It’s 2017! And with the new year, people love to talk predictions. Whether it be who’ll win at the Oscars, who’s going to the Super Bowl, or how many weeks your New Years resolutions are going to last… January is the perfect month to focus on looking forward. What does this mean for interiors? At KKH, we don’t focus our design work or product curation solely on “trends.”
We believe in masterful design that’ll stay in style for year to come, but we always select items with a modern sensibility that will look great in your home today. So with that in mind, we used our expertise from all sides of the industry (design, manufacturing, and retail) to report on these 2017 interior design trends you won’t want to miss. Enjoy!
Source: Architectural Digest
#1. Wallpaper Innovation
Wallpaper is, of course, not a modern invention. In fact, the Chinese glued rice paper onto their walls as early as 200 B.C.! But with daring designs and cutting technology entering the wallpaper market, it’s going to be a major player in interior design this year. Innovations like removable wallpaper will make it easier to update your space without worrying about damaging the walls.
There is wallpaper that gives the appearance and texture of wood, brick, herringbone, or even marble. Custom and scaled wall coverings allow you to design your walls to your exact taste and personality, like artwork. Fun, new modern prints can make a fantastical statement in a home. In today’s interior, there’s no need to link wallpaper to traditional or classical design, and with all of the new, creative ways designers can use it, we’ll be sure to see it more and more.
Source: Elle Decor (right) & Sherwin Williams (left)
#2. Bright Greens, Grays & Taupe
Many were surprised by the boldness of the 2017 Pantone Color of the Year: Greenery, but it makes perfect sense for the new year as it represents refreshment, rejuvenation, and rebirth. It’s a very youthful hue, and the color encourages today’s designers to bring bright and playful color into their designs. The last resurgence of this vibrant color was during the Dotcom era, but now it’s all over fashion, which means people are more willing to accept this color in their lives—and furthermore their interiors. Bright green can be used in large doses, but if you’re not ready to go all-out, try just touches of greenery in throw pillows, or (for a very naturalist approach) add a bright green plant to your space.
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If you prefer your palette to play in more neutral territory, grey was a prominent color in 2016 and it will continue to reign in 2017. The reason behind its popularity is the diversity of hues a designer can choose from. This year, designers are moving toward taupe, a middle ground grey that dips its toes in the dark and moody aesthetic while carrying a warmth and lightness that other grays lack.
Taupe makes a great foundation for multiple design styles from traditional, transitional, to modern. And because of its warm tinges, taupe goes perfectly alongside natural wood tones. We played with shades of grey in our recent Arkansas Study Design Bar project (below).
Source: Kathy Kuo Home
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source: Architectural Digest
#3. Statement Bar Stools
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Source: Caesarstone US
#4. Fabulous Faux
Faux is in fashion this year. Faux alternatives have been accepted for a little while now by those especially concerned with environmental or animal rights issues, but this year, we’re seeing the trend transcend just furs and hides. Homeowners and designers alike are turning to faux materials not only because they’re more affordable, but often because of they’re more reliable and durable.
With today’s design innovations and technology growth, faux materials can be just as beautiful as the “real thing” while better serving the home. For example, faux wood ceiling beams look completely natural but don’t rot or bow like real wood. Similarly, engineered quartz can withstand stains, water, and heat in the kitchen significantly better than true marble. Don’t get us wrong. There’ll always be a place for beautiful Carrara marble. But for families with kids and pets, or for anyone searching for a more affordable alternative, faux materials have achieved a manufacturing finesse that’ll make them very popular this year.
Source: Studio William Hefner (left) & Feldman Architecture (right)
#5. Stunning Steel and Glass Doors
If you follow us on Instagram, you’ll definitely notice this trend frequently on our feed. Black steel and glass doors are an excellent solution for dark entryways that could use some natural light. They also look great as shower doors when frameless glass is a little too boring in a space.
The result of steel and glass doors is always an understated chic space filled with bright light and slight modern industrial edge. Needless to say, we’re fans of this look (just look at the examples above and try not to gasp!).
Source: www.thouswell.co
#6. Pierced Lighting
Lighting should always make a statement. This year in the showrooms, we’re seeing more and more pierced pendants or mesh metals enter the field. These pieces are fun, shapely, and they’re an easy way to add a modern punch into your home.
There’s also something special in how these pieces play with light to cast an intimate, muted glow while still spreading enough brightness to serve as ambient lighting. We’ve curated a few of our favorites in the shop and below. Pierced lighting also looks great in global and eclectic spaces, which are becoming more and more popular every year.
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Source: Architectural Digest
#8. Pattern on Pattern
The world is perhaps more globally-minded now than it ever has been, so it’s only natural that we’re finding more and more global influences in modern interiors. This shift in thinking lends itself to the above layered maximalism look. In fashion, pattern on pattern has been on the rise since the Fall 2016, and as you may know, interiors frequently follow suit.
Think more than just layering throws and pillows in a breezy Bohemian style. This new trend calls for mixed material pieces and mismatched patterned upholstery, and it beckons to chinoiserie, florals, and animal motifs. But unlike a typical Bohemian style, the result is clean, tight, and sophisticated.
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