After months of dormancy, spring is a time of rejuvenation. Buds pop into being on previously bare branches. Lawns become lush with fresh greenery. Blue skies welcome cooped up people back into the great outdoors. Not only is Mother Nature coming back to life, but now is the time to think about sprucing up your living space—inside and out.
Indoors
Month after month with no change, your home’s interior can start to wear on you.
Designers Katie Heinz and Amy Douglass of the Interior Design Studio in Medina have several suggestions of 2016 trends that might make you fall in love with your home all over again.
Splashes of color
Who doesn’t love a bright color now and again? Heinz and Douglass say that bright accent colors that provide a pop on one wall are trending. These vibrant hues liven up your interior and add interest. On other walls, Heinz and Douglass say that shades of grey—from dark charcoal to a soft tint of grey—are popular. These shades can also be brought off the walls and integrated into the fabrics, wall coverings and accessories.
Metallic beauty
Utilizing metals in your décor might not be the first thing most people think of, but Heinz and Douglass say new finishes are making an impact. Different metals are popular, including brushed nickel, bronze and polished nickel. The newest metal finish is polished nickel—a cross between polished chrome with a hint of brass. This gives the surface a champagne coloring. Believe it or not, brass is actually making a comeback too. Brushed brass is an updated look on an older trend that provides a warmer, softer gold tone, according to Heinz and Douglass.
Redefining the bathroom
Just because it’s called a bathroom, doesn’t mean it has to have a bathtub. Heinz and Douglass say that people are changing up their bathroom by eliminating the tub to make room for walk-in showers with benches. The shower doesn’t have to be boring; it can be beautified with custom ceramic patterns. Other trends Heinz and Douglass pointed out are heated floors and large chandeliers in the bathroom.
Little changes mean a lot
Sometimes the little changes are the ones that make the biggest impact. Heinz and Douglass suggest working with things you already have in your home to freshen up the spaces. Move your artwork around to create groupings of various sizes. This adds interest and variety, while still showcasing your favorite pieces. Update your lighting to create focal points in the room. Just as you added color to walls for accents, you can feature wallpaper in a bold pattern or simple texture to spice up a space. De-cluttering and rearranging existing furniture is also a good idea. Heinz and Douglass say to try swapping pieces for other rooms. Want a little something new? Add inexpensive seasonal accessories, like pillows, vases or area rugs to a room.
Outdoors
The space outside your home can be a valuable living space for your family. As the weather turns for the better, homeowners migrate onto the lawns and begin to think about what improvements could make the experiences out there even more memorable. Design build manager, James Arch ASLA., of Vizmeg Landscape Inc. has seen four categories of exterior design trending this year. Whether it’s fire, water or a combination thereof, Arch has tips to make the outdoors great this year.
A modern twist
Keeping it simple with clean lines in your landscaping is one thing that Arch says is popular this year. The modern contemporary look adds a touch of elegance while not over-doing it outdoors. By utilizing materials like pavers and bricks, people can enjoy their space in a more organized way.
Taking it outside
Outdoor living spaces have grown in popularity greatly. Pavilions take the best features of your home out into the yard, where homeowners can do everything from cooking with their outdoor kitchen to watching a flat-screen TV. Some even have internet access. Arch says that these spaces can vary in size from 300 square feet to 1,000 square feet. By creating a home literally outside of your house, you can spend as much time as possible in nature while the weather cooperates.
Worry-free water features
Forget the days when a water feature in your landscape meant standing water, koi fish and mosquitos. Water features are now the calming things they were meant to be. Arch says that pre-cast fountains are once again popular. These types of features showcase the running water while preventing the hazards to children that standing ponds present. The soothing sounds add a serene element to the landscape as well. Arch adds that trending water features are low-maintenance, allowing homeowners more time to enjoy them rather than constantly cleaning up a mess.
Lighting up the landscape
People love fire. Not only is it good for warmth and, of course, roasting marshmallows, it also adds a unique design element to your landscaping. Fire pits and exterior fireplaces have gained momentum according to Arch. He also says that many people are opting to use natural gas as the fuel source instead of wood. Creating a place to gather your family and friends outdoors, the fire feature will brighten up the night all summer long. Fire features come in all shapes and sizes, so speak with a designer for guidance on what unique element will work best on your property.
