We’ve already outlined the 2018 design trends, though you know how we feel about trends vs timeless selections. Good design is just that, timeless.
Between oversized graphics, warmer woods and deep saturated colour palettes, we can optimistically say that these 2017 trends are soon to be a thing of the past!
White-on-white-on-white Kitchens
White Kitchens were everywhere in 2017. White cabinets, white countertops, and white backsplashes became the instagram-perfect backdrop for food bloggers, recipe testers, and homeowners alike. But, there is too much of a good thing. While they are beautiful right after install, perfectly white kitchens are difficult to maintain, especially with young kids or messy spouses. From a designer’s perspective, white-on-white kitchens will always be classic but there are so many other options we are excited about! We can’t wait to inject more personality with colour, texture and unconventional materials in 2018.
Baby pastels – blush pink/millennial pink
Who knew a generation could be summed up in one colour? Millennial Pink and other dusty pastels burst into the scene in early 2017 thanks to their androgyny. But this haute shade began taking over everything in interior spaces: from bedrooms and bathrooms to sofas and dining spaces. Your local hipster coffee or donut shop most likely uses a variation of this delicate palette. In 2018, we are very happy to welcome back deeper tones with rich saturation and high contrast.
Wire Frame Everything
Industrial accents are nothing new, and even in 2017, exposed wire or pipes created a modern take on traditional furnishings. Brushed metal, matte black and rose gold proved to be the most popular of finishes for accent chairs, lamps, even tables when they brought ‘the pretty’ back into home decor. We get it! We are enamoured with the beauty of seeing something fresh and new emerge on the market. While we don’t mind this trend sparingly, we are really looking forward to beautiful craftsmanship on solid furnishings like dressers, entry tables and armchairs in the new year. Use this one sparingly – such as in small accessories.
Carrera Marble
Even if you don’t know what Carrera Marble is, you’ve definitely seen it. This subtle white and grey (per the white-on-white kitchens) became standard in most 2017 kitchen and bathroom remodels. In 2018, we are looking forward to seeing a deviation from this very predictable material into something more visually interesting. There are so many rich, beautiful and diverse countertop options out there!
It’s lovely, don’t get me wrong. I just don’t think it will be as ubiquitous.
Beige/Greige
Neutrals no more! By the end of 2017, it felt like all interior design was stuck in a perpetual gray fog. We are looking forward to bringing back punchy colour combinations with high contrast in all spaces.
Succulents
Dubbed the most low maintenance house plant, we saw succulents everywhere last year. Spiky cactus and octopus-like air plants made their way to indoor terrariums and every room. A single, well-designed succulent arrangement is a nice accent but a house full of air plants is, well, too much. We say so long succulents and bring back the florals.
In 2018, we predict more lush blooms casually arranged in low profile vases and goblets. Fresh florals will bring more life to a dining table or entryway than last year’s pokey counterparts.
Live Edge Elements
Along the same vein of succulents, many furnishings in the last few years incorporated what is called ‘live edge’ elements. We saw giant vertically sliced logs used as dining tables, exposed shelves, sliding barn doors, and coffee tables. Even kitchen islands got the live edge treatment. Though classic in a log cabin, we think this is a trend on its way out in urban decor. A poll of other designers across North America delivered a resounding “NO” when asked if they ever specified this ‘feature’. Instead, we are looking for sharp and polished edges with emphasis on beautiful craftsmanship for a refined look in 2018.
As a year in review, 2017 was a remarkable one. In the interior design world, we pushed boundaries and created spaces that paralleled a new era of how we use and decorate our homes. In 2018, we are looking forward to pushing the envelope even more. We believe that in order to know where you’re headed, you have to reflect on where you’ve been!
Out with the old and in with the new! Do you have some dated rooms in your home? The Judith Taylor Design team would love to help you create something beautiful for your space!
I’m happy for florals and bold colors in the kitchen, but I feel so sorry about millennial pink.. I am still not done yet with it 🙂 Maybe it’s because I have 2 young daughters 😉
Thank you for sharing!
I hope you’re right about beige and neutrals colors. We need to bring happy colors back into our homes.
We don’t have to be done with millennial pint. If we just call it blush and move on it’s all good!
I’m all about the happy colours. There are too many opportunities to be glum. At home I want happy – don’t you?
Yes, happy colors and joyful prints definitely help create a happy look!
Yes. I try to exercise restraint but always wander back to happy colours and patterns