“Isn’t it amazing when a piece of art or furniture evokes a feeling inside you?”
Home decor is, or should be, a reflection of those who live in that home. Consequently, trends in decorating are only as extreme as the parties involved can agree upon.
Trends don’t necessarily have to be daring. The long-lasting trends, like anything good, become more refined with time. Popular trends seem to morph into new and creative versions of the original trend. Check out these top five design trends that I’m seeing.
Gold: here for the long haul
It does such a great job of warming up a space and still brings a touch of class to the room. Once upon a time brass was everywhere and here we are some 20 years later trying desperately to infuse a contemporary version into everything from jewelry to home accessories and light fixtures. The current trend is toward more of a distressed or industrial version of the brass of old; however, the polished gold metal is certainly popping up more and more.
Swivel chairs
Something practical AND beautiful will always find a way to work itself back into the mainstream. Around the time of brass, kitchen chairs were often swivel chairs, something I remember my parents regretting. So much entertainment was found in spinning in circles or racing down the hall with the wheeled swivel chairs.
Recently we’re seeing more contemporary-styled swivel chairs, albeit stationary, for the living room. With the common floor plan being open concept, swivel chairs between the two spaces allows for convenient conversation between the cook and those watching the game.
Velvet fabrics
Velvet is a classic fabric, used in fashion and ornate furniture for centuries. Modern furniture with lush velvet in clean lines is an indulgent trend. Velvet isn’t the most forgiving or cost-effective fabric, but it really does add a beautiful texture and elegance to any space.
Pillows would be a great way to introduce this trend without committing to a larger investment piece. Of course there are faux versions of velvet readily available, as well.
Architectural detail
Particularly in a young city like Airdrie, where new builds are the norm, it’s common to see intentional infusions of architectural detail that an older home might naturally have. Shiplap, barn wood and vaulted or coffered ceilings seem to be the most common.
The interesting thing is that these trends have been around for a few years, so now we’re seeing a reinvention of the applications. This includes unique locations of shiplap, patterned installs of the barn wood, or the addition of beams to the vaulted ceilings in drywall or reclaimed wood.
Original artwork and furniture
We have a huge assortment of local home decor stores that carry a wide variety of replicated art, furniture and wall decor. There’s always a place for cost-effective and beautiful art and furniture throughout a home. Not every piece needs to hold significant meaning or value. But isn’t it amazing when a piece of art or furniture evokes a feeling inside you? It’s particularly great when a special piece in our home allows us to share with our guests a pleasant memory or anecdote around the purchase or creator of said art.
Original artwork does not necessarily mean spending large sums of money on a piece by a famous and established artist or brand. I think the trend might even be better described as a need for a unique design aesthetic. The DIY craze has liberated folks to a point that it’s really common to see people tackle building and designing furniture themselves or creating one-of-a-kind pieces of art.
The true success in embracing a trend is finding a balance of what actually works in your home and for your lifestyle. Not every trend works for every home.
Decorator Kim Purvis, owner of Aurora Decor, is pursuing her lifelong passion of creating beautiful home spaces.
