Time for these five decorating trends from 2017 to be replaced
In the world of home design, there's no dirtier word than passe. It's a term that signifies something is past its prime and destined for the dustbin of decor history (or at least for a few years until it probably comes back in vogue).
Now that 2018 is full steam ahead, many home interior experts are eager to suggest fresh and exciting ways for homeowners to re-imagine their living spaces. Problem is, many of their clientele are still smitten with design trends that were all the rage last year. It's time to move on, say the pros.
“Trends come and go quickly because people's tastes change,” says Tracy Stern, founder of New York City-based T&T Design. “It's important to replace outdated styles in your home so that you feel inspired.”
There's another essential reason to keep up with the latest home design drifts, too.
“For the resale value of your home to stay on par, it's crucial to keep styles and decor current,” Matthew Rosenberg, owner of M-Rad Architecture and Design in Los Angeles, says.
And no better time than the present.
“I like making changes at the beginning of the year, because it means starting the year fresh and new,” says Michael A. Menn, architect/principal with Northbrook-headquartered Michael Menn Ltd. He adds that it's never too late to make a New Year's resolution to update key areas of your home.
Here are five decorating trends that should have died when 2017 expired, and five better ideas for 2018:
Out: White walls.
Both Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore select shades of white for their “color of the year” in 2016, and the inclination toward ivory continued into 2017. “But once there's no color to look at on the wall, you have to find interest elsewhere. Now, this look has become too impersonal,” says Mandy Straight, a Denver-based interior designer.
In: Intense color.
“We're done playing it safe; we want something that makes us excited,” says Straight, who cites 2018 paint color of the year choices by Pantone (18-3838 Ultra Violet), Sherwin-Williams (Oceanside SW 6496) and Benjamin Moore (Caliente AF 290) as proof that homeowners crave more vibrant hues.
Out: Smart coffee tables.
“A coffee table was never supposed to be a catchall that includes a fridge, charging stations and lights. They promote laziness and tend to look cheap and unattractive,” Rosenberg says.
In: Classic wood coffee tables
Handcrafted coffee tables that showcase natural decor like a tabletop fountain are popular. “Incorporating woods, stone and water provides a level of organic appeal,” Rosenberg notes.
Out: Brass accents.
“Last year, homeowners went slightly overboard here. Too much brass can often look cheap when overdone,” cautions Stern.
In: Mixed metals.
This year, “consider mixing metals, like oil-rubbed bronze and chrome fittings, to accent your home with a more sophisticated look,” Stern suggests.
Out: Linen.
“I see it sticking around as a staple,” says Straight, “but this lead singer has been demoted to backup dancer as we look for something with a little more showmanship to offer.”
In: Velvet.
Unlike dry, basic linen, “velvet is like a great date that loves us back,” Straight says.
Out: Pink. Jennifer Adams, an interior designer in San Diego, says “hot pink, raspberry and bubble gum are fresh, youthful and fun colors, but are too overwhelming in large doses, such as on walls or major pieces of furniture.”
In: Lilac.
“This hue is a newer, bluer version of the blush we've been seeing everywhere for the past two years, and we anticipate that it'll begin filtering into home decor very soon,” says Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr in Santa Ana, California.