What patterns, colors and home design features are trending in 2014? What are your favorite ways to implement them in your own design process?
I’ve been seeing some exciting design trends (some new and some making a comeback) in 2014. Here are just a handful of my favorites and how I’m looking forward to incorporating them into projects:
· Smarter homes. As technology continues to evolve it impacts not just how, but the places where we live. Particularly for homeowners who are always on the go and glued to their mobile devices, installing this technology can be a worthwhile investment. Today’s home automation systems are smaller, blend in with the home and can control everything from lighting and locks to appliances. I’d recommend starting small with one room like the kitchen or living room (which are well-used) and adding a system for something as simple as a light switch.
· Wood's the word. This year is all about getting back to basics with natural beauty and materials. Wood is making a comeback everywhere from countertops and flooring to room furnishings. Muted caramel and honey tones are sprouting up in projects, and I’m enjoying playing off them with lighter, brighter accent colors.
· Floral is fun again. This year’s Pantone color of the year is Radiant Orchid, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that the color's floral friends are also getting in on the action. Floral designs and textiles are blossoming in the interior design world everywhere from curtains and pillows to rugs and artwork. I find planting just a few floral accents prevent a space from becoming overwhelming and make it easy to change out pieces for next year’s it-print.
Are you seeing any design trends stem from celebrity homes?
As celebrities’ lives become increasingly public, we are given a front row seat not just to their livelihoods but their living rooms. This makes it easy to emulate the layout of a bedroom or to hunt down a version of a rug you’ve been lusting over from Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
But designers to the stars are like all designers; they work to make sure that a client’s space reflects who they are. Though I’m sure that there are brand designers replicating celebrity pieces, I find that celebrities are really, just like us. They look to expert designers for advice and to bring a taste of who they are into the space. The biggest design trends I see that stem from celebrity homes is that we’re all looking to do the same.
What is the best way to get a sense of your client’s vision for their project?
My design approach is to truly make the client a part of the process – from conception to completion. I spend a great deal of time with them up front to get a sense of who they are, their history, likes and dislikes and even hobbies to make sure that a space reflects all aspects of their personality. This way, I often find very useful and pertinent information that I am then able to bring into the design, which the client might not even have thought about sharing.
