Page 22M — Real Estate & Home Builders Guide — January 2016
Don’t be surprised to notice a resurgence of metallic shades and metals incorporated into home designs in the year ahead.
Home trends to expect in 2016
By Metro Creative Connection
Trends in home remodeling and decor tend
to come and go. Something that is popular for a
little while can fall out of favor when the next new
idea comes along. New trends are always on the
horizon, and 2016 may encourage homeowners to
try something new.
Metallics and metals are back. Although
stainless steel accents in the kitchen have long
been popular, the glistening look of metal and
metallic shades are back in a big way. Inspired
by the 1950s and 1970s, brass, gold and metallic
¿nishes are popular right now.
Texture: Texture is a big component of inte-
rior design. Furniture and accessories featuring
faux fur and natural ¿bers are becoming popular.
Pieces adorned with cozy materials can seem
more inviting. Organic shapes, such as tables
looking like the tree trunk they were cut from,
also are expected to become more popular.
Artisanal touches in accessories: It’s all about
getting back to basics, with homeowners desiring
pieces that are one-of-a-kind and handmade rather
than mass-produced.
Expect to see more accessories that are made
by hand or in small batches, like pottery or hand-
woven textiles, as homeowners are increasingly
turning to independent artists and artisans when
decorating their homes.
Homeowners can even support independent
artists when choosing art for their homes. For
example, YourArtGallery.com provides an online
marketplace for artists to showcase and sell their
work, and buyers looking to support independent
artists can rest easy knowing that 90 percent of
all image royalties go directly to the artist, a stark
contrast to the roughly 50 percent offered by more
traditional galleries.
Fabric on the walls: Walls also will be covered
in texture and pattern. Textiles will increasingly
turn up on walls and in places they haven’t
traditionally been seen. Patterns may lean toward
Àoral, tropical and indigenous artisan weaving
designs.
Pinks and blues: Expect to see pale pink and
blue in various design applications. The Pantone
Color Institute® released a blending of two
colors, Rose Quartz and Serenity, as their 2016
Color of the Year. This has impacted color trends
through all areas of design — including home
touches. These colors pair well with mid-tones,
like browns and greens, as well as the increasingly
popular metallics.
Smart homes: Technology is changing the
way people look at their homes. Water-resistant
music systems for the bathroom, wirelessly
operated Bluetooth devices that turn on lights or
appliances from a smartphone and even ¿xtures
that use technology to self-clean are turning up
more and more.
Home decor trends are always changing,
adding new life to homes and keeping armchair
interior decorators on their toes.