Trends in Decorating: 2014

Decorating, like any other creative endeavor, goes through changes as styles and tastes change.  Today I wanted to write about trends that I am currently seeing in decorating.  Most of my clients want their homes to be current but not too trendy.  For big ticket items, I prefer classic and timeless choices.  I save the trends for smaller and easily updated items.  The trick is to know the difference between a trend that will soon fade and a new classic with longevity.  Here are my thoughts on some of the newest decorating styles.

1.  Ikats. You may not know what it is called but you have most likely seen this textile pattern in design magazines and at retailers. Ikat, pronounced e-cat, is an ancient pattern that has become very popular in today's interiors. The graphic nature of this pattern makes it work with many different styles and it is available in a wide range of color combinations. My recommendation is to use ikat patterns to update your decor but use them on items that are easily changed: throw pillows, small chairs, window treatments, etc. Although I expect ikats to be around for a few more years, I see them as a trend.

2.  Quartz Composite Counters. For years the go to material for countertops has been granite and other natural stones. Quartz composite is changing that. A man-made material, available in a wide range of colors and patterns, it is more durable than granite, doesn't require sealing and is relatively 'green'. I was quick to jump on the quartz bandwagon, first using it 10 years ago, and I still love it.  This is a trend with real staying power.

3.  Gold metals.  Silver has been the metal of choice for hardware, light fixtures and accent pieces for many years. But now I am seeing a shift from silver to gold. For those of you who are shuddering and having laquered brass flashbacks, don't worry. The new gold finish is much softer, often with a more satin or burnished finish than what we saw in the 90's. The good news for everyone is that it is perfectly acceptable to mix metal finishes so if everything in your house is silver, you don't need to start over to embrace this trend. You can introduce gold in a lamp, a vase or a picture frame.

4.  Gray. If you don't know already, gray is the new beige.  After twenty years of beige being the 'go-to' neutral, gray is coming on strong. Just like beige, gray comes in many shades and can work with a wide range of colors in a wide range of environments.  The only caveat I would offer is that it is hard to introduce gray into an all beige environment.  Gray will be here for a while so consider it as an alternative to beige or white.

5.  Outdoor Living.  Over the last few years, furnishings for outdoor spaces have become more and more like their indoor counterparts.  Outdoor fabrics are now almost indiscernible from indoor.  Fully upholstered outdoor pieces offer comfort and quick drying features.  Water and electricity usually don't mix but there are lamps designed for outdoor use.  Overall the line between indoor and outdoor spaces has blurred giving our homes more usable square footage.  I expect this trend to continue.

If you want to freshen up your home, try adopting one or more of these trends.  Just invest your money wisely and if you need help, you know who to call.