It’s that time of the year when our home design “fashionistas” have declared the home décor trends for 2016. I have searched many blogs, our favorite shelter magazines and the experts at Houzz to narrow down the choices and I have 10 trends for you to sift through-embrace them, ditch them, ridicule them or love them, but at least you will be up to date for the latest styles coming our way.

Refined And Elegant
The stark industrial garage look is now passé, so expect a more graceful feel with tassels and ribbons and cording to embellish pillows, window treatments and upholstery. A more dressy style with a whimsical touch of nostalgia will be popular this year and a return to dramatic drapery will be making a repeated performance on our windows.

Tropical, Animal, Jungle
All of these wild motifs are stronger than ever with a vibrancy of intense colors, vivid designs and lush patterns that invoke our deep bond to “where the wild things are!”

Soft And Cushy
Geometric and soft weaves are winning out over the tactile and rough textures of jute, sisal and scratchy fibers. Our feet are longing for a soft feel underfoot and comfy cushions for lounging. Smooth is in, rough is out.

Gracious Grays
Gray will remain the new classic color to complement everything. Gray is soothing and happy when paired with yellow or delivers the organic, natural feel when used with earthy greens.

Pedestals
The garden stool has been creeping into our homes from the outdoors these past couple of years, but taller and more sculptural pedestals are raising the bar for 2016. Accentuate a spare corner with a long and lean pedestal topped with a spectacular cactus or a piece of sculpture or a found object.

Black Stainless Steel Kitchens
Houzz predicts that black stainless steel appliances are going to be the rage for 2016 kitchens. Sleek, dark and an ode to “Star Wars” will be the new look for this year’s kitchen. May the force be in your kitchen!

Handcrafted, Handmade, Handwoven
2016 will be another banner year to embrace local artisans and bring in the natural homemade look with hand-blocked pillows or fabrics, custom-glazed pottery, or folk art. Search your local art galleries, art schools and don’t forget to ransack your children’s art bin for that special touch of unique décor items.

Gleam and Sheen
Metals in platinum, gold, silver and copper for surfaces, décor pieces, pillows or fabric still reign as the glamour queen in this year’s design looks. Subdue the glitz and just let the inner sheen make your rooms shine.

Go Dutch
The popular blue and white provincial design from 17th century Holland is making a strong appearance in fabric, hand-painted pottery and wallpaper. Don’t overlook these happy drawings of country scenes and graphic flower designs in classic white and deep blues to add an interesting flavor note in your home. Delft designs are also being re-imagined for our contemporary sensibilities.

A Green Scene
Green plants are always in style for their clarifying, sprightly, simple accents. Don’t overdo with a jungle of plants. Just a big palm leaf stuck in a vase, a strong, stately cactus or a shallow tray of newly seeded grass sprouts, instantly quash any chilly spirits circling the house.

Trends come and go but the real story we tell in our homes is expressed by who and what we love! That is the one and only trend you should always keep sacred.
