Interior Design Trends 2016

The New Year brings the perfect opportunity to start out with a fresh interior update. With the right accessories, nearly any currently owned furnishing can be reworked, giving it a new look. This of course can save a lot of money. After the festivities of the Holidays, who would not want that? Below are the hot, up and coming looks.

When I first learned of this year's interior design trends, all I could think of was “yes!” The coming year’s interior design trends focus on creating a soothing and ultra relaxing home. Less is definitely more in 2016. The implementation of natural elements with clean lines create balance. Muted colors and a touch of ethnicity prevent a sterile environment and add a welcoming atmosphere. What is great about these trends is that there is still room to change the look of a room without spending a lot of money. All it takes is a little creativity.

Natural elements are big this year and there is something for every budget. Showy floral arrangements give way to simple statements. Think of a handful of sticks in a simple glass vase. Rock gardens, wood bowls and sand all play key parts in bringing nature inside. A twig lampshade or oversize rattan basket to hold items are also ways to bring the beauty of nature inside. If a remodel is on the schedule, satin or matte finishes on counter tops are replacing high gloss granite. Counter edges are rough to expose the natural beauty but with just enough sanding to prevent clothing from snagging. Flooring is more durable and easier to maintain in satin finishes instead of high gloss.

Another way to bring nature inside is through the use of indoor gardens. Live plants not only clean the air inside the home by making oxygen, but the appearance of live plants adds a touch of serenity to the environment. If an entire garden is not possible, try grouping several pots together to create the illusion of a garden. The key to doing this is to make a statement with the use of live plants but still have an element of space. There are a lot of low maintenance plants to choose from to keep from becoming overburdened.

Combining function with beauty is another trend this coming year. This not only saves space by lessening the amount of clutter, but offers more bang for the buck. Leather ottomans that double as storage bins are one example. Sofabed hybrids are another. In the kitchen, maximizing cupboard space by adding organizers, spice racks or a lazy Susan help to get the counter cleared off while still keeping them within reach.

Touches of ethnicity are yet another popular trend in 2016. Adding splashes of color that accompany many ethnic furnishings can bring a welcoming warmth to any room. Don’t overdo it. The key is to bring balance into the decor, not for the room to look like an open market. An ornate armoire can double as a bar. A table runner or sofa throw can add just enough color to add an inviting mood. If using decorative pillows, mix solid with ethnic prints in complimentary colors to keep the theme cohesive.

The coming year brings a calming change to the home and with it comes a change in the color palate. Colors are muted and soothing. The vibrant tones of last year give way to colors that are serene and relaxing. Any preferred color is acceptable as long as it is muted. Slate blue, plums, sage, softer teals, warm honey and earthy rusts are all part of creating a relaxing home. If only one interior update is possible, toning down the color would be it.

In keeping with the Zen like mood of interiors, less is definitely more. Clear out clutter. Free up a bit of wall space. Keep furniture lines clean and window coverings simple. The less that the eyes need to focus on, the easier it becomes to relax after a chaotic day. There is less to clean, less to break and generally less to worry about. This alone can be all that’s needed to create a comforting and less stressful home.

Which style do you prefer? I can't make up my mind. I think the beauty of this year's interior design trends is the simplicity. It really does help in creating an almost spa-like feel to a home. But I also love the idea of bringing nature inside. Regardless of your favorite look, your house is yours and making it unique to you is what makes it home. - DeAnna

Decorating With The Color Aqua

It seems that in addition to purples and lavenders being this year's hottest decorating colors, aqua has come back full swing. This soothing cross between blue and green was very popular in the 1950's and was found in painted walls, textiles and even heavier furniture pieces. But like many trends, the obsession with the color aqua didn't stop there. It was found on cars, clothing and on pretty much anything that had a color.

Today, decorating with the color aqua is a little different than it was back in the day. As you can see in the photos, a little goes a long way. Aqua can be used as an accent color to add a touch of softness as in the white bathroom pictured on the right. If you're going to use aqua on the walls, try painting a focal wall first before painting the entire room. Then accent with pillows or vases to bring the color throughout the room. If you feel you would like to add more color, you can always paint more walls starting with the wall opposite the focal wall. If a more modern look is your style, you'll be happy to know that aqua works very well with black or chocolate brown. In fact, there is blog dedicated to the color combination of aqua and brown. It's called Chocolate Blues. But aqua isn't just for modern décor. It works well with cottage and shabby chic themed design as well as luxury or glamorous décor as well.

Another upside of decorating with aqua is that it is a lighter color and reflects light rather well. This means that it will work well with very small rooms and tight spaces. To create the illusion of even more space along with luxury, try using the color aqua with mirrored surfaces and silver items. The effect is stunning! For a fresh mix of color add touches of salmon or melon. The possibilities are numerous.

Proper lighting as I've said so many times before is key when decorating. The wrong lighting fixtures or bulbs can make all the difference between a cold, sterile environment and a welcoming and cozy home. And when decorating with specific colors, great lighting is essential. When looking for lighting be sure to take a look at my favorite lighting store Premier Lighting at shoppremier.com. They have everything you can imagine for any of your lighting needs. The prices are very reasonable, the people know their stuff and they ship almost everywhere!

So you have your awesome aqua décor. Soothing, calming and soooo relaxing. You have your amazing lighting creating the moooood. Now all you need is something cozy to curl up on and either a remote, a book, a drink or whatever you prefer. But for now, take a look at the pics for some ideas.

God Bless
DeAnna

It's All About Purple

The Color Purple. Aside from being a wonderful movie, the color was once a symbol of royalty and status. For thousands of years, only the elite could afford purple fabric to wear. And for ions, flags bearing the crests of kings were proudly displayed. And in 2010, it is the hottest color for interior design.

In my research, and with this season's hottest decor trend colors being soothing lavenders and comforting plums, I came across a LOT of interior designs using various shades of purple. Quite honestly, so many of them were just amazing. There really is no limit where interior design is concerned and this year, purple has sparked the creativity of so many wonderful designers. This has taken design and décor to new levels.

However, actually using the color purple used to tighten the gut of even the most experienced of traditionalists. But rest assured, that it really isn't difficult at all. If however, you are still a bit leery using purple, there are several things you can do to update your home décor without completely remodeling. Try using neutral colors for walls and on larger pieces of furniture, then add purple accessories. This could easily be done by adding throw pillows, pictures, draperies or vases. This way if you want to change your décor in a year or two, it's very easy to do. If you're feeling a little more daring, try painting one wall. Painting even one wall can make a big difference in a room. Complete the look by adding the accessories.

As with most décor, it truly is about color and mood. If you happen to look at examples online, you'll notice that there are several different looks. Some are more formal, some are modern. Some of the examples have just a touch of purple, while others are completely saturated. Ask yourself what you feel when you view each picture. Does it appear relaxing? Is it playful? Perhaps it seems moody, or maybe luxurious? But the most important question to ask yourself is “What mood do I want to create in this room for myself, family and visitors?” These are questions that should help you to determine which hue would be best for you. For instance, if you are looking for a soothing environment, electric purple on all four walls would most likely not be recommended. However, a muted plum on a focal wall with complimentary accessories may be better suited.

So if you're looking to update your décor in this season's latest trend, consider various shades of purple. It's a wonderful change outside the interior decorating box and it's very suitable for any room inside or outside the house.

Interior Design Trends For Spring & Summer 2010

Spring is here! And what better way to welcome Spring than to redecorate? If you haven't already done so, put away those bulky winter furnishings and bring in the fresh, light and soothing look of this year's trends. Here are just a few must haves.

The color palate is softer and even more soothing than last year. Lavender is very popular as are other cool tones such as gray and various muted blues. Adding silver or pewter elements such as vases, tables, curtain rods or even curtains allows light to reflect. This lightens up the room.. Painting wood in metallic finishes such as crown molding is another way to freshen up and add a bit of whimsical glamor as well. How much you add is up to you!

Spicy and cultural colors are also popular this year. Only instead of the browns and rusts, the trend leans a bit towards shades of oranges, deep reds, and yellows. Touches of teals and muted blues are also popular. These colors are great for just about every room. With summer just about here, these colors are great for the patio or outdoor room.

If a more natural look is your style, try shades of cream, beiges and tans. Monochromatic themes are very soothing and calming, creating a relaxing space. Adding textures in similar colors creates interest and keep the space visually interesting. Doing this prevents the space from becoming boring or sterile.

Speaking of textures, adding textures is also big this years. The difference is that instead of filling the room with them, try adding just one strong piece or a couple complimentary pieces. Adding too many textural elements makes a room appear heavy. This is Spring! Keep it light.

Implementing earth friendly elements started out as a trend but is quickly becoming the standard. Whether it's using eco friendly paints, reused furnishings or recycled materials, being green is easier than ever. Try taking mis matched tables and painting them the same color to create uniformity. Slip cover a sofa or chair to give a room a whole new fresh look. There are many ways to decorate beautifully and still do your part in preserving the planet.

This year, decorating is about creating a serene and calming atmosphere. It's easy to do and takes so little time. In today's hectic world, it's just what's needed.