Top 10 Home Trends for 2017

by Rose Clearfield
The Newsy Neighbour
October Issue 108

Top 10 Home Trends for 2017

Keeping on top of the hottest home trends is key for maintaining a fresh, interesting home. From preparing for a major renovation to getting ready to put your home on the market to simply breathing new life into your décor, the following ideas will get you started.

Earthy pastel hues

The 2016 Pantone shades were Serenity and Rose Quartz, which was right on the mark for the upswing in earthy pastel hues. Pastel hues depict the soft side of spring, with an organic, feminine palette featuring muted tones. Think about using curves and softer silhouettes to create a soft aesthetic, particularly in a living room, study, or bedroom. Choose one or two primarily pastels and use one or two more pastels as accent colours to keep the room from overwhelming the eye.

Mixed metals

Brass and gold are as trendy as ever in the home décor industry. Silver and polished nickel are both making a comeback, and we're also seeing white plaster finishes in furnishings and light fixtures. With such a wide range of metals available, it's not hard to finish out a room with accent pieces in mixed metals, such as a bronze light fixture, copper accent table, and silver picture frames. You'll create a fresh aesthetic, avoiding an overly matching scheme.

Rich wall colours

A bold wall colour makes a vivid statement in a room for a very low price tag. In 2017, navy, coral, pink, teal, and emerald green will be among the most popular wall colours. Choose a bold colour for a single wall, especially in a smaller space, and make the room pop by painting the rest of the walls white. If you want to paint several walls with a deep shade, choose furniture or art pieces in lighter contrasting shades to provide a balance.

Stain-resistant fabrics

Many modern families desire elegant, stunning living spaces that are also comfortable and practical. Selecting furnishings with stain-resistant fabrics makes your home more functional so you don't have to live in constant fear of your young children or pets ruining your belongings. For example, a sofa with a velvet-like fabric that's actually 40% polyester will withstand a much higher level of wear and tear than a genuine velvet coach. If you're set on natural upholstery, go with leather furnishings.

Upholstered headboards

Upholstered headboards have been commonplace in luxury hotels and celebrity homes for quite some time. In recent years, the trend has become more widespread. It's expected to reach a whole new level in 2017. A new bedhead is a simple, affordable way to update your bedroom and add an instant touch of glamor. Headboards range in style significantly with everything from simple, classic models in neutral shades to high-end, plush models in velvet and other luxury fabrics.

Bar carts

Bar carts are the new staple furniture piece in living rooms and other entertaining areas. There are so many beautiful bar carts and consoles on the market today. Consider your existing space, current style, and booze preferences to select a cart or console that fits the space accordingly. A simple industrial bar cart is perfect for a rustic country home while a tall gold-trimmed console with built-in wine storage may be more fitting for a modern, elegant home. There are endless bar accessories to style your cart, such as coasters, drink labels, and ice buckets.

Repurposed furniture

A repurposed furniture piece is the perfect way to save an old piece from the dump while bringing some new style into it to make it truly your own. For example, you may be able to save the original wood frame for a chair but add a contemporary fabric to take it into the current century. Keep an eye out for potential pieces at second-hand shops and estate sales or watch the Craigslist postings in your area for furniture deals.

Art-inspired wallpaper

The luxury accent wall craze has been on the rise for several years. In 2016, gilded metallic wallpaper was all the rage. For 2017, the trend has shifted to art-inspired wallpaper. Every time you go on Instagram, you'll see a stunning new large-format floral design. It's amazing to see such gorgeous artwork reproduced in this large scale. Using wallpaper instead of a traditional painting or print creates a prominent, distinctive statement in a living room, dining room, entryway, or bedroom.

Decorative hardware

Decorative hardware adds character to any room without the investment of new furniture. Swap out your plain wood or basic round silver knobs for more expressive pieces. For example, if you have a star motif in a kitchen or bedroom, complete the theme with star-shaped drawer pulls. You can also refresh old hardware for just a few dollars with a coat of spray paint.

Fresh flowers

Fresh flowers add a pop of colour to a kitchen, living room, or entryway. Retire your worn out silk flowers, and pick up a fresh bouquet at the grocery store or during your weekly trip to the farmer's market. A large clear vase displays the flowers beautifully, letting their beautiful colours fill the room. If you want a more delicate aesthetic, split up a large bouquet into a handful of small vases that you spread throughout the kitchen or even multiple rooms in the house.

As you weigh popular home trends, consider which concepts will fit most naturally in your current home while also appealing to your personal tastes. Even though upholstered headboards are all the rage this year, they may not look so great in your ultramodern urban home. Don't be afraid to mix multiple patterns, colours, and other style elements until you achieve home designs you truly love.

Rose Clearfield