Whether it’s fashion, automobiles, or home interiors, designers love to find new colors, styles, and accessories for consumers to enjoy each year. Of course, 2018 is no exception, and if you want to stay ahead of the curve, here are five ways you can update your home for the new year.
Go Wabi-Sabi
“Wabi-Sabi is the art of imperfection,” says Diana Hathaway, a West Coast interior designer and color expert who writes the Gorgeous Color blog.
“It’s about living comfortably and accepting things as they are. In décor, this means items that are weathered, aged, or imperfect.” She says that part of the appeal of the Wabi-Sabi style is its ability to help us disconnect from a high-tech world and relax. “This style is a way to slow down and honor our past,” she says.
Get Distressed
Distressed wood is a big trend for 2018, from floors and wall treatments to shutters to furniture.
“The distressed wood look is becoming more mainstream,” Hathaway says. “Look for headboards and light fixtures for an easy way to incorporate the style into your home without a huge commitment.”
Distressed wood works well with the Wabi-Sabi trend, too, as it moves away from perfection and allows for weathered or worn items to become part of the overall eclectic look.
Warm Up to Neutrals
Browns, golds, and warm neutrals are all part of 2018’s emerging monochromatic color scheme.
“Gray and greige have been the superstars of the color world for several years, but more clients are looking for a new idea,” says Hathaway, adding that warm neutrals add depth to any space.
“The re-emergence of brushed gold as an accent metal is the perfect addition.”
Brighten Up with Red and Orange
Red and orange are appearing in various tones for 2018, and using their spectrum of hues can help create a stunning rainbow of color in the home. Hathaway says the two colors work well together and can also help bring energy to a neutral color scheme to keep it from feeling drab.
“When you pair red and orange, look for textures and prints to soften their intensity,” she advises. If you’re not sure where to start, Hathaway suggests trying out throws and throw pillows, artwork, and rugs.
“These are small accents that can transform your space with bold colors.”
Bring in the Green
Nature never goes out of style, but this year, greenery is playing a bigger role than usual in home design. Plants are a great way to decorate your space, and they have health benefits, too. They bring in color, fresh air, and go with any kind of design style.
“The focus on natural elements continues to thrive into 2018,” Hathaway says. “The trend of bringing the outdoors in will also be strong because of the influence of green design and living.”
She says that greenery’s surging popularity can also be seen in the throwback trends in interior design and fashion of the 1960s and 1970s.
“Colors and styles in those decades celebrated the Earth movement, with bright greens and rich earth tones.”
If your home doesn’t accommodate actual living plants, either for space reasons or because it lacks adequate lighting, Hathaway says there are still ways to bring this trend into your environment.
“Look for fabrics and wallpaper with foliage designs in pretty green to update your space. Using decorating accents in fresh green colors can enhance even the smallest natural greenery in a room.”
Whatever design trend you’re embracing for 2018, CORT Furniture Rental can help. Find the latest styles and see which one suits you best — for this year and beyond.
