Home Decorating Trends

The first time I saw this bird lamp, I thought it was a little strange. The second time, I found it oddly charming. By the fifth viewing or so, I was a little bit in love. Also, I was somewhat curious as to why designers kept plopping a lamp that looks like a birdcage into the most unlikely of interiors. But if you think about it, it actually makes a lot of sense.

All things cozy and comforting are set to trend in 2017, and what you’ll see more of in tile is no exception. Recently, we’ve noticed the design world is warming up to rustic, richly-colored terra-cotta tiles. Timeless, earthy, imperfect—this is everything we want to see right now. When translated from the Latin, “terra cotta” literally means “baked earth.

Full disclosure: I’ve never been skiing, or snowboarding, or so much as stepped foot on a snow-covered mountain range. But I’ve seen “Force Majeure” and have taken a virtual tour of Aerin Lauder’s Aspen home, which basically qualifies me as a pseudo expert on the après-ski aesthetic. To get the look (without actually hitting the slopes), here are some cozy ways to work ski style into your apartment that won’t look totally out of place.

When I graduated from college in 2005, and began furnishing my first apartment, mid-century modern design was just beginning to capture the popular imagination. Twelve years later, the trend shows no signs of slowing down, and the very designers and tastemakers once responsible for its popularity are baffled. Why hasn’t the furniture-buying public moved on to something else? Steven Kurutz of The New York Times asks, “Why Won’t Mid-century Design Die?

As a design editor, it’s my job to stay on top of (and decode) potential trends in the industry. There are some that are low hanging fruit (for 2017, it’s clear the color green is a front-runner, plants are now “it” items, and there will be a prevalence of natural/boho materials like terra-cotta), but others kind of fly under the radar until all of a sudden, you start noticing them everywhere.

If you’ve ever worked in an architecture firm, you’ll never forget the weirdly satisfying sound that architectural flat files make when they’re opened and closed. Unfortunately for luddites like myself, these beautiful dinosaurs are going the way of the card catalog, as hand drafting becomes increasingly obsolete and storing sets of drawings flat in a drawer is abandoned in favor of rolling them up and leaning them in awkward piles at your desk.

Pantone’s Color of the Year may be Greenery, “a fresh and zesty yellow-green shade,” but my colored-sofa loving heart is smitten with a deeper shade of the earthy color: emerald. If you’re ready to move on from neutral seating (or the ever popular navy isn’t for you), consider one of these 15 luscious green sofas (from deep hunter green to exciting olive).

In terms of decor, 2016 had something for everyone. Artful bohemian? Global textiles and/or tropical prints were your heroes. Classic glam? There was so.much.glam to go around this year. I took stock of 10 of my favorite design trends from the past 12 months that I’m just not ready to see go just yet.

I once bought a painting that seemed to be everything I had been looking for in a long search for art to hang above my sofa. I specifically wanted a blue-and-purple watercolor and was overjoyed when I found just the piece. But when I brought it home, in the different light of my living room, against the color of my walls, suddenly the blue and purple weren’t the right shade of blue and purple, and the large painting wasn’t as oversized as it should have been for the space.

We're back it again: Pothos, rubber tree...monstera? What, in fact, could dethrone the fiddle leaf fig tree as design's star plant?

If you make a habit of following design blogs, then you’re probably quite familiar with the look that a lot of Scandinavian interiors have: white walls, light floors, minimal furnishings, neutral tones. But lately, the Scandinavians, ever the design innovators, have been shaking things up a little, with new textures, new shapes, and even a little bit of color. This is the New Scandinavian look, with all the design cred of the old, plus a little something extra.

As we’re fast approaching the end of 2016, we start looking forward to what’s going to be hot in the next year. Today, Pinterest released their Pinterest 100, a cadre of trending ideas to try in 2017. We’ve taken a peek at their picks for the home, and can say that we heartily agree. Check out the top ten trends that will be sticking around: Navy is up 80%, and we love how it looks in interiors, especially in the kitchen.

From the BBC and CNN and now the New York Times, the word has come: Brutalism, perhaps the most reviled of all architectural styles, is back. Here’s what you need to know about the movement associated with hulking concrete masses and Soviet apartment buildings, beloved of critics and the architectural elite but despised by pretty much everyone else. I first became aware of Brutalism in the way that many architecture students do: through the structures on their own college campus.

Today, Pantone announced that Greenery is their 2017 Color of the Year. While the bright, leafy hue is already incorporated into many a home via plants, you might be curious as to how it looks on walls, furniture, and decor. We used our Color Search tool to find examples of the vibrant shade in every room of the house. Michel is clearly not afraid of bold colors in his Moroccan pad. Here, Greenery plays well with other brights for a fun space that doesn’t take itself seriously.

On Thursday, Pantone announced Greenery as the Color of the Year 2017, and publications, brands, and people from across the globe have since taken to the internet to share their opinions on the new reigning hue. Colors are so steeped in personal preference, that it’s no surprise that—like every year—there are the people that love it and the people that don’t.

It’s December, and the holiday season is officially here. But for color lovers, today is a holiday in and of itself: the day Pantone announces their Color of the Year for 2017. In 2016, they surprised us all and gave us two hues: Serenity and Rose Quartz. Is there a new pair this year? Or are we back to one color to rule them all?

Who says colors for fall decorating can’t be dreamy and soft? We’re not suggesting you trade in your pumpkin lattes for milky matchas or spiced gingerbread for lavender macaroons, but these landscape-inspired color palettes may influence your Thanksgiving tabletop to embrace the hazy hues that are often overlooked in the transition from summer to autumn.

Let’s leave aside, for a minute, all discussions of how “color of the year” became a thing that I spend my time thinking about, and focus instead on the wonders of what I’ve come to embrace as Color Season. Benjamin Moore announced recently that Shadow, a deep, rich amethyst, is their color of 2017. Sherwin-Williams went with Poised Taupe, a neutral which perfectly straddles the warm/cool divide.

Backpacks, typically associated with a look that’s more schoolyard slouch than high fashion, are getting a bit of an overhaul this season. They retain a certain youthfulness, but these backpacks are less like something from your school days and more like a purse that you can sling across your back. Want to get the look? Check out these 11 minimal backpacks. Above: Were I to spend a thousand dollars on a backpack, it would be this one. I am obsessed.

First off, let me preface this post by saying I think mid-century modern is a classic and versatile style that will be relevant in home design for many decades to come. Unfortunately for me, when a style becomes increasingly popular, I immediately start panicking about how soon it will lose its luster.

Do you remember shabby chic? I do. I don’t think I ever got fully into the craze, but there was definitely a time when tousled lacy curtains, distressed painted wood and tiny floral prints were positively everywhere.

Interior design trends often get started in the trenches of flea markets by tastemakers and sometimes take months or even years to catch on and go viral. Justina Blakeney was into plants and scooping up macrame at flea markets long before her brand name, Jungalow, became a household word and everyone was using the #ihavethisthingwithtextiles hashtag. The world is just now starting to embrace this bohemian look, when many of us have already been there, done that and let our ferns die.

One is silver and the other’s gold…or is it rose gold now? Incorporating metallics into your decor is a great way to elevate your space, but the temptation to replace all of your fixtures every time a new finish “reigns supreme” is hard to avoid. Here are some shining (shimmering, splendid) examples of spaces that masterfully mix metals to help yours stand the test of time.

Usually, trends tend to move from the runway to the home, but here’s one that went the other way. I first noticed giant, chunky knit blankets cropping up in Scandinavian interiors in 2014, and now, the trend has made the leap to fashion, in the form of giant, chunky sweaters (and hats and scarves) that will have you wrapped in coziness all day long. Above: A chunky knit blanket in a cozy bedroom by Jersey Ice Cream Co., via Gravity Home.

Every season has an “it” fashion item. This past summer, it was off-the-shoulder tops. This fall, though, it’s bomber jackets and KanYeezus may very well be to blame for this throwback trend (or so he claims—there’s a first.) We curated 20 of our favorites to help you look da bomb dot com (see what we did there?).

Copper, the metal of the moment, has finally made its way to the bathroom, and the results are lovely. Take a look at these spaces where copper fixtures and sinks —and even exposed pipes—add just the right amount of shine, and maybe get a little inspiration for your own bathroom. The bathroom pictured up top and above is both from an Autralian house spotted on Inside Out. Here, copper fixtures add warmth to a super-modern space.

Modern has had a makeover: push from your mind any images of stark, white, ultra-minimal interiors that you associate with the word. The new modern is warm, cozy, tactile, and even a little glamorous. Read on for five hallmarks that are redefining the aesthetic. Warmer Metals The warm metal trend has been going strong for a few years now, and it shows no signs of slowing.

We understand that it’s not quite yet September, and you’re probably trying to hold onto summer like Ryan Gosling clutched onto the hope of Rachel McAdams in The Notebook (it wasn’t over, it still isn’t over!).

Oh stainless steel. As of a few years ago, nothing said “I’ve arrived” louder than having SS appliances (and granite) in your kitchen, particularly as a renter. You’d eagerly report to friends about your new place that “it has stainless steel appliances!” with a high-pitch voice of excitement and pride, and you’d receive a cacophony of “oohhs” and “ahhhs” in return.

Move aside shibori, because there’s a new pillow darling on the home front. Mud cloth has long been used in home decor, particularly upholstery, due to the fact that it’s incredibly sturdy, but in the last year or so, it has taken hold of one home accessory in particular: the throw pillow. One flip through a shelter magazine, or even a scroll through our very own house tours, and it’s clear to see that globally inspired and sourced textiles are undoubtedly having a moment.

Fashion is fickle, and sometimes something that’s super-popular one year is ‘out’ (or just a little overplayed) the next. Like you, I am thoroughly sick of faux taxidermy. But there are a few other design trends that other folks may be weary of that I still think are pretty great. We get it: these chairs, designed in 1948 by Charles and Ray Eames, are everywhere.

For the most part, gone are the days of blue-light specials, “Attention Kmart Shoppers” as an oft-repeated catch phrase, and stylish partnerships with the likes of Martha Stewart. It’s been bad news after bad news for years now, and stores are closing left and right. So when I saw a recent catalog for Kmart Australia, I did a double take and was surprised by what I saw.

It’s no secret that the fields of fashion and interior design are closely linked, often borrowing inspiration from each other and adopting similar trends. However, the two industries follow different schedules: fashion is able to move a little faster, creating new collections and generating trends multiple times per year, while interior design moves at a steadier pace (after all, who wants to or could afford to redesign their home a couple times per year?).

Skinny jeans have been dominating the denim world for some time now, and for good reason: they’re surprisingly flattering, and you can wear them with almost anything. But lately I’ve been seeing some new shapes that I’m really excited about — new styles (or reloads of old styles) that are just as versatile, and present a fresh new direction for your wardrobe. Here are 3 new denim styles to take your summer style to the next level.

Pale pink and copper are like one of those couples that look so good together that once you see them together it’s hard to imagine them with anyone else. And like all good couples, they bring out the best in each other: copper gives pink a bit of an edge, and pink brings out the warm, rosy tones in copper, giving it a special glow. Here are a few of our favorite examples. Above: The folks from Livet Hemma paired a copper pendant light with an IKEA duvet dyed in a peachy pink.

Sometimes you get tired of seeing the same trends over and over. Sometimes you want to try something a little different. Here are five trends you may be a little fatigued by — and five fresh new ideas to try instead. If you’re tired of gallery walls, try this: one single statement piece. Gallery walls have been around for a while, and they’re still a great choice, for the right space.

Ah, “trendy.” No other word provokes the ire of design lovers quite like this one; the suggestion that they buy into a color or concept just because it’s, to steal the wise words of Mugatu, so hot right now. Yet, we all chase the design zeitgeist, every day. We look at our 10-year-old kitchens that we loved 10 years ago and think, “I would love to paint the cabinets white and add brass fixtures.

Gridded designs have been making a comeback for a while now—showing up on pillows, chairs, wrapping paper, and everything in between. But the latest versions play with the traditionally rigid pattern, revealing its fun side. Look for fresh colors and wonky, waving lines that are drawn or hand-painted. These new loosened-up takes on the grid might just make you reconsider the pattern’s potential.

‘Tis the season for festivals. Even if you don’t have any intention of attending, the summer festival lineup – Coachella, Bonnaroo, Glastonbury, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, the list goes on – can offer you plenty of creative inspiration, both for your wardrobe and for your rooms. Check out the styling of Patina, above, a Brooklyn prop rental house that was made over to look more like a living room and featured on Lonny.

If your home has a set of stairs, it’s time to take it to the next level. Particularly in a small space, where every square inch counts, it’s important to consider this often-overlooked spot. The plus side of transforming a feature with little surface area: It doesn’t require a ton of paint or paper, making these big-impact ideas remarkably budget-friendly.

A few years ago the only kind of gold flatware you could find was the fussy, old-fashioned kind you associate with expensive wedding rentals. But since then gold has made a comeback in a big way, and suddenly it’s possible to find beautiful, modern gold flatware in a huge variety of styles and price ranges. For those inclined to be adventurous, there are copper and rose gold options, too. We’ve rounded up some of the best.

This isn’t your grandma’s wicker. The new way to rock rattan involves modern shapes and fresh colors. Check out these 10 rooms for actionable lessons on how to bring this natural material into the 21st century and into your home. It can be refined or elaborate, just complement the look with modern textiles.

Copper, the metal of the moment, looks fantastic anywhere in the house, but it looks especially fantastic in the kitchen. And its subtle glow and warm tones pair especially well with the dark colors that are currently all the rage in kitchen design. Whether you want to make a big statement with copper in your kitchen or work in just a little, you’ll find plenty to inspire you in these 12 spaces. This home from Nordic Design has copper touches throughout, including in the kitchen.

Whether you think of this as good news or terrible news, in the world of design, the ’80s are back in a big way. So we thought this would be a good time to do a brief dip into the history of the Memphis Design Group, an Italian design and architecture collective whose wild, colorful, postmodern style defined the look of the 80s.

Recently I wrote about a big, beautiful new trend for the home: blooms and branches displayed in big, oversized vases. Many of you loved the look, but wanted to know: where does one find a vase this big? So I’ve rounded up a few options. A few things I was looking for: vases made of clear glass (minimal, works with any decor, shows off flowers well), and that measured 12 inches or more in at least one dimension.

Those of you who found yourselves a little bored by years and years of kitchens with white cabinets and white marble countertops might just be in luck. No, we’re not going back to late-90s dark cherry cabinets (and thank goodness). It looks like the newest trend for kitchen cabinets is black.

The words ‘curio cabinet’ and even ‘display case’ may bring to mind something fusty and old-fashioned. But lately we’ve been starting to see more and more of these in stylish, modern homes. I think the interest in having a few well-placed tchotchkes is a reaction to the uber-minimal aeshetic of a few years past, but glass-front cabinets aren’t just for good looks: they’re also a great way to contain a lot of things without looking messy.

When decorating your home it can sometimes be fun to play with scale a little bit. That’s why I’m especially excited about a new trend I’m seeing more and more of: oversized vases. Giant flower arrangements (in giant vases) are more than just pretty accents: they can change the feel of an entire room. An oversized vase filled with ranunculus rests on a chair in an interior by stylist Lina Ostling. An oversized flower arrangement in a space from House & Garden.

Michael Reeves via Dering Hall We all know that mirrors are fantastic for making a space appear larger than it is. It goes like this: available light + reflective surface(s) = much more light = greater sense of space. The problem is that a mirrored wall can sometimes feel vaguely commercial, or even cliche, if the application is off. Here are seven mirrored walls that are anything but, and that pack a big (spatial) punch as well. The lead image is of a Michael Reeves-designed home in London.

When you think of polka dots, you might think of a schoolgirl’s hair bow or those ribbons high school cheerleaders tie to their shirt sleeves. Or maybe you see polka dots for what they are: A classic pattern that’s worthy of a spot in your living room, hallway or even the bedroom. The smaller the dot, the more sophisticated the look. Stick to regular, evenly-spaced dot patterns. Lots of negative space between the dots is a good thing. Keep the colors and combinations mature.