Remember when gray was synonymous with sadness and gloom? Well, gray’s kicked that sad reputation to the curb, and when it comes to décor trends for 2015, gray continues its reign as the go-to color for home interiors.
On walls or even cabinets, there’s no denying gray is in, say interior designers and decorators.
“Gray is the new neutral,” says Jeff Sheats, owner of highly rated Jeff Sheats Design of Indianapolis.
Wallpaper it up
You can’t talk trends in home décor without mentioning wallpaper, and wallpaper’s resurgence isn’t waning anytime soon. The interesting geometric patterns, bold colors and intriguing textures of today’s wallpaper appeal to new converts and stalwarts alike. But homeowners aren’t covering their entire homes in wallpaper. The latest trend focuses on a single room or accent wall.
“An easy room to learn to wallpaper is the dining room,” says Marilyn Serger, owner of Interiors by Marilyn of New Richmond, Ohio. “Dining rooms are notoriously square.”
A single wallpaper accent wall adds a unique touch to this living room. (Photo by Darcy Barrett)
Open it up
As far as design trends, homeowners continue to opt for open spaces and clean lines. Interior designers say open shelves are a popular alternative to kitchen cabinets. Instead of a separate dining room, kitchen and living room, homeowners want rooms that flow seamlessly from one to the other.
Check This Out: Top Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Trends of 2015
Interior designers say removing walls between the kitchen and adjoining rooms can literally transform the look of your home. (Photo courtesy of Angie’s List member Daniel G. of Coon Rapids, Minn.)
Light it up
The right type of lighting takes any design to the next level.
“In a kitchen, underneath the base cabinets, accent lighting creates so much ambience in a room, and lighting is such an inexpensive thing to add,” says Sue Hunter, owner of Home for A Change of Minnetonka, Minn. “Lighting fixtures [have] become much more of a piece of art.”
Small LEDs bring these undermounted sinks to life. (Photo courtesy of Angie’s List member Kevin C. of Marina Del Rey, Calif.)
Time and financial constraints make it difficult to follow annual trends, but small tweaks such as changing throw pillows, rugs or artwork awaken a tired room.
If you’re planning to remodel or redecorate, do so with the entire house in mind for a cohesive look, Hunter suggests.
“The main thing people need to do before they do anything in their home is get an entire home view, then you know what direction you’re heading rather than piecemeal it,” Hunter says. “You want your whole house to coordinate.”
Décor trends for 2015
Touchless faucets: You knew it was only a matter of time before the automatic faucets in public restrooms came home. Never turn on a faucet again.
Undermount sinks: Unlike drop-in sinks, which are found in most homes and have a lip that sits on the counter, undermount sinks are custom cut into the counter and make for a cleaner, sleeker look.
Smoky glass: Create character and depth with smoky coffee and end tables and say, “au revoir” to clear glass.
Mix and match: Remember how everything in a room had to match perfectly? What a dull, lifeless room it made. Now, it’s all about vibrancy, mixing colors, patterns and textures to breathe life into a room. For example, Serger says, add an antique to a contemporary living room, or mix metals. “I think that everybody liked the matchy-matchy because it was safe, and safe is easy to do,” Serger says. “It’s also boring.”
Larger tiles: Larger tiles that make a statement and use less grout for easier maintenance are big trends for 2015, both Serger and Hunter say.
Indigo: Not regular blue and not navy blue, but indigo blue is popping up as a hot new color as it works well with other colors.
Start your day in Zen-like peace with a spa-inspired bathroom. (Photo courtesy of Angie’s List member Steve M. of Walpole, Mass.)
Design trends for 2015
Kitchen: We spend a large amount of time in the kitchen, so it’s easy to understand why the room remains a popular choice to remodel.
“Quartz is the new go-to surface,” says Marilyn Serger, owner of Interiors by Marilyn of New Richmond, Ohio. “Quartz is actually a better surface. You don’t have to seal it.” Open shelves, large tiles and accent lighting are other popular kitchen design trends for 2015.
Master bath: Create a spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom by incorporating a large shower, tiles that make a statement and a floating vanity.
Recreation rooms: Whether it’s a game room or home theater, rooms dedicated to entertainment maintain their popularity, Sheats says.
Outdoor kitchen/living room: Take comfortable living outdoors with grills, pizza ovens, sinks, firepits — even TVs. “A lot of people are adding small appliances outdoors, including under-cabinet refrigeration and warming cabinets,” Sheats says. “Outdoor living is big time.”
