When it comes to home design and decor, we'll be the first to tell you to stick with what you love, no matter what the pros say. But if you can't escape that sinking feeling each time you walk through your front door that your decor is looking a little tired, well, don't despair. We've got you covered! We've already talked about the design trends you should ditch in the coming year. Now let's take a look at some of the hot new designs you might want to use for 2018 to give your home a fresh lease on life.
From splashy color palettes to bright yellow sofas and mixed metal everything, our stable of designers and tastemakers have given us the ultimate insiders' scoop on what'll be hot in 2018. And trust us: It'll be a gorgeous year. Here's what to watch:
Photo by Charlotte Crosland Interiors
Designers haven't yet had their fill of spaces decked out in deep, bold shades; this decor trend is appearing on our hot list for the second year in a row.
“As much as I love an all-white interior, rich jewel tones are making their way onto our walls and moldings in a big way—think ‘English library,’ but with peacock teal, black, or rich burnt orange colors,” says Oregon-based interior designer Arlene Lord.
The proof is in the paint: Sherwin-Williams' 2018 Color of the Year (Oceanside SW 6496) is an intense shade of blue-green, while Pantone recently announced the rich and regal Ultra Violet will reign supreme in the coming year.
Lord recommends pairing these jewel tones with bold, dustier shades to create a lush, layered look. (We like PPG’s Black Flame, an indigo-hued black that’s great for modern interiors; Glidden’s Deep Onyx, a classic no-fuss shade; and Olympic’s Black Magic.)
'Dipping a room in a dramatic shade like midnight navy, eggplant, or charcoal is a fun way to embrace a deep, rich color, and the result is deliciously inviting,” says Elissa Morgante, co-principal of Morgante Wilson Architects in Illinois.
Ready to really commit? Go all-in on this trend with dark or black trim.
“Outlining the room or windows in dark trim helps punctuate and call attention to unique features,” she says.
Photo by Jim Schmid Photography - Search kitchen pictures
A few years back, mixing metals was a total no-no. But experts now agree that today’s homeowners want more than simple one or two copper or brass fixtures—they like seeing the stuff throughout a room or house.
“Buyers really love to see modern, eclectic choices such as a hammered copper light fixture above the kitchen island paired with sleek chrome faucets and cabinet hardware,” says Ken Fixler of Barnett Homes in Chicago.
To warm up the industrial feel of some metals, pair them with a natural stone like marble or limestone, and look for unexpected finishes like matte black, satin brass, black nickel, and unlacquered brass. Amp up the visual interest another notch by layering your metals across a variety of locations, from faucets to hardware to lighting and furniture.
Photo by Oliver Grahame Photography
As usual, Beyoncé was way ahead of the curve on this one, smashing car windows and security cameras in an unforgettable yellow Cavalli dress in her epic video for 'Lemonade.' And as designers, fashionistas, and millennials will all tell you, the hue that's being dubbed 'Gen Z yellow' is the one to watch.
Karen Wolf, of Karen B Wolf Interiors, calls it 'positive, confident, vibrant, and enthusiastic.'
'We have not seen this color emerge for quite some time,' Wolf adds. 'It feels fresh, happy, and young.'
Designer Sarah Hullinger agrees, predicting the color will continue to be huge well into 2018.
“It’ll certainly make an impression, whether a bright ‘minion’ color or a burnt shade resembling curry or turmeric,” she says.
If you can't quite warm up to the idea of, say, a bright yellow sectional, test the waters with an accent chair or painted side table.
Photo by Eddy Homes
In the kitchen, sleek quartz is taking the place of the ubiquitous granite and hard-to-clean marble.
“Quartz products are appealing to the ease of living that we all crave, and the surfaces are much more modern, clean, and versatile,” Lord says.
Photo by Anders Lasater Architects
“Red-toned woods are fading in popularity, along with tropical exotic species” like Brazilian cherry or walnut, says Armstrong Flooring design manager Sara Babinski.
Instead, flooring trends are moving toward lighter color palettes in domestic American woods such as maple, pine, or hickory, she says.
Why? Light-hued woods—including natural tones and blond and whitewashed woods—brighten interior spaces and hide imperfections more easily, making them a great choice for families and households with pets. For extra credit, choose a distressed or wire-brushed wood, which offers vintage appeal with a less aggressive look than a scraped floor, and choose 5-inch-wide planks, which create a sense of openness and interior space.
If you decide to stick with dark flooring, designers recommend that you pair it with light walls and white trim for contrast.
Photo by Darden Design Group
“In interior design we're seeing a strong push toward eco-consciousness—looking toward items that are made of sustainable materials and have a natural feel to them,” says Ana Zuravliova, an interior designer at Roman Blinds Direct. “People care about the production, the history, and the story of their furniture more than they ever have before.”
While the sustainability element is a plus, the visual airiness of the materials is indicative of a move toward more minimalist interiors, says designer Erin Powell, virtual staging coordinator at 3-D rendering company roOmy.
'The less-is-more approach will continue—[think] lacy hammocks and daybeds and wicker and rattan furniture with a more modern edge,' she says.
Photo by CHRISTIAN DEAN ARCHITECTURE, LLC
Tired of basic granite in your kitchen and bath? Ditch it in favor of cool concrete—and then take your design up a notch by extending the material elsewhere in your house.
“From fireplaces to bath tubs, concrete is no longer the countertop alternative,” says designer Ana Cummings. “I’m seeing entire walls in concrete panels that look fantastic juxtaposed next to antiques or contemporary furnishings.”
Photo by ilumus photography & marketing
Black fixtures will take the place of brass as the new hot home hardware, predicts Ryan Brown of Brown Design Group in Southern California. The first reason is easy: Black pretty much goes with everything. The second? Black fixtures—especially in matte finishes—are much easier to clean (and don't need to be cleaned as often) than lighter, polished metals.
“They look great in modern applications as well as transitional homes,” Brown says. “And the best part is, no water spots to clean off.”
Photo by Pearl Interiors - Browse bathroom ideas
For years, white subway tile has been the go-to choice in many a modern (or renovated) bathroom and kitchen. But designer Karen Asprea of Whitehall Interiors notes a recent shift toward larger-format tile (and even slab-size sheets of porcelain).
'This shift is not only aesthetic but one of function, as larger tile has less grout and is both easier to install and maintain,' Asprea says.
But if you're not on board with big, don't fret—designers agree the subway tile trend has life left in it.
“Clients want a really clean look for their homes and that doesn’t appear to be a trend that’s going away,” says Katie Jaydan, senior designer with White Crane Construction, a residential remodeling company in Minneapolis.
To mix things up a little and add visual interest, consider swapping out tired old cabinetry hardware with mixed metals (oh, hi, Tip No. 2) for a look that's oh-so-2018. (In a good way.)
Interior designers make indoor spaces functional, safe, and beautiful by determining space requirements and selecting essential and decorative items, such as colors, lighting, and materials. They must be able to draw, read and edit blueprints. They also must be aware of building codes, inspection regulations, and other considerations, such as accessibility standards.
Many interior designers work in specialized design services or in architectural, engineering, and related services. In 2016, about 1 in 5 interior designers were self-employed.
Interior designers usually need a bachelor’s degree with a focus on interior design.
The median annual wage for interior designers was $53,370 in May 2018.
Employment of interior designers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2016 to 2026, slower than the average for all occupations. Designers will be needed to respond to consumers’ expectations that the interiors of homes and offices meet certain conditions, such as being environmentally friendly and more easily accessible.
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for interior designers.
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of interior designers with similar occupations.
Learn more about interior designers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Modern, industrial, shabby chic….and the list goes on. A significant challenge many of our clients face is a lack of understanding or vocabulary to describe and define their personal interior design style. With an abundance of unique design styles, it can be daunting to decipher which style will work best for you. Some also enjoy combining elements of several styles to create their ideal look.
A great starting point for an interior design project is to learn a bit about each of the styles and how they differ from one another.
Modern is a broad design term that typically refers to a home with clean, crisp lines, a simple colour palette and the use of materials that can include metal, glass and steel.
Modern design employs a sense of simplicity in every element, including furniture. A word that’s commonly used to describe modern style is sleek, and there is not a lot of clutter or accessories involved with a modern style.
Modern and contemporary are two styles frequently used interchangeably. Contemporary is different from modern because it describes design based on the here and now.
The primary difference separating modern and contemporary design style is that modern is a strict interpretation of design that started in the 20th century. Contemporary on the other hand, is more fluid and can represent a sense of currency with less adherence to one particular style. For example, contemporary style may include curving lines, whereas modern design does not. You can refer to modern vs contemporary article for more information.
The minimalist concept is one that’s popular here in Australia. It takes notions of modern design and simplifies them further.
Colour palettes are neutral and airy; furnishings are simple and streamlined, and nothing is excessive or flamboyant in accessories or décor.
Minimalism is ultimately defined by a sense of functionality and ultra-clean lines.
Industrial style as the name implies, draws inspiration from a warehouse or an urban loft.
There’s a sense of unfinished rawness in many of the elements, and it’s not uncommon to see exposed brick, ductwork and wood. An iconic home with an industrial design theme would be a renovated loft from a former industrial building.
Think high ceilings, old timber and dangling metal light fixtures with sparse functional furniture. There may possibly be one or two pieces of abstract art or photography to add a dash of colour to an otherwise neutral colour scheme derived from the primary materials of wood and metals.
Mid-century modern is a throwback to the design style of the mid-1900s—primarily the 1950s and 60s. There’s a retro nostalgia present in Mid-Century Modern Design, and also some elements of minimalism. Functionality or “fussy-free” was the main theme for Mid-century design. It emphasis on pared-down forms, natural or organic shapes such as “egg-shaped” chair, easy-to-use contemporary designs and simple fabrications. It easily complements any interior and also helps with seamless transition from interior to exterior.
Scandanavian design pays homage to the simplicity of life demonstrated in Nordic countries. Scandinavian furniture design often feels like a work of art, although it is simple and understated. There’s functionality in the furniture along with some interesting lines, many of which have a sculptural influence.
Other common characteristics include all-white colour palettes and the incorporation of natural elements like form-pressed wood, bright plastics, and enameled aluminum, steel and wide plank flooring. If there are pops of colour it often comes from the use of art, natural fibre throws or furs, or a single piece of furniture.
Spacious, natural lighting, less accessories and functional furniture characterizes Scandinavian designs.
Traditional design style offers classic details, sumptuous furnishings, and an abundance of accessories. It is rooted in European sensibilities.
Traditional homes often feature dark, finished wood, rich colour palettes, and a variety of textures and curved lines. Furnishings have elaborate and ornate details and fabrics, like velvet, silk and brocade, which may include a variety of patterns and textures.
There’s depth, layering and dimensionality within most traditional designs.
Transitional is a very popular style because it borrows from both traditional and modern design to facilitate a space that’s not “too much,” in terms of one style or another. There’s a sense of balance that’s appealing and unexpected.
A transitional design may incorporate modern materials, such as steel and glass, and then unite them with plush furnishings.
Transitional design also includes relatively neutral colour palettes, creating a calming and relaxed space that manages to feel both stylish and sleek, as well as warm and inviting.
Warm, earthy colours are indicative of a French Country design style, as are worn and ornamental wooden furnishing. The style has an overarching farmhouse inspiration.
French Country design may include soft and warm tones of red, yellow or gold and natural materials like stone and brick. French Country design can include collections of ornate porcelain dishes and heavy linens and bed coverings.
Bohemian is a popular style for home design and fashion. It reflects a carefree lifestyle with little rules, except to follow your hearts desire.
Bohemian homes may include vintage furniture and light fixtures, globally inspired textiles and rugs, displays of collections, and items found in widely varied sources including flea markets and during one’s travels.
It’s not uncommon to spot floor pillows and comfortable seating spaces when incorporating the bohemian style. This eclectic style can incorporate an ultra-glam chandelier paired with a well-worn rug and a mid-century chair. Within the Bohemian style, there’s a laissez-faire attitude where anything goes as long as you love it.
Rustic design is drawn from natural inspiration, using raw and often unfinished elements including wood and stone.
Rustic design may incorporate accessories from the outdoors with warmth emulating from the design and architectural details that may include features like vaulted ceilings adorned with wood beams or reclaimed wood floors.
Many designs now integrate rustic design with more modern furnishings and accessories.
Shabby chic is vintage-inspired style, but compared to Bohemian and other styles, tends to be more feminine, soft and delicate.
Shabby chic furnishings are often either distressed or appear that way; paint tends to have antique-style finishes. The Shabby Chic colour palettes include white, cream and pastels. Light light fixture and wall hangings may be ornate and continue the feminine vibe of shabby chic design.
Also referred to as Hollywood Regency, Hollywood Glam is a design style that tends to be luxurious, over-the-top and opulent. It’s a dramatic design style, perfect for a homeowner who enjoys making a statement.
This design style can incorporate some features of Victorian design, including plush, velvet furnishings, tufting and antiques. The colour palettes are particularly bold—think purples, reds and turquoise.
Coastal style also dubbed Hamptons style, hails from the iconic U.S. beachside area. Common features include light, airy colour palettes with cool neutral shades paired with blues and greens. Furnishings are often white or beige. The room can contain elements of wood and accessories are often inspired by the sea.
Blue and white striped patterns for pillows, large windows, white plush sofas, and painted white wood are also common fixtures of the classic Coastal/Hampton style.
The intention is to create a relaxed and comfortable environment that is inspired by the beach and ocean.
A rudimentary understanding of design fundamentals and styles can be a great help in solidifying your personal design ideals. The ability to identify different interior design styles will help you conjure up inspirational visions of your future home and provide a framework to build your personal aesthetic. With a vocabulary to express your inspired vision, magic happens! If you’re interested in this look, we recommend you to read our post “Everything you need to know about the Hamptons Style“.
Together, we make homes beautiful. If you would like to consult with Rochele Decorating on design elements to enhance your home décor, please contact us!
Inspiration is plentiful on the internet, but in order to truly find the best of what you're looking for, you have to know where to look. If you’re anything like us, you already have a list of daily home-design reads that keep your inspiration levels way up and are a reliable resource for home decorating ideas, party planning inspiration, or redesigning sources. But just as the latest trends shift with the seasons, so too do our favorite websites.
To give you a healthy dose of inspiration, we’ve gone through our bookmark bar to share with you the best décor blogs we constantly turn to. From big-name interior designers to DIY experts and everyday decorators with a knack for making the ordinary look extraordinary, there’s no shortage of style among this bunch. So go on—get bookmarking. Stunning interiors, décor finds, and styling ideas from the best décor blogs are just a click away.
Amber Lewis’s interior design blog takes you inside the creative workings of her Los Angeles–based studio. Keep an eye on this website for an industry insider’s point of view and interior images that convey Lewis’s modern bohemian aesthetic (hello, textile heaven).
Bookmark for… Before-and-after stories; on-the-ground trend scouting; designer and artist spotlights; and to shop unique rugs, cushions, and more.
Blogger Cassandra LaValle’s glam style extends to interior design, tabletops, travel, food, and more in her blog, Coco Kelley.
Bookmark for… Interior trends, aspirational wish lists, and beautiful images that call out what’s working to make re-creating the look a snap.
Wit + Delight, the cult lifestyle website of Minneapolis-based consultant Kate Arends, has garnered its very own brand of sorts: namely, simple elegance with an approachable yet edited perspective.
Bookmark for… Perfectly curated roundups, shopping wish lists, parenting and nursery content, and beautiful interior eye candy.
If there’s one person we’d trust to throw a killer dinner party, it’s Athena Calderone. The founder of EyeSwoon is the master of chic tablescapes, and her website is a go-to resource for anyone searching for refined entertaining ideas and Instagram-worthy recipes.
Bookmark for… Table-setting ideas, refined product finds, and delectable recipes using fresh produce.
Blogger Dabito is a jack-of-all-trades—his résumé includes titles like graphic designer, photographer, and art director. His blog, Old Brand New, is as overflowing with wide-ranging goodness as you’d imagine one run by a man with so many professional titles would be.
Bookmark for… DIY projects, interior trends, and personal photography.
Coco Lapine Design, the blog of Sarah Van Peteghem, is the space where the Danish designer shares all her up-to-the-minute inspirations. Her overarching aesthetic is clean and modern with a softly romantic touch.
Bookmark for… Aspirational home tours and inspiring mood boards.
Spanning décor, fashion, entertaining, beauty, travel, and shopping, Apartment 34 is a great resource to inspire every aspect of your life. Founder Erin Hiemstra has a clear eye for design, and each interior featured on the website is carefully chosen in line with her refined, pared-back aesthetic.
Bookmark for… Your daily dose of lifestyle inspiration and pinnable interior design images.
Toronto-based interior designer Jacquelyn Clark’s blog, Lark & Linen, is like a comforting snuggle in ultra-cozy down bedding. Its aesthetic and tone are reliably soft, peaceful, and pretty.
Bookmark for… Home tours, snaps from Clark’s everyday life, recipes, DIY projects, and more.
You might recognize Gabrielle Savoie’s byline from MyDomaine, but before she joined our team as editor, the Montréal local gained recognition via her interior design blog, Savvy Home. The curated site is a destination for interior inspiration influenced by what Savoie terms 'a love for the coastal lifestyle, mixed with the tradition and comfort of American design.'
Bookmark for… Home tours, shopping roundups, how-tos, and “get the look” features.
The list wouldn’t be complete without the ever-stylish blog of interior design extraordinaire Emily Henderson. The stylist, author, and TV host shares her tips to translate her approachable, vibrant style to your home with shoppable stories and room reveals.
Bookmark for… Extensive product recommendations spanning all budgets, styling advice, and before-and-afters.
DPages is an online shop filled with the most beautiful mix of modern furniture and accessories. But even when we're not shopping for furniture, we constantly go back for its expertly curated blog, which never fails to inspire us.
Bookmark for... The most incredible home tours, new décor products or collections, and home décor trends.
Arent & Pyke is an interior design firm based in Sydney, Australia. But on its time off, its founders pen the blog In/Out to give us a glimpse into their current obsessions and anything else happening in the interior design world.
Bookmark for... Up-and-coming designers and artists, beautiful hotels and restaurants, breathtaking home tours, and trends.
This story was originally published in 2015 and has since been updated.
Whether you’re remodeling, renovating, or designing your dream home, Planner 5D has you covered! Create detailed 2D & 3D floor plans, browse a 3000+ item catalog, and create photo-realistic images of your projects. With over 800K downloads in the app store, Planner 5D makes interior design easier than ever! Features: • Immersive 2D & 3D design • “Snapshot” function to create photo-realistic images of your projects with realistic lighting, textures, and shadows • Create “Snapshots” directly from your device, online or offline • Browse a 3000+ item catalog to personalize and decorate your projects with • Switch between Metric and Imperial systems of measurement • Save and share your projects • Offline capability • Completely Ad-free • Multi-language Free Version: • 2D and 3D editor • 150+ item catalog • Unlimited number of projects • 600+ texture catalog Premium Version: • Access to entire 3000+ item catalog • Ability to alter size and appearance of all furniture Other features: • Follows Windows Design Guidelines Ideal for: •Those looking to redesign or refurbish their home, apartment, or flat •Parents wanting to redesign a master bedroom, kids room, bathroom, or closet space •Business owners looking to design an office, kitchen, cafe, or dining room •People looking to design a garden, yard or garage for their summer home •Anybody looking to do an interior or exterior DIY project If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at: [email protected] Or send a message to our support team by clicking on the “?” button in the app. Follow us! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Planner5D Twitter: https://twitter.com/Planner5D Instagram: https://instagram.com/planner5d Website - https://planner5d.com