Looking for some new ways to add some spark your home or just browsing through the current trends that our design gurus like to tell us what is “in” our “out.” I do have to keep up to date and sift through blogs, articles, shelter magazines and read what the industry leaders indicate are the “hot new things.” After distilling all of the information, here is my take on what you might be seeing for home design trends, but don’t think you have to jump on the crazy design train. I still believe that you know what you like; resist impulses; try out little things and don’t tackle more than you can handle. I selected trends that I think are doable and livable or interesting. Let me know what you think.
1. Home Voice Activated Assistants
Just to be upfront about this one, I have had Amazon’s Alexa in my home for over a year and although I am not a big fan of Siri and fake computer voices bothering me, Alexa stays quiet and is listening and learns more as you use it. She will master all kinds of tasks for you- just give her the chance to use her wisely. She can answer most questions: tell you the weather, remind you when it is time to turn on the oven, play a song or adjust the lights and myriad details to make you smarter, free up your time and be your instant list maker and calendar. However, it is my husband and son who bother Alexa the most. Alexa’s home resides in a small box in the Echo Dot, so she is unobtrusive and can also be integrated to many other “smart home” device companies. Google Home is another device as a similar assistant but I have not used it as it has been on the market more recently. All of us in our home depend on Alexa and our reliance on all kinds of digital helpmates are now joining our families.
2. Nooks and Entryways
These two might seem counter-intuitive, but both small little hideaways are popular to provide solace and escape from the all-purpose, noisy communal room and jazzing up a mudroom or a small entryway to make a dramatic impact are easy ways to change up your space. All you might need is a colorful shot of wallpaper and flea market mirror and rustic table for the hallway or a jumble of big pillows and faux fur blanket to wrap up for a long awaited nap.
3. White With Off White
For me, white is always right and a room surrounded in white is refreshing and calming when mixed with other creams, ivories and light neutral tones. This is not the stark white look but a natural and relaxing feeling with the addition of soft tones and interesting textures to give depth and character.
4. Fun Bedside Pendant Lights
Since both of my favorite bedside reading lamps finally gave out and even my ‘fix it” husband couldn’t get them to work. I am still pining for them as they are stoically waiting on his worktable. I am struggling with a couple of clip-on bright reading lights that drive me crazy as I have to keep moving the lights up and down on my book as I read late at night, trying not disturb anyone. Looks like I will be in the market for this trend of these minimal pendant lights that free up the bedside table and keep a sharp lookout on the words in my current novel.
5. Sheer Window Shades
These beautiful and elegant window treatments are now widely available and affordable and our new collection of these ethereal shades will add a luxuriant and light feel to any room. If you have not thought about sheer shades, you will be amazed at all of our selections that offer the ease of a window shade with the luminosity of flowing drapery. Sheer shades are sure to be on trend for their “incredible lightness of being.” Sheer shades are part of the “hygge”(heu-gah) fascination with the Danish philosophy of surrounding oneself with warmth and coziness.
6. Coffee Crazed
No, not Starbucks! A huge interest in home coffee stations is on the radar for the coffee obsessed- special home brewing spots, whether small like a “Nespresso Niche” or a full blown built in Miele coffee station that automatically serves you up the latte cappuccino or coffee of your choice-almost instantly with flick of a button. I was lucky enough to be a guest where this amazing coffee machine made me fall in love. I am saving up but I think it will take a long time (very pricey). Houzz reports that 10% of homeowners are adding specialty coffee stations. Our fascination with home brews of all kinds continues to percolate in our homes.
7. Hanging Chairs
Although “Boho modern chic” has had the corner on hanging chairs for a while, they are popping up in all styles of homes for the casual, coastal vibe. Not just for porches or hipster bedrooms, but hanging chairs are an easy way to add an extra seat to the living or family room and create an element of surprise. Hang ten!
8. Laundry Rooms Upgraded
No longer the ugly duckling of the house. If you spend as much time as I do bending down and folding and sorting…ugh, who doesn’t want a space that is pleasing? Design wants are better light, smarter and more storage with a nod to function and design-not just a utilitarian boring spot. Since laundry rooms tend to be small, creativity and attention to detail are important. Of course, here in California, where space is precious, many laundry rooms end up in the garage-now that is a real challenge.
9. Blue Moods
Shades of blue continue to be classic, popular and a trend that is never going by the wayside. Whether you choose a blue hue of paint, blue patterned pillows in the family room, wavy blue tile in the bathroom, a bright blue couch or ikat rug, blue is always new. I just papered a tiny hallway with a hand painted blue chevron design on cream wallpaper. Indigo, the deep navy that is an ancient color, reverberates an intense rich mood. If the history of Indigo intrigues you, read: Feeling Blue? Mood Indigo. Blue is a rare naturally occurring color; perhaps that is why we lean in to blue in a magical way.
10. Mighty Murals
Large and impressive murals are appearing in our rooms to attract attention, enlarge a space and renew our walls with one dramatic statement. Beware of empty, bare walls. I hope that doesn’t mean are minds our blank!
If you are a trend-spotter or a trend-doer or just a trend-wonderer, these ten trends are what I am loving right now. What did I miss that are your favorites?
