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Design Dilemma: What’s Hot, What’s Not, 2018

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Welcome to 2018! At times it felt like we wouldn’t make it. And yet, here we are, preparing for another year of decor and design. Will your home stay on trend and in fashion? Or will it seem a little dated? If you want to keep things hip and happening, check out the design trends of 2018, as predicted by the  design sages.

Colorful Kitchens.

All white or all wood kitchens are gone, replaced by kitchens that exude warmth and playfulness with the liberal use of color. The rush to color may reflect the need to cozy up the home a bit and make things fun in the face of serious times. Above, a kitchen mixes white cabinetry with an aqua blue island and colorful chairs and stools in bright primary colors for a happy, modern feel. Below, a mustard yellow backsplash is all it takes to bring life to a modern kitchen.

And here, an unexpected wall color brings life to a very traditional kitchen:

Color everywhere.
The color trend doesn’t stop in the kitchen! Designers are predicting color will be splashed all around the house. Again, we think this may reflect a desire to make home feel cozier and more personal than in years past, when everything was neutral beige. You can get in on this trend by keeping your wall color a bold neutral, but by adding bright pops of color in cushions and pillows.

Or, you might go for a bold color on the walls. Blue makes a statement but doesn’t overpower.

Vintage lighting
To be honest, vintage lighting has been going strong for quite a few years now, perhaps an outgrowth of the industrial trend of a few years back. An antique fixture is an easy way to add personality and style to a home, giving things a “lived-in” look.

Here, a vintage lamp is perfect in a Victorian home.

And here, a vintage table lamp from the 50s looks oh-so-cool on a bedside table.

 

Use of organic and recycled materials.

Again, this trend is not exactly new. For several years now, designers and homeowners have been turning to using reclaimed wood and recycled materials around the house. It only makes sense, as more of us try to reduce our carbon footprint. Organic and recycled materials also tie into the desire to make home feel lived-in and cozy, in what some are calling the “wabi-sabi” trend. It seems we’re all looking for objects and spaces that have a history, and recycled materials fit the bill nicely.

Below, a greenhouse was designed from recycled materials.

And here, a couple uses old windows to create one big picture window.

Here’s an inside look at the same house.

Intricate tile designs as a backsplash

We’re seeing more and more backsplashes that make a strong statement using bold patterns and designs. Used in the right way, they are a focal point that makes a great stand-in for wallpaper.

What else are designers predicting for the new year? More people, they say, will be seeking out calming, minimalist bedrooms, as well as bucket sinks. The trend toward brass continues while copper has taken a back seat. And more people will be opting for sink finishes other than the traditional white or stainless steel. It will be interesting to see if any of these design predictions come true!