Exploring 2017/2018 Design Trends

We’re just two months away from a new year (can you believe it?) and new style trends are starting to emerge. Our Interior Design Consultants, Christine and Jessica, are experts when it comes to what’s “in” and what’s “out” for the changing seasons. Both ladies agreed that the strongest design theme dominating the year thus far has been strong bold colours, mixed with patterns and textures. Since they love to stay on top of what’s new and trending, you can often find them visiting home stores, designer markets, reading design blogs, websites, and fashion magazines to anticipate what’s up next.

Christine and Jessica aren’t the only designers who are fans of bold, vibrant colour. Benjamin Moore has released its “Colour of the Year” for 2018 – a strikingly bold red, appropriately named Caliente. Make a statement with colour confidence by introducing a pop of red onto a feature wall, your front door, or if you’re hesitant to make any major changes you can always introduce bold coloured fabrics into your small furnishings (blankets, pillows, or a side chair).

Christine states: “From what I can see deep, jewel tone colours like emerald green, as well as natural textures and patterns (including reclaimed wood, organic materials, and metals) for accent finishes are becoming popular to offset basic neutral tones (white, grey, and black) for fixtures such as hardwood, cabinetry, and countertops.” The trick is to create rhythm throughout the room, allowing the space to tell a story.

When homeowners come in for their design appointments, usually with a folder of photos and some general ideas of what they want, it’s then up to our designers to facilitate the process, sort through any confusion and come up with an overall design scheme. “While we typically try to remain unbiased, as our jobs are to assist homeowners in completing a look that compliments their lifestyle and to try to incorporate designs that they find appealing, we do offer up suggestions that can be based on our style preferences; however, it is always with the homeowners’ tastes in mind,” says Jessica.

The selection process can be a little overwhelming for some homeowners. Let’s face it, we’re not all interior design experts, which is why the assistance and expertise of our design consultants can instill a sense of design direction. Together, they collaborate with buyers and help pull ideas together to create a functional design scheme with lasting style.

When in doubt, a visit to one of our model homes really comes in handy for our homeowners! Even people who have a clear idea of what they want can usually find an idea or two to “borrow” from one of our model homes. Photo galleries of the models are available on our website but to experience them in their entirety, we really recommend seeing them for yourself in The Orchard in Stonebridge and Richardson Ridge in Kanata. We are also proud to work with 2H Interiors on all the interior design styling of our models. A partnership consisting of many of the same values – that the design process is anchored in an understanding of how people live. 2H Interiors believes that “design is so much more than style” and we whole heartedly agree.

While Pinterest is still great for browsing through ideas, we’re starting to see a new social platform emerge when it comes to home design inspiration: Houzz! Houzz is a website platform where homeowners can browse and save all kinds of beautiful home photos. It’s also a place to find the right (qualified) professionals, and a place to connect with others for advice and opinions. If you haven’t already, follow us.

Last but not least, we asked the ladies “what’s one thing that surprises you in your day-to-day?” They answered: “Good question! Not sure anything surprises us anymore!”

Hmm … is that a challenge?