FOR home design fans, whether they are professional licensed interior decorators or autodidacts in the realm of beautifying spaces, the New Year doesn’t just signify a fresh start—it’s also the beginning of a whole new set of trends just waiting to dominate our abodes.
Here are just a few of the newest trends that experts are predicting for 2017:
Think green
Pantone, the world-renowned corporation that rules the world of color, finally released its colors of 2017. Its color forecasts are usually treated as law rather than predication, and being that this year’s colors are heavy on the green side, expect to see this everywhere. From a delicate green called Greenery to a more robust shade called Kale—these will be the tones that you’ll see in beddings, accessories and even wall paints.
Stock up on jewels and velvet
If 2016 was all about the more minimalistic approach with cottons and muted Zen-inspired neutrals, the this year will be more decadent. Warm and earthy jewel colors will accompany the dominant Greens as must-have colors but will also be on the softer side rather than the overwhelmingly lush. Think Pantone’s Primrose Yellow, Flame, Hazelnut and Lapis Blue.
In an interview I read with the Nathan + Jac team, a homeware business from Australia, they say the best way to include these is through, “x-ray materials, transparent fabrics, floaty silks and sheers [that] will create a lightness and soft romantic element to this trend, which embodies an optimism for where we have come from and where we are headed.”
Rich textures like velvet will also be back in the scene. In the Philippines, these indulgent fabrics aren’t really top-of-mind largely because of the tropical climate. But when used right, the thick fabric can add a sense of sophistication to even a simple space. The key here is to see velvet as a versatile fabric rather than a stuffy one. For example, a wonderful tufted velvet chair is not only whimsical but also in line with the more luxurious trends of 2017.
Back to nature
While experts predict that copper, some marble and fig leaf décor won’t be as hot in 2017, other more natural design pieces will be making a comeback.
A big deal in the 1980s, terracotta is making its way back into interior designers’ mood boards. Instead of being just used as border tiles, expect to see bigger spaces of it inside homes. Warm and rustic—terracotta is a clear turn from the more simplistic bare styles of the past few years.
Lauren Macer of Sisalla Interior Design said in an interview that these more unpolished textiles will replace the stark white tiles that took 2016 by storm.
Cork, another more natural element, will be the new black—blackboard that is. In lieu of blackboard walls, say hello to corkboard walls.
It’s a stylish and easy DIY material that can be used for practically every room in the house. Another plus? It’s a natural sound absorber—a treat for anybody living in the bustling cities of Metro Manila.
Nooks a-plenty
Big open spaces with industrial layouts that spilled from one room to the next were a big trend in 2016. But in 2017, “escapism” will be more in demand. Nooks and little spaces where both homeowners and guests can tuck into for privacy and tranquility will probably manifest in dainty verandas, reading rooms, or even simple sitting foyers.
Cozy and warm fabrics, like thick throws and cushy pillows plus wool beddings, will add a more intimate feel to the spaces. Another far cry from the minimalistic style of 2016, these will add a little more comfortable place to unwind and detach from the world—even if it does mean you do it by scrolling Pinterest or Instagram.
Your personal speakeasy
More and more people, millennials especially, are becoming acquainted with the undervalued ability to create a good cocktail. So it’s no shock to hear that built-in bars or bar carts are going to be popular in 2017. This doubles as both a conversation starter and a convenient way to entertain guests if you keep it well stocked. You don’t even need a full roster of ingredients. A few classics and a cleaned-up cart will do the trick.
I personally like scouring flea markets or vintage shops for accessories that complement my existing home style, while also adding in some new character.
Remember, though, that trends don’t have to dictate your own preferences and that it is not a must to follow every single suggestion for these are merely guides, after all. At the end of the day, what makes your home a stylish one is the ability to blend what’s fashionable and what represents you.
Image credits: www.arcadianhome.com, www.interiorsbycolor.com, www.pinterest.com/pin/85357355414834632/