The end of a year leaves me feeling nostalgic but also invigorated by a new year filled with promise. That might include buying a home new to you or refreshing your current home with a coat of paint or more.
If you are like me, and enjoy following the trends of home décor, you will most likely be looking forward to finding out what the “color of the year” is. Not only did I find out what new colors are predicted to be all the rage but I also had the opportunity to apply these décor ideas to my new office. I’m loving the dark, bold colors and decided to add a feature wall in Behr’s “Nightclub”, a soft black that adds the perfect touch of sophistication to my work environment. I’ve also incorporated some of the increasingly popular hard geometrics by way of picture frames and throws, and utilized gold and brassy tones for a touch of metallic here and there.
On that note, I’ve rounded up some of the hottest new trends you may want to try out for yourself.
PAINT COLOURS
Scoot over neutrals and pastels. Deeper and bolder colours promise to be all the rage in 2018. PPG Paints named Black Flame – a statement-making black infused with an undertone of a deep indigo – its colour of the year. Glidden Paint named Deep Onyx, a no-fuss shade of black, its colour of the year and Olympic Paints & Stains is shining the spotlight on Black Magic.
Meanwhile, Sherwin Williams selected a deep and moody shade called Oceanside (think emerald green meets sapphire). It also predicts 2018 will all be about three bright colour palettes: Affinity (blue, fuchsia and brown), Connectivity (blue, green and high-definition yellow) and Sincerity (neutrals, green and pink).
Benjamin Moore’s colour of the year, Caliente, is a vibrant shade of red. Its Colour Trends 2018, a palette of 23 hues, includes a full spectrum of reds, from hints of blush to deep oxbloods, and also includes a range of whites, neutrals and complementary bold hues. Behr Paint’s first-ever colour of the year is In The Moment, a restorative blue-green hue that promises to create a soothing atmosphere. Millennial pink, meanwhile, is morphing into lavender and lilac.
KITCHEN TRENDS
Smart technology and black stainless are among top kitchen appliance trends. Last year’s emerging trend to see into your refrigerator through built-in cameras or glass doors promises to continue, along with ovens featuring smartphone capability to control timers and temperatures. A growing number of homeowners will embrace induction cooking as the technology becomes more affordable.
Pull-down kitchen faucets with high arcs remain in demand and hands-free and motion-sensor faucets are increasingly mainstream. Farmhouse and undermount deep basin sinks with hands-free faucets in matte black, bronze and brushed nickel take centre stage. Watch for sinks with darker, more daring designs, including concrete and stone.
Soft-close cabinets are increasingly standard and demand for deep, wide cabinet drawers continues to grow, along with convenient storage features like rollouts, pullouts and spice organizers. Waste and recycling bins are must-haves.
When it comes to cabinetry, shaker doors remain popular. Though white and off-whites continue to dominate, taupe is replacing grey as the new neutral and islands are in a darker stain or paint. Quartz is the go-to material for high-end kitchen countertops, followed by granite, wood or butcher block, and marble. Wood plank-style porcelain and luxury vinyl tile are popular flooring choices.
BATHROOM TRENDS
The trend toward wall-hung toilets is expected to continue and a growing number of homeowners will also accept bidet seats and new toilet shapes. Vessel sinks and non-white neutrals, such as grey and sand, are set to make a comeback. Designers predict free-standing tubs will reign supreme. Showers are getting rain heads, body sprays and aging-in-place features, such as benches.
When it comes to finishes, satin nickel remains strong but polished chrome, along with grey and white painted cabinetry, are strong. But the trend toward darker-stained cabinets is also expected to grow as consumers and designers embrace lacquers and wood finishes. Custom storage solutions, such as high-end drawer organizers, hit all the right notes.
OTHER HOME DÉCOR TRENDS
• Shapely furniture, such as couches with quirky curves
• Bold floral prints, which is coming from the casual boho trend
• The classic combination of black and white
• Colourful trim
• Stone and not just marble but also onyx, agate and alabaster
• Natural accents, such as decorative objects made of wood and other earthy materials
• Artisan accessories, such as woven textures
• Timeless textures, such as millwork and wainscoting
• Statement ceilings
• Hard geometrics, including circles. Consider incorporating them through accent pillows or graphic wallpaper.
• Golden brass or copper accents
• Velvet furnishings
• Seventies chic
Home décor trends can help guide your next renovation project but as always, I encourage homeowners to stick with what you love, regardless of what’s in or out. After all, your home truly is your castle and it should make you feel comfortable – a wonderful resolution we can all benefit from.
Please accept my best wishes for a very happy 2018 and should your resolutions include finding a home new to you or selling your current home, please give me a call. I am committed to looking out for your best interests and will be there for you every step, taking care of detail.
