For 2016, I’m introducing an ongoing series we’ll call ‘Prepping!’ In a single segment, or series, we’ll take on a subject related to your home – like ‘prepping for a new kitchen’ or ‘prepping for a new dog’ – and unpack that subject tapping the appropriate experts.
So as we hinted, our first subject and one we’ll return to pretty frequently represents one of the most costly – but potentially the best ROI – kitchen renovations.
When it comes to outfitting, the use of metals in décor is a trend that is continuing into the new year with no signs of abating, agrees Shoshana Gosselin, interior design at Love Your Room in Emmaus, Pa.
Gosselin says it’s not just warm golds, but also brasses and coppers being mixed all over – even pillow covers have a metallic look. It’s also in lighting.
Jennifer Wilson, interior designer at Stonewood Interiors concurs – the right use of modern metallics is sophisticated and glamorous, as long as they have that metallic sheen, you can use them as a focal point.
The clean, uncluttered look of Scandinavian décor also is gaining popularity, according to Allison Flynn of LIV Interiors and Construction LLC in Bethlehem, PA.
Partner Christy Zuk says she is seeing the trend in cleaner-looking materials, too. LIV has been using less granite in kitchens for a while versus clean man-made surface products like Caesarstone and Silestone.
Sustainability is a trend that has been taking shape for years, and it’s widely expected to continue strong in 2016.
“You can do great-looking design with elements that are well made and will minimize the impact on our environment,” Wilson says.
Examples include organic fabrics and furniture that’s well made from traditional materials. Also expected to continue strong is the popular penchant for reusing, recycling and re-purposing.
A related trend to sustainability is bringing organic forms to the fore, says Gosselin – with tropical motifs taking off in both wallpaper and textile patterns in 2016.
