Allison’s Top 7 Interior Design Trends For 2014

One of the things I like most about working in the field of interior design is that everything is always changing.  There are so many wonderful new things to share.  No two clients or projects are ever the same, and imagination is unlimited.  While there are many emerging or continuing trends to talk about, I am going to address the seven that I feel have the strongest influence in the world of interior decorating and home fashions. I know I say it over and over again, but here we go:  just because something is a trend does not mean it works for you!  Much like women’s clothing fashions, you should incorporate what feels and looks good to you!

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Enjoy.

I. Colors:

You have already seen my posts on the Pantone Color of the Year for 2014: Radiant Orchid.  This vibrant hue continues to gain attention.  I used a subdued version of this hue as an accent color in the master bedroom suite I designed for the Roswell Woman’s Club Homes of Distinction Show House in The Manor, Milton, GA.

It is a combination of bright fuchsia and purple, and is best used sparingly for most rooms in the home.

II.  Warm Metals & Weathered Woods:

As I have mentioned before, if you wait long enough, many trends cycle back around.  For instance, gold toned pieces are making a HUGE comeback.  Whether it be in interior decorating, accessories, women’s fashion or jewelry, this warmer toned metal is showing up everywhere.  I am seeing it used more in textiles, mirror frames, lamps and many other accessories for the home.  Don’t feel like you need to go out and replace all of your brushed nickel though; that metal is not going away any time soon.  Try mixing things up a bit by introducing a few accent pieces that have a gold toned influence.

Weathered, grayed, reclaimed woods are still very strong and lend a French influence into our interior décor.  This is a great way to keep a space from feeling too formal.  Introducing a weathered dining table or chairs in your dining room creates a more inviting atmosphere.  Driftwood based accent pieces, such as lamps, mirrors or occasional tables, can also add a lot of character to a space and create more of a “collected” look.  I prefer not to design an entire room or home around this style, but instead add a piece here or there for a more eclectic look.

III.  Reflective Surfaces:

The careful use of mercury glass accent pieces or antiqued mirrored furnishings and accessories continues to be a great way to add a little “bling” without being too glitzy.  It also provides an opportunity to lighten up an otherwise dark or drab area of the home.  Caution is required to not overdo its use; no more than one or two pieces in any area.  It can quickly start to look gaudy if too many pieces in a room are reflective.  It’s important to balance this lighter feel with contrasting materials, such as textured fabrics and warmer woods.

IV.  Animal Accents:

This is a very long-term trend that will probably always have some presence in interior decorating, in one form or another; however, long past are the days of monkeys and elephants .   And I don’t mean animal heads on the walls!  Look for some of the faux animal prints on area rugs and fabrics.  An oversized zebra print cocktail ottoman in an otherwise neutral room adds some punch to the décor!  I love to layer a faux cow or zebra hide rug over a sisal rug or even a more traditional area rug in a room.  Avian inspired pieces are particularly popular now.  Look to see this influence in lamps, mirror frames, artwork and fabrics.

V.  Upholstered Headboards:

I can’t stop talking about these!  So many wonderful shapes, styles and fabrics! The options are unlimited.  It’s a wonderful way to add some “wow” to your master bedroom.

VI.  Updated Wingback Chairs :

This classically styled chair has made quite a comeback and continues to be redesigned to fit today’s more transitional interior decorating styles. It can be used in either a traditional or contemporary room setting, depending on the fabric in which it is covered. The softer shapes and more curvaceous lines are much less formal and can really make a statement in virtually any home.

VII.  Nail Head Trim and Hardware Accents:

Look for varying sizes and styles of nail head trim used on all sorts of home furnishing pieces. Whether it’s a leather upholstered club chair or a wood console, this is a wonderful way to add an interesting accent to an otherwise plain piece.  I am also seeing the inclusion of interesting hardware accents on the backs of dining chairs as well as chests, lamps and other home furnishings.

I will be revealing more trends this spring after visiting the High Point Home Furnishings Market in April.  You can count on me to share my take on the latest in the interior design industry… just don’t shoot the messenger if it’s not to your taste!

Love Where You Live!

Allison Havill Todd  |  AHT Interiors