I have a theory about decorating trends. Prior to each new year the most popular designers and design bloggers of the world give a forecast of what they think the trends will be in the coming year. My theory is that they simply pick design they like and propagate it through their own popularity until it becomes trendy.
That being said, for one of my final projects in my Modern Decorating Styles class I had to present some of the trends for 2014. The fact that everyone on the web was putting out different ideas of what they thought the trends are made it difficult for me to pinpoint what the actual 2014 trends are.
Thankfully, my hard working instructor spent tens of hours researching 2014 trends in order to present our class with a thorough and well researched presentation of what is actually trending throughout North America and Europe. And so, with all research credit going to Bea O’Driscoll, I’d like to present what’s been trending this year.
1. Painted Vintage Furniture
Famous designer Karim Rashid forecasts that antiques will become irrelevant in the near future but thankfully, they are alive and well in interiors this year.
Great idea if you love mid century modern design but hate the orange colouring of the wood. Painted furniture was also trending last year. Move over Karim Rashid.
Stores like Crate and Barrel also sell colourful reproductions of classics like the bentwood chair below.
FYI, the chairs in this particular picture are not from Crate and Barrel.
2. Painted Cabinet Interiors:
Wallpapering the inside of the cabinet can have an equally stunning effect and unlike wallpapering walls, is an easy DIY.
3. Fretwork:
Most trends are nothing new. The idea of incorporating oriental fretwork into American design has been popular for over a century.
These Jonathan Adler chairs have been a favorite of mine for years. By the time I can afford them they probably won’t be “trendy” but I’ll still love them!
4. Statement Chandeliers
These are something I have been consistently noting in magazines in the past few months. Some of them are a bit out there but if you are looking for a conversation starter…
I guess not too many conversations get started in the bathroom but you get the idea.
5. Chevron Flooring
Chevron area rugs have been trendy for years and now this trend has made its way to tile, wood, and wall to wall carpeting as well. I love this look but probably could not commit to it in as bold a way as shown below.
6. Lighter Wood Furniture
Scandinavian design has used lighter woods for a long time and it is no wonder, with North America whole heartedly embracing Scandi-Chic design, that these wood tones are one of 2014’s trends.
Some more statement lighting here.
7. New Gold
Golden accessories and accent pieces are classic and with the creation of “new gold”, a softer, brushed gold, even those who are a bit gold shy may be converted.
“New gold” seen on geometric vase and wall art.
8. Moroccan Influence
Where drum stools were the big thing last year, ottomans with Moroccan inspired lines are what’s trending this year.
This is another trend that I’ve been noticing in recent design magazines.
8. Faux Furs
If you are fond of flipping through design magazines you may have noticed this trend. The use of faux furs isn’t anything new but it is being used in creative ways as pictured below.
Not your traditional use of faux fur. You will notice a similar look on the cover of the latest Style at Home Magazine.
9. Nail head Trim and Tufting
Tufting first became super popular in the 80’s and unlike many trends from the 80’s, I’m happy to see this one taking off again. Nail head trim, now that’s just a classic.
How beautiful is this couch! I love the contrast of the sleek couch with the roughness of the concrete floor and the stack of fire logs.
10. The use of screens:
Whether it is being used for a room divider or simply eye candy, screens make a beautiful statement in any room.
So what are your thoughts? Love it? Hate it? Either way, expect to see more of it.