade, unique pieces. Or even if they’re not one of a kind, manufactured items with an amazing backstory or design development will be of interest. People want to know where their pieces come from and want to use them as interesting talking points.
Vintage is in, antiques are in, and MIXING those pieces with new trendier items grounds the overall design concept and give people’s homes a little history - a more well-rounded feel.
At the end of the day, what matters is that YOU love your space. You don’t have to subscribe to the trends, and as you all know, history repeats itself and style comes full circle all the time. We’re constantly responding to what we did previously, trying to update our look and keep things fresh in the design world. Instead of feeling the pressure, have FUN with it! Get creative and don’t take life too seriously. :)
And on that note, have an absolutely FABULOUS New Year!! I can’t wait to connect with more of you in 2019, and I wish for you all good health, happiness, and homes that you love. <3
Xo, Regina
