In 2016, home decor was all about hygge, with homeowners wanting to achieve a Scandinavian vibe in their space, and using statement wall prints to liven up a boring room. This year, it’s set to be all about prints and textures, as well as shapes and smaller details. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest home decor trends for the upcoming season, and how you can incorporate them into your space.
Matte Appliances
In recent years, kitchens have focused on glossy appliances which reflect the light and appear to make a space look bigger. However, this has been overhauled, and now matte appliances are all the rage as they create a distraction-free environment, leaving you to focus on accessories to draw the eye around different areas of your kitchen.
Marble
Marble isn’t a new trend, but it’s one that it certainly expected to continue in popularity this year within the home. You can expect to see marble work surfaces in the kitchen, marble bathroom counters, marble tiles, marble carpets and marble accessories. Don’t panic if you can’t afford the real thing – faux marble is a great cheat’s way to incorporate the trend within your home.
Cerused Wood
Cerused wood is just a fancy-sounding word for wood that has been re-finished. It’s a technique to bring out the wood’s unique grain, and it is ideal for cabinets, tables, chairs and pieces of storage. The technique works best on oak, as oak wood is always cut differently, leaving it with a surprising finish underneath. To get the look, stain the wood, apply a coloured wax and then rub it off.
Tropical Prints
Interior designs always take their inspiration from fashion week catwalks, and this trend is no exception. In 2016, designers like Marc Jacobs and Prada experimented with the trend, and now we are seeing it in everything from wallpaper to fabric. If you’re worried about your home looking gaudy, fear not – a printed cushion on a plain sofa works well, and when you get bored of it, you can simply replace it.
Jewel Tones
Jewel tones are dramatic and are certainly a way to liven up a boring room. If your walls have been painted beige for what seems like forever, why not be brave and paint them in a daring jewel tone like amethyst or emerald. If you don’t feel like that much commitment, a lampshade or pillow will work just as well.
Nailhead Detailing
Nailhead details have been popular in upholstery for quite some time now, but this year, experts are predicting that we will start to see them in other aspects of home decor. You can expect to see nailhead accents on storage chests and lighting fixtures, and even as patterns.
Subway Tiles
Nothing new to see here, but it’s expected that subway tiles will continue to be the tiles of choice. They look elegant and timeless and are suitable for any budget. Subway tiles work well as a backsplash in a kitchen, but they could also be incorporated within a bathroom.
Smart Home Apps and Features
OK, so it’s less of a home decor trend, but smart home products are becoming increasingly popular. So much so, that interior designers are incorporating them into their design plans. You can get bedside tables that charge your phone, lighting which can be controlled whilst you’re on the bus home and speakers that play music in the kitchen when you’re in the bathroom.
Geometric Lighting
Geometric shapes work well throughout the home, but they particularly come into their own in lighting. Think spherical or hexagonal ceiling lights, and cage shapes. Not only do they look stylish, but they are also incredibly functional as they offer more light than a traditional lampshade.
Green
Green has already been named the Pantone colour of the year for 2017, so you can expect to see plenty of interior spaces using this cheerful colour. Pantone says that green is supposed to represent refreshment, so go for brighter shades to liven up your space.
Butterflies
Another cheerful decor trend: butterflies. They’re supposed to symbol optimism, something that we all need in 2017 with the current political climate, so placing them around your home may make you feel more hopeful. It doesn’t just have to be for a kids bedroom, you can use them as a sophisticated accent to many rooms through wallpaper or other features.
Mixed Patterns
Another trend spotted at fashion week, mixed patterns are big in interior design this season. Think busy pieces with more than one pattern, but don’t go too overboard to avoid giving visitors to your home a headache. A throw or comforter is the perfect piece – just keep the rest of the space neutral.
LEDs
LED bulbs are set to become more popular in 2017 as the price of them decreases once again. Experts are predicting that the majority of homeowners will switch to them as they see the money-saving and environmentally-friendly benefits. However, LEDs also have a decorative benefit – they are available in a wide range of colours, and they focus light in one direction, meaning that unnecessary areas like the ceiling are not illuminated. LEDs are also dimmable, allowing you to create mood lighting throughout your home.