A shift in interior design trends has been taking place since the pandemic eased that, coupled with the state of the world, is turning our homes into places of solace and regeneration. Interiors are darker, while colors are moodier and more sophisticated than ever.
Indeed, we are seeing color everywhere, and it’s a balm for our psyche. Inky blues and greens are replacing grays. These colors spark interest and work well with mauves, plums and deep, golden yellows. They can envelope a room and a person, creating a cozy retreat.
At the same time, floral patterns are back, both oversize and now on more traditional scales. Layering colors, patterns, fabrics and art allows us to personalize our spaces, rather than taking an approach yielding a beautiful but impersonal space in which anyone could live.
Don’t be afraid to personalize your home as you try newer trends, keeping them contained to easily changed areas. For example, if you want to try some of the newer florals that are available, consider wallpaper. Wallpapering a bedroom, or a bedroom wall, in a floral can give you that romantic garden feel, or use a floral wallpaper in a powder room. Some of the new floral wallpapers can feel very modern if the scale is larger than what we would traditionally expect. Wallpaper is one of the easiest ways to be up-to-date on a trend. The same goes for paint color. Changing your paint color refreshes a room instantly at little cost. So don’t be afraid to experiment with color, either.
You may also want to consider the newer trends in cabinetry if you are renovating a kitchen. Darker paint finishes are trending, as is the use of warmer wood tones. Waterfall islands are on the wane. Consider a thicker stone top or countertops in other materials, with hammered stainless steel making an interesting possibility.
Think about what current trends you can live with or that make sense for you style home. Although open shelves are trending, do they really work in a small space? You may want a closed cabinet to keep everything hidden and sleek. Similarly, do you really want “barn doors” in your classic Colonial or Mediterranean – or anywhere for that matter? Unless you have a barn, steer clear. Some trends make sense for certain style homes and create a timeless chic. Shiplap (a kind of overlapped wood sheathing) is one such trend. Although it has reached a saturation point, it does still look beautiful in coastal homes if used judiciously. Beautifully custom-paneled walls can also be a way to be always on-trend.
Bathrooms are another area that can be perfect for trends. Consider what is really important to you in your bathrooms. If storage is tight, definitely consider a vanity with space for products. If you are not a bath person, then explore an overly large steam shower with a bench instead of a tub. If you love the look of marble in your baths but know you are not up for maintaining it, then consider tile. There are so many beautiful tiles available, many of which look like marble with the ease-in-maintenance you may be seeking.
When creating your home, particularly when doing a major renovation, consider trends and incorporate some of them into your design, but take the time to consider your lifestyle and how these trends and colors will affect your comfort. If you are working with professionals, they can guide you toward the best products available within your budget. They can consider your lifestyle and take that into account when suggesting certain materials for your home.
Whether you are more traditional or more modern, interior design is not just about the designing with the latest trends. A professional can create designs that feel timeless and fresh for a long time.
Cami Weinstein Designs LLC is at 225 W. 106th St., Apt. 10 M, in Manhattan, and 8 Main St. in East Hampton. For more, email Cami@camidesigns.com or call 914-447-6904.
