By Kristen Schwartz, Design Consultant
My clients will tell you that I tend to discourage them from doing anything too trendy when it comes to their remodeling projects. This is true, however only when it comes to aspects that will be costly or invasive to change when that trend screams “That’s so 2019!”, or whatever year it was popular. With the rise of Instagram, it seems that new design/décor trends are introduced every week, so a bit of healthy skepticism should be maintained when it comes to which hot trends to introduce into your décor. Even so, some trends can remain relevant for a long time. Classics must start somewhere, right?
While I’m not a fan of all the design trends that have already risen to popularity this year, here are a handful that I not only approve of but think could become classics themselves.
NATURAL MATERIALS & WOOD
Let the wood shine! Lighter wood tones (not the Golden Oak of the ‘80’s & ‘90’s!) are especially popular choices, but darker tones of walnut & ebony are great choices as well. Mixing wood finishes has to be one of my favorite trends. Goodbye matchy-matchy furniture sets! When done properly, mixing wood finishes has a real balance to it & adds so much warmth to a space. If the last few years has taught us anything, it’s that when we’re at home we want to feel cozy. Nothing achieves this faster than wrapping your space in warm wood tones. Whether it’s flooring, cabinets, furniture, or décor, this is one trend with staying power.
LIVING FINISHES
Many of you are probably wondering what this means. A living finish is copper, brass, bronze, or nickel silver without an added protective coating. Without the extra protection, these materials age beautifully in their natural state. I love this look because it adds instant character; it’s not perfect & pristine. A word of caution: if you decide to go with this trend, especially in brass, make sure you stick with the unlacquered kind. While shinier & requiring less care, unlacquered brass will make your space look dated in a hurry.
WALLPAPER
Can you picture me doing a happy dance right now? Wallpaper has seen a resurgence, one that I feel will definitely ‘stick’ around. Whether used on an accent wall, above wainscotting, or as an all-over option, wallpaper is a game-changer. Patterned, textured, bold or subdued, the right wallpaper can bring your space to life. I’m a huge fan of the peel & stick option: no messy glue, easy to reposition & since it doesn’t damage a primed/painted wall it’s also simple to remove. Do not put wallpaper on fresh drywall. Walls need to have at least one coat of primer, or primer & paint for the wallpaper to peel off without damaging your wall.
BOLD COLOR
I’ve said it before & I’ll say it again: All grays are dinosaurs of the pre-pandemic years. Earthy neutrals & bold colors are what I’m recommending to my clients in 2023. While some of my more adventurous clients have embraced bold color on cabinets & walls, many are more comfortable adding pops of color in smaller doses like rugs, pillows & inexpensive décor pieces. Every year designers, paint companies, even appliance manufacturers, select their “color of the year.” This is a great place to start if you need examples of what pops of color might look like in your space but be true to yourself. Done correctly, your favorite color can be used to infuse your home with not just personality, but your personality.
I’m sure there will be many more design trends introduced this year that are bound to become classics, it is only March. If you find yourself ready to embrace any of these trends as part of a kitchen or bath remodel, or a lower-level finish, give Built by Design the opportunity to make your home all it can be. Just need help pulling your look together? I can help with that! Visit us at BuiltbyDesignKC.com to look through our portfolio or to send us a Bid Request. We look forward to transforming your home!