Trends

February 4, 2014

Home Design Trends // Copper Accents

When people think of copper in their homes, kitchenware and plumbing pipes are what usually come to mind. But that perception is about to change. While copper plumbing and wiring continue to perform in the home, the aesthetic beauty and durability of copper are making it the material and color of choice for home décor and accents inside and out.

Copper Pendant Lamp, Tom Dixon

Copper Chair, Blu Dot Furniture

Copper Cutlery, Sambonet

Copper Plates

January 21, 2014

Home Design Trends // Matte Finish

Goodbye, lacquer; sheen-free is the finish to lust after. Glossy sheens have been replaced by chic matte finishes as the coating of choice for home decor accents. Matte, as a finish, has been a short-lived trend that’s popped up periodically since the 70’s, but it seems like this time is could be here to stay. Check out our favorite matte-finished looks:

Eames Molded Plastic Armchair, DWR

Knox Mint Sconce, Crate & Barrel

Almoco Matte Finish Flatware, DWR

La Cornue CornuFe 1908 Stove, Williams-Sonoma

January 7, 2014

Home Design Trends // Concrete

The design world’s latest darling is concrete, and this utilitarian material is now being used in unexpected and unusual ways. Concrete looks great contrasted with soft textures, such as velvet cushions/curtains, or fake-fur throws. Modernists love to mix it with glass, metals and wood. Warm colors and mood lighting will soften the look and highlight the texture. Below are some beautiful pieces we’ve found that could make themselves at home anywhere:

Concrete Bowls, Katharina Eisenkoeck

Concrete & Brass Lamp, Clayton-Gray Home

Concrete Dining Table, Hart Concrete Design

Concrete Fire Pit, Pinterest

December 17, 2013

Home Design Trends // Pantone’s 2014 Color of the Year

Pantone, a global authority on color, recently picked Radiant Orchid, a purple hue with pink and fuchsia undertones, as the 2014 color of the year, replacing the 2013 color, emerald. In the upcoming year, the purply rose will undoubtedly influence the world of fashion and interior design. Rich, deep, and a bit enigmatic, it can give off a glamorous, jewel-toned effect, while also having the ability to create depth and movement. See below for a few items we’d reach for to incorporate this gorgeous hue.

Silk Ikat Pillow, Michele Varian

Ovo Lamp, Lamps Plus

Wool Rug, ABC Home

December 5, 2013

Home Design Trends // Painted Floors

Applying paint to the ground has had a long history of enlivening rooms. A solid color can conceal unsightly cracks and highlight furnishings, while a geometric design or faux-stone motif adds instant drama. A painted floor is also a less expensive alternative to replacing surfaces entirely—so don’t be afraid to tackle wood, concrete, or even terra-cotta tiles.

Photo: Pinterest

Photo: House Beautiful

November 19, 2013

Home Design Trends // Bone Inlay

For centuries craftsmen have relied upon inlaid bone to add surface dazzle. Designers today have continued to find fresh ways to feature the material. The art of bone inlay is specific to the Udaipur region of India, where this meticulous skill is handed down from generation to generation. Three craftsmen are employed to make a piece of bone inlay furniture and the process can take weeks.

Furniture and objects inlaid with bone are almost always personality pieces and even small items can have a major impact: Here are some pieces that we like:

Tray, Serena and Lily

Two-Drawer Chest, Roberta Roller Rabbit

Box, One Kings Lane

Console, Liza Sherman

October 22, 2013

Home Design Trends // Hexagons

A hexagon is a geometric shape with six equal sides. Since they fit together without any space between them, bees use them to make their honeycombs, so you’ll also hear hexagons referred to as a honeycomb pattern. These days, hexagons are making a comeback with a more modern, hip twist. From flooring to pillows, rugs, lighting, wallpaper, furniture and accessories, hexagons are everywhere and we think this fun shape is the bee’s knees!

Honeycomb Bud Vase, ABC Home

Towel Ring, Urban Outfitters

Brass Knob, Nest Studio

October 7, 2013

Home Design Trends // Faux Antlers

Antlers have been popping up everywhere lately, prompting some to see the trend as a hipster fad. But wall-mounted antlers have been around since the days of Victorian parlors. Take a look at the many ways designers have been putting them to use:

Photo: Pinterest

Photo: Elle Decor

Photo: DWR

September 23, 2013

Home Design Trends // Driftwood

The casual look of driftwood continues to “wash up” as a strong trend in home fashion. Mix in a driftwood table or lamp for an easy, updated look for home or office. The soft colors, textures and natural shapes look relaxed and timeless.

End Table, Crate & Barrel

Driftwood Lamp, Regina Andrew

Driftwood Mirror, Urban Outfitters

September 4, 2013

Home Design Trends // The Modern Wingback

Timeless and modern, the wingback chair has stood strong for hundreds of years. Developed during the 1600’s in England where cold weather made the roaring fireplace the gathering spot of the house, the original purpose of this chair was to keep warm. Although the functional need to protect ourselves from drafts on chilly nights is long gone, the design of the ancient wingback chair has withstood the test of time. While some people may prefer a vintage mid-century piece, there are many options on the market- old and new.