2016 Home Decor Trends with Staying Power
If you’re looking for some fresh ideas to liven up your home, check out these trends from our guest blogger, Savannah Hemmings. And if you’re in the Twin Cities, you’ll be able to see a number of these trends in action during the upcoming 2016 Fall Parade of Homes (September 10-October 2) and Remodelers Showcase (September 30-October 2).
Every year some new home decor trend breaks out on the scene as a must-have to be chic or be left behind. Keeping up with what’s trendy and what’s not gets exhausting — not to mention expensive.
How do you integrate a new design trend into your home without it clashing? Home is where the heart is, and you want your home to reflect your heart. The key to successfully implementing new trends into your existing decor is choosing ones that have staying power. Here is a thoughtfully curated list of the best 2016 trending home designs destined to become timeless looks:
1. Black Metals
Embracing the trend to black metal, Swanson Home’s Artisan Home #17 showcased black in the foyer chandelier, and in the dining room lighting with black screen behind in the photo above.
Just as there is something classic about a luxurious soak in a claw foot tub, there is something sleek and timeless about black metals. From wrought iron fences to canopy beds, there’s a classic aesthetic to black metals. In 2016, black metals have gone full steam in design trends.
Stainless steel has a place and a functional job to do, but it has become outmoded. Black metals are moving beyond bed frames to make sleek bathroom fixtures and simplistic hardware the new trend. More class and less flash. Contact a local welder with artistic sensibilities to help you dream up a timeless, contemporary look. This year, every designer should carry a welder’s card in their back pocket.
2. Warm Metals
This example of warm metal glints above the dining table at our Artisan Home #8 by Highmark Builders, Inc.
Imagine a kitchen or bathroom with an east or west-facing window. See the gleam of the sunrise and sunset melt like butter over the warm metal fixtures in the room. Warm metals are all the rage this year. Forget a bath by candlelight. Soak in the sultry sunset, instead. When you watch the sun gleaming softly on the copper bathroom fixtures, it’ll be as brilliant as candlelight.
Copper is known as “the Eternal Metal,” and is even a vital element and metal that keeps the body functioning. Copper has also been intrinsic to the production of such technologies as vehicles and telephones. No wonder designers have warm metals marked as meant-to-be decor classics this year.
3. Outdoor Fabrics Move Inside
Adding a pop of color along with easy care, these kitchen island stools from Artisan Home #18by Gordon James Construction set just the right tone.
The hardiness of outdoor fabrics makes them perfect to move indoors to areas with much social or family activity, such as the dining and living room. Even the look and texture of indoor and outdoor textiles are becoming harder to tell apart as designers run with the idea.
If you need to a new look for an old dining room chair or armchair this season, consider upholstering with a durable outdoor fabric — especially when certain outdoor fabrics withstand red wine stains.
4. No- to Low-Tech Living Rooms
You’re faced with computers, smartphones and other technology all day, at work and at home. Social media fasts have become a necessary trend, and fasting from technology has leaked over into the design world.
This great room by Bruce Lenzen Design Build from our Artisan Home Tour (#2) shows how great design can make the television almost an afterthought.
Many families have ditched the televisions and bulky entertainment centers for interior layouts that foster more conversation. In turn, designers have also focused more on seamless design where you’d never notice a television when you walk into the living room.
5. Statement Mirrors
This statement mirror, from Michael Paul Design Build that appeared on the June Artisan Home Tour (#1), is framed in silver to blend with the gray bath theme, yet it’s oval shape framed by light sconces draws the eye.
You study your reflection in a mirror. It only makes sense, then, that a statement mirror is the perfect way to express the personality of your home and add pizazz to your decor without going overboard.
Mirrors are a designer favorite for many reasons. Mirrors give the illusion of extra space in a small room and may create an interesting focal point. Statement mirrors come as rectangles or hexagons, with simple and intricate frames. They may be new or made of repurposed materials. A statement mirror is a wonderful, functional way to tie together a room and create conversation.
When faced with expensive and difficult design decisions, focus on the feeling you want to create when you welcome guests and come home after a long day. Choose design trends with staying power and the ability to prove themselves time and time again.
Savannah Hemmings is a lifestyle blogger and personal shopper. She has a passion for curating and creating beautiful spaces. You can read more of her work at SincerelySavannah.com.