Trending Elements in Interior Design
What’s trending in interior design? As the year is starting to wind down and we begin to think about projects for next year, it is time to look back and reflect on the biggest interior trends of 2018. Trends reflect what is popular around a given time but that does not mean that they are all done in good taste, especially in terms of interior design. This is important to consider when designing an interior space since most are not able to update their homes as much as their closets. Some trends stick around, some are laughable, and some appear for only a fleeting moment. What trends of 2018 are better left in the past and how will they evolve into 2019?
There is a German philosophy concept called Zeitgeist that can be translated as the “spirit of the times.” In modern times the Zeitgeist is used to refer to fads or to define what is considered to be tasteful for an era or specific time. When we look at old photos of and interior from the 1960’s we are able to identify mid century style by its clean lines and gentle organic curves. In the same way when we think of early 2000’s fashion, we remember the popularity of velour jumpsuits even if we would like to forget them. So what is the Zeitgeist of 2018 interior design? What will this time period be characterized as in terms of interior fashions? In other words, what is going to be the velour jumpsuit of 2018?
2018 Trends Explained
When reflecting on the trends of 2018, I can think of a few that stood out to me as definitive of 2018 interior style. In terms of surfaces, fixtures, and accessories, I saw a break from sleek chromes and polished nickels to make room for brushed golds, rose gold, copper and matte blacks. 2018 was the year of marble and gold everything as people opted for a more luxe approach to interior style. Color always plays a dramatic role in livening up a space and dark black and charcoal statement walls took over for the light neutral greys of last year. Modern farmhouse style, brought to popularity by Joanna Gaines, has everyday people requesting, matte black window and door frames, reclaimed wood furniture, and shiplap walls. More organic styles are all the rage as well as I noticed a boho element to interiors with macrame wall pieces, wicker statement lighting, and tassel adorned throws and pillows. This also sometimes included biophilic design with lots of greenery and planters growing into our spaces. Biophilic design is based on the concept that humans are happier and more productive when surrounded by natural elements. To learn more about biophilic design, watch out for my next blog.
Yoko’s 2019 Style Predictions
Now that we have a better understanding of the 2018 interior design trends, let’s try and dissect which trends are here to stay and which have overstayed their welcome.
Gold – Out
I think gold will eventually fizzle out of style. Remember all the brass and gold in the 90’s. People will soon be replacing their new gold fixtures for chrome, stainless, and brushed nickel just like the were updating their 90’s style homes in the early 2000’s.
Black – Out
Black window frames will go just like aluminum windows went out of style. In terms of paint color, white was the in color about two years ago so that triggered the black fixture trend to create contrast. I think darker walls will stay until at least 2019 but since the walls are darkening up the fixtures will need to lighten up too or they will disappear.
Marble – In
Marble is timeless. It has been in style forever.
Boho – Out
I’m not exactly sure why boho style came in fashion for interiors but I think it is one of those things where interiors follow fashion. I noticed it became popular after becoming a trend in fashion 2-3 years ago. It will soon pass.
Biophilic Design – In
Biophilic design will stay because it benefits our mental health and follows our natural instincts. As humans, we always gravitate towards flowers and greenery. I do think that over the top “living walls” are too difficult to sustain so anything too fussy our hard to maintain will go out of style.
Farmhouse – Out
I think this is going to go out of style but there are some exceptions. I don’t think people in the suburbs or city or going back to the real farmhouse lifestyle. If you have a beautiful piece of land like Joanna Gaines and it fits with your location and lifestyle then it will work. I do think the more simple and practical elements of modern farmhouse design will stay. For example, classic elements like shaker and shiplap are timeless, which I use in my interior design projects. Other than that, almost no one has 12 foot ceiling house to go with the look.
Happy decorating!
*Featured image credit: Arent & Pyke
