Trends

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.

Photo: Hamilton Chair, BoConcept

Photo: Harrison Wing Chair, West Elm

Photo: Papa Bear Chair, Hans Wegner

Photo: Milo Baughman Recliner, DWR

August 14, 2013

Home Design Trends // Wallpapered Accent Walls

Sometimes a room just gets better with a little pow of wallpaper. This is why the wallpapered accent wall has become such a big trend in design. Just as with a painted accent wall, a wallpapered accent wall can completely make a room. Just make sure that the accent wall you choose is the main wall in the room, such as the wall behind the bed or sofa. It should be the first wall you see when you walk into a room, and a great wallpaper will immediately draw your eye. Here are a few examples of wallpapered accent walls done well:

Photo: Pinterest

Photo: Houzz

Photo: Chameleon Design

Photo: Pinterest

July 11, 2013

Home Design Trends // Rope

Rope continues to be pushed and pulled by designers in new and intriguing ways, and with good reason. It has a natural quality that adds a nice texture accent to any environment. It can also work with a variety of styles including beachy, industrial, rustic or even bohemian. Any way you tie it together, rope