It’s no surprise, I have a pulse on all things design and decor. I’m in people’s homes every day and I visit four to five trade shows a year. Still not convinced? In addition to having all this at my fingertips I also have a secret weapon, an entire design community of thousands of other designers. With the invention of social media designers are now universally connected coast to coast. At any given moment I have access to the opinions of over five thousand other designers who have a pulse on design trends in their area. So when I start to see the same types of requests, along with designers asking for the same things I know we have a trend on the horizon!
So what can you expect to start showing up in your home over the next year? Here’s my top eight decor predictions for 2018:
1) No more stainless appliances
In the coming year you’re going to start seeing a rise in the popularity of colorful options, vintage options and paneled options. Its safe to say, stainless is finally on its way out!
2) Quartz or Marble counters
Just like the stainless appliances that have really over stayed their welcome, granite is finally phasing it self out. So if you’re about to start a new project don’t immediately date your house by installing granite. Choose either quartz or marble. These two materials are on the rise and traditional speckled granite that has over populated every house in America is officially out!
3) Patterned Tiles
Subway tile certainly had its time and place. It’s easy for people to sign up for because it was neutral and it coordinates with every thing. No hard decisions. Unfortunately, it’s boring and well it’s boring. Some of the best remodeling decisions you can make right now is to avoid the subway tile and opt for a patterned, textured or cement tile with serious pattern and design. I mean look at these? The shadowing is spectacular and would make any backsplash pop!
4) Open Shelving
Today’s homeowner is all about convenience. Combine that with the simple movement and you now have a growing trend in open shelving on the horizon. Open shelves allow easy access to your thingss and displays your every day items in a beautiful way, rather than hiding them behind a cabinet. It’s a win-win.
5) Live plants
Unless you’ve been living under a rock it’s safe to say that a lot of people are on edge due to the current political climate. A fan or not of what’s going on one thing is for sure, we’re all seeking refuge. One great way to bring peace and ease to our lives is through live plants in our homes. Fake plants need not apply. I believe that it is the combination of a living thing that needs tending to along with natures beauty that brings us peace of mind and calm. Don’t have a green thumb? Try a cactus garden or plants that are considered more hardy. Trust me there is nothing like having a small garden of plants inside your home.
6) Hygge
One of the biggest trends sweeping the nation right now is the “hoo-ga” movement. Hygge is a Danish word that captures a vibe of simplicity within your home. The goal is that one achieves it by taking genuine pleasure in making ordinary, every day moments and things more meaningful with mindfulness. Every day comforts of home that we take advantage of or neglect to pay attention to like comfy quilts, crooked coffee cups, and the simplicities of life that make it good. Moving forward living more simply with less will be one of the biggest trends of 2018 and 2019.
7) Green
I use green often as it is one of the strongest Feng Shui cures for someone who’s Chi is out of balance. Green in Feng Shui represents the wood element. If you have too much water or fire bringing in more wood can bring more balance. Green is one of the most universal colors for therapy. It allows us to thrive and feels good. No other color can soothe as much as green can. But my dominate element is wood so perhaps I’m partial!
Interior Design by Gates Interior Design
Interior Design by Gates Interior Design
8) Americana
This is a trend that seems to go in and out but is always there in the background. Again with the political climate and the popularity of Chip and Joanna Gains, Americana is one trend that will be on the rise in the next two years. With Hygge beginning to sweep the nation, along with the tiny movement, people are looking for simple creature comforts. Nothing feels more like home than that of Americana. It’s simple, easy and approachable. It is a design style that has wear and tear, items are repurposed and it isn’t fussy. All the things that Americans are currently craving.
While some things may disappoint, and some may excite, there’s no doubt that big changes in home decor are upon us. When ever there is a big cultural shift, like an election, homeowners start to make big changes in their buying decisions. The usual comforts of what we have known are out the door and these trends will be sweeping the nation in no time flat!
Hi Amanda! I love your blog posts. I have a question for you. I know gold and rose gold are coming back however if you are not ready for that what is still popular for door handles, locks etc as well as kitchen knobs.
Oiled bronze or brush nickel or glass? What’s trending and may stay around for a minute!
Thank you!
Debbie
I think it really depends on a lot of things! What color are the doors? What style is your home? What other colors
are throughout the home? Oil rubbed bronze is very out. I would choose an iron instead. Nickel, depends on the interior
styling. Glass is always a terrific option – beautiful and classic but can get expensive!
Good Luck
Amanda Gates
I love this! We are currently building an addition which will include a new kitchen and family room with loft. I have been drawn to the lively cement tile backsplash but don’t have my husband convinced. Your article may help! Also wow! The green really speaks to me. I’m sold on white walls with lots of jewel toned color and you are right, green makes me happy. The statement appliances you posted look rather high-end and a bit fancy for my kitchen are their more casual and affordable options coming on the market as well?
Theres always affordable options Cat, just go to your local shop and you’ll have a bevy of options!
Good luck
Amanda
I tried the patterned tiles, in my kitchen, and i love it!! So, i love these predictions for 2018 😉
Amy thats fantastic! Sometimes those really scary bold choices are the ones that make the space!
Kudos for taking the dive into design magic!
I think you’re off the mark! Granite has been out for 2yrs at least! So not a new idea. Also, I strongly suggest staying away from bold backslashes unless you can afford to change them out every 5yrs. Subway tile has stood the test of time and I always recommend them to clients.
Sanrua
Without a doubt you are right. I would go as far as saying that granite has been out for a strong five years. However, here in the South, homeowners are still specifying granite because we are further behind in trends. But I don’t think bold backsplashes should be feared. It’s a great way to add color and personality and if you work with a professional to get it right, many homeowners will love it for 7-10 years.
xx
Amanda
Such a great article but was the politics comment really necessary? That’s another trend that is on its way out
Hi Amanda,
We are moving to the midwest soon and all of the houses we look at are OAK cabinets, flooring, etc or white-white. I will probably need to make a change without redoing the whole kitchen. What do you suggest……painting the oak cabinets and restaining the hardwood floors? Thanks for your advice.
Shirl W.
I just cannot see the tiles with the grooved patterns having staying power because of being a cleaning nightmare. It won’t take long before bloggers are adding those tiles to their lists of biggest remodeling mistakes.
Gael, I SO agree! That was my very first thought when I saw those. I’m in the process of building a new home, so I was curious to see what was “trending,” but I think I’ll stick to my tried and true blahness. I can add color and texture in other, less permanent ways.
Hi Amanda,
Love what you have to say about 2018, and so happy to say goodbye to granite and subway tiles! We are redoing our kitchen and love the white cabinets (but not all white)with Quartz counters and fun backsplash. I am not huge on the bleached wood, what is another idea for cabinets you see in future. I really do not want the kitchen that can be pinpointed to when it was done. Also, I love the idea of Navy. Any thoughts…
Always choose what you love first. Choose colors that speak to you and I would highly recommend working with a professional even if its just to get a design direction.
Good Luck!
xx
Amanda
I’m trying to choose a new back splash for my existing cabinets. I’m removing a peninsula and adding a large island and more cabinets along a wall. UGG! I want to gut the kitchen, but hubby says no as its only 10 years old which 10 years is out! I went to the tile store that my builder suggested, but they keep showing me stuff I hate. The things I love confuses them. I told them I’m going quartz on the island and granite is out. They said not in Memphis! I’m over tumbled tile anything!
Can you please provide a source of where to get those white/gold tiles that are shown in the wood on wood kitchen?! They are just what I dreamed up in my head!
Can you recommend a cupboard color that would go well with black stainless steel appliances? I have a dark gray tile floor. We are remodeling the entire kitchen. Thanks!
Bathroom fixture colors are tricky in a old world european styled home. The architecture lends itself to ORB. We could go to a gold or pewter, but most high end shower fixtures are very limited. Certainly dont want brushed nickel. Would appreciate your thoughts.
If it were me I’d do patina gold! Beautiful!
Good luck
Amanda
Great article! Thanks. We are planning on doing a counter to ceiling copper backsplash. The backsplash will go around a corner and be about 12 feet wide, including a window space. BOLD, I know. We are trying to decide on cabinet color. We were thinking a teal ish stain, but I’m not sure if that will be too much. We like the look of white stained wood as well. What do you think? Will white help to balance out the serious copper wall or do you think teal will serve as a nice compliment?
Emily
Thanks so much for your comment. It’s so hard to say without knowing what it looks like. If you are questioning yourself it may be worth hiring a professional for a quick consult to make sure you nail it!
Good luck
Amanda
I love the new tiles and I think tile backsplashes are gorgeous but not at all practical for a kitchen. I agonized over a lovely tile for my kitchen upgrade but couldn’t get past grout. Grout ruins tile. Finally, went with a solid quartz. So glad I did because my husband eventually caught dinner on fire and smoke went everywhere. That quartz backslash wiped clean in a jiffy!
I’m choosing Quartzite for my new counters- the look of marble, but tough and not man-made. I worry that Quartz is the “new” Corina. Thoughts?
I actually have raised tile around my fireplaces-so beautiful!
Susie
Sounds like you’ve done a great job!
Amanda
Hello, I currently have ORB fixtures throughout my entire home and wanted to get some updated lighting but not sure if I should shy away from ORB because it is not as popular as it used to be. Any suggestions. Thanks.
Erika
Agreed. Its definitely lost favor. Id look at iron,
thanks
Amanda