On tablescapes, in kitchens and baths, garden and great rooms, green seems to be having a moment.
Photo courtesy of marvin Windows and Doors
Extensive windows and doors link to greenery outside and bring nature inside.
©istockphoto.com / martinwimmer
Photo JORDAN STEAD / Amazon
Not too long ago, it was difficult to spy even a vestige of green in a room. Today, it’s almost impossible to find new interior scheme without a spark of green. “We’re seeing emerald green used on everything from walls to cabinetry to tile and even lighting,” observes Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams.
Green hues, especially deep vibrant shades, seem to be everywhere along with living greenery and plants. But rather than a fleeting color preference, the passion for green might also be the first sprouts, indications of a more transformative movement — biophilic design — edging into residential design and architecture.
Biophilia, according to consultants Terrapin Bright Green, refers to humankind’s innate biological connection with nature. Although social psychologist Eric Fromm first coined the phrase “biophilia,” the concept wasn’t popularized until the 1980s when biologist Edward O. Wilson took up the mantle. Biophilic design introduces natural elements, organic forms, light and water into the built environment. Research shows integrating natural elements increases productivity, enhances creativity and improves mental health. “We’re getting evidence-based design, especially in the healthcare industry, that just by having a view of the outside a patient recovers quicker and requires less medication and attention after surgery,” observes Miami designer B. Pila.
“The use of green in home interiors is picking up steam,” explains Stephanie Pierce, director of design for MasterBrand Cabinets. “There are a variety of shades cropping up today, particularly in the kitchen and bath from deep emeralds to soft sages and dark ivies. Deep, moody hues are making a bold impact on these spaces. The effect is as cozy as a warm blanket.”
“Touches of rich, verdant green can make it feel as though you’ve escaped to the outdoors and are soaking up the invigorating effects of nature — without even leaving your home,” shares Wadden.
“With the growing interest in wellbeing in all aspects of our lives, including the home, people are using nature-inspired lush greens to bring comfort into spaces,” explains Christine Marvin, director of corporate strategy and design at Marvin Windows and Doors. “Emerald green is a bold color that perfectly balances glamour with calmness, evoking a sense of relaxation and inspiration.”
Three spherical conservatories forested with more than 40,000 plants and trees allow Amazon employees to work while surrounded by nature.
Photo courtesy of sherwin-williams
Green, whether an accent or main course, is a mainstay on design menus.
Until recently, biophilic principles were utilized primarily in commercial structures, and the inclusion of nature — living plants, park-like oases, organic forms, natural materials including wood and stone, water and light — is revamping corporate settings including Amazon, Apple and Google. Last year, Amazon’s long-awaited biophilic project, The Spheres, opened on the site of its original headquarters. The three glass and steel domes are forested with more than 40,000 plants. Along with plants and a four-story-tall green wall, there are waterfalls, a river, walkways and meeting spaces. Hotels and other commercial spaces are implementing biophilic design practices but with more modest expressions.
For residential buildings, the addition of natural elements and connections with the outside has been an ongoing evolution, partially in response to consumer attitudes rather than a dedication to biophilia. Designers are just catching on. “Consumers are more educated in wanting healthier lifestyle choices,” says Angela Harris, creative director and principal of TRIO, an award-winning interior design firm in Denver.
Current residential design merges indoors and out, organic and humanmade, using visual and real connections. The integration of outdoor spaces is a response to consumer lifestyle demands, but the end result potentially delivers the cognitive, psychological and physiological benefits biophilia advocates tout.
“We’ve noticed an increase in demand for bigger windows over the past five years, as more people want to feel connected to the world around us while we’re indoors,” comments Marvin. “In a world that’s become fast paced and where our living and workspaces are merging, letting light in allows us to feel alive and connected to space outside our homes. Incorporating large windows into the home plays a significant role in achieving this ‘outdoors in’ feel and connecting to nature. We’re also seeing a pull towards large window walls, or many windows that are mulled together to create a wall of light that heightens the experience of light in a home.”
It may seem biophilia is just another quick moving fad, but more than one organization is promoting the concept and actively formulating certifications for buildings under the auspices of groups such as the International Living Future Institute, a Seattle-based nonprofit that encourages sustainable practices and wellness. In 2016, a cadre of architects, builders and researchers formed the Biophilic Design Initiative to further the movement. Biophilia is also part of the U.S. Green Building Council’s WELL Building Standard.
Whether or not biophilia will exert a long-term influence on design remains to be seen, but there is a good chance wellness and nature will be an important aspect of design’s new normal.
Lovers of Scandi’s enlightened sense of style will rejoice at the discovery of the beautiful Farringdon and Dorset collections of reclaimed wood furniture from Modish Living.
Modish Living was founded by husband and wife, Chris and Hellen Barlow in 2012 with an idea born around a wooden kitchen table to create an online boutique selling a handpicked collection of beautifully crafted, reclaimed, rustic and sustainable wood furniture.
Renowned for its simplicity and beauty, Scandinavian style shows no sign of losing its popularity in homes and interiors. Its pared-back and minimal style have evolved into a more cozy feel, focusing on sculptural organic shapes, earthy pigments, natural materials and textures, such as wood.
Everything from tempting trestle dining tables and family-friendly extendable tables to a welcoming wood bench and seriously stylish sideboards, these naturally rustic additions will add an instant Nordic vibe to your dining space. Made using aged reclaimed wood rescued from old buildings, Modish Living’s Farringdon and Dorset collections are the perfect fit for Scandi design devotees. Skillfully crafted to enhance the natural tones of the wood and given a renewed sense of purpose and style, these pieces evoke a sense of comfort, style and happiness.
As well as providing essential storage, this sideboard has a natural beauty and character. The natural markings of the reclaimed wood shines through the white painted finish, giving it a lived-in authenticity perfect for a Scandi feel dining room.
The distressed white base of the Dorset Extendable Trestle Table keeps the aesthetic neutral while adding warmth. Accessorize with a sheepskin rug and the large white bamboo pendant is styled here.
Three central drawers and two large cupboards offer plenty of storage for your kitchen essentials. The subtle lacquer accentuates the natural markings and history of the wood, whilst giving it a distinct Nordic feel.
The large pendant above the Farringdon extending table is made out of biodegradable woodchip; the perfect pared-back accessory to complement this 100-percent reclaimed wood collection.
Photos courtesy of Modish Living
Cheerful and perfectly imperfect, terrazzo is a trend that was popular in the 1970s and derived from mosaic artforms. Building on the popularity of marble over the last few years, terrazzo now offers a playful alternative with more color.
This speckled mosaic of marble scraps originated with Venetian craftsmen over 1,000 years ago, but it couldn’t look more cutting edge. When created with contemporary colors and placed within a modern scheme, terrazzo brings interest and texture to countertops, floors, and staircases. It also works incredibly well as a graphic design for fabrics and wallpapers.
Photo courtesy of Idyll Home
Terrazzo is a favorite in design, graphics, and architecture, and it’s likely going to last.
While the real historical terrazzo consists of a mix of really small pieces of scraps scattered in the concrete, the terrazzo we see at present in design and interiors is a mix of different marbles with bigger sizes, less density, and a more striking graphical look.
Going together with the rising popularity of pattern decor, terrazzo gives you several different possibilities for decor, and to add color in original shapes.
Photo courtesy of einrichten-design.de
Rugs, Curtains, Tablecloths and More
Terrazzo, an Italian flooring composite, is one of the biggest current trends in fashion and interior design, thanks to its bespoke and unreplicable look. Rug’Society is proud of bringing this craze to the tapestry world with our Terrazzo Rug, one of the most trendy choices to bring any ambiance together.
Photo courtesy of Rug’Society
Wall Decor that’s Functional
Karlsson Tom Terrazzo Wall Clock Pink
The Karlsson wall clock Tom Terrazzo in pretty pink adds a chic industrial touch to your walls. It is finished with black hands, a red second hand and a high-quality quartz movement.
Photo courtesy of The Design Gift Shop
Throw Pillows and Wallpaper
Eye-catching terrazzo works as a decorative display, whether it’s on an elegant throw pillow or covering the walls.
Photo courtesy of Patricia Braune Textile & Surface Designer
Photo courtesy of einrichten-design.de
Featured image courtesy of Maison Valentina
Whether you live in a modest studio or a trendy loft, it can prove challenging to design and organize a small living space. Luckily, there are simple and creative ways to make a tiny apartment feel [almost] like a penthouse.
Photo courtesy of Original Style.
In the kitchen, a large, rectangular dining table takes up most of the space. Opt for a small, round table so you can maximize the space to move around in when cooking or entertaining guests. Cabinetry tends to have extra space at the top and bottom. Go for cabinets that go all the way up and down, making the room feel higher. Mirrors create an allusion that a room is larger than it seems. The oldest trick in the design book, mirrors expand the space and add dimension.
Photo courtesy of Oak Furnitureland.
Photo courtesy of Essential Home.
Day-beds double the size of a bedroom. Try and find a day-bed that is multi-functional, providing storage space or an extra bed when a guest stays over for a night. Don’t have a spot for a desk? Install a wall desk, which takes up less room compared to a regular one. Mount shelves about it for extra storage.
For studio apartments with less area and no defined rooms, create zones by using dividers or other furniture. This design strategy helps designate where people can go when they visit and what is more private.
Photo courtesy of Noa and Nani.
Photo courtesy of Einrichten-design.de.
Photo courtesy of Go Modern Furniture.
Utilize pieces of furniture for more than one use. A coffee table can be used as a dinner table, an extra chair means a nightstand. Sofa beds are a great way to take advantage of a location for people to sit and become a place to sleep at night. Murphy beds keep where you sleep hidden and some come with shelving for storage.
Cheerful, bright colors open up space and liven it up. Pick out colors such as turquoise or pink hues. Cool, even tones make the room feel as if it’s larger than it is. If bright colors aren’t your thing, try neutral, even tones such as tans or grays. This color scheme tricks the eye into thinking the room is bigger than it is.
Photo courtesy of PLACE TO BE.
Tropical decor is a bold statement that can be difficult to balance. Avoid over-the-top details and learn how to embrace muted accents and elements that elevate a space without making it too whimsical.
If tropical brings to mind luxurious retreats and dream vacations, you may want to incorporate the look into your home. Here are a few tips for bringing tropical to a high-end level that you’ll love throughout the seasons.
Photo courtesy of English Blinds
Bold Wallpaper
Most tropical decor involves a playful wallpaper or large piece of art. There are a variety of quality wallpaper brands that can help create an oasis of color and charm for your space. Have fun with your wallpaper, there are many to choose from and it is the quickest way to transform a space.
Photo courtesy of Wallsauce.com
Add Foliage
Tropical prints are just the beginning. If you are looking for an authentic feel and want to avoid a staged look, incorporate real tropical greenery that will play off accents, prints and other details in your decor. A snake plant or peace lily truly capture the tropical feel, yet they are low maintenance and easy to care for. Greenery can also bring out muted tones that might appear in prints.
Photo courtesy of Mindthegap
Try Traditional
Fun details can be luxurious. Black and white, monochromatic, or muted prints can still embrace tropical imagery. A palm tree wallpaper or a pink flamingo statute can be toned down in terms of color, allowing more flexibility in your decor. Don’t shy away from traditional items but the balance between just enough and too much is delicate.
Photo courtesy of Brabbu Design Forces
Keep it Neutral
Neutral tones help to balance bright colors and bold shapes that appear in tropical wallpapers and prints. If you’ve decided on a statement wallpaper and you’re worried about overwhelming your senses, it helps to choose natural accents such as wood furniture and flooring. Light grays and white also tone down the intensity of a space.
Photo courtesy of Essential Home
Mix and Match
If you want to truly embrace the tropical sentiment, be bold and confident with your choices. For an earthy tropical feel, mixing a variety of prints that play off of each other with color palettes that work together will bring your space to life. Mixing and matching prints, designs and elements can come together to create a luxurious balance.
Photo courtesy of Essential Home
Check out these articles with simialr content; Bold Wallpaper, Wallpaper That Will Stick Around, How To Weather The Decor Dilemmas of Modern Farmhouse, Tropical Modernism Makes a Comeback in Hawaii.
According to The Architectural Review, “The arch was used as early as the 2nd millennium BC, but it was the ever precocious Romans who began the systematic use of the arch, in their greatest engineering feats and as a means of celebrating their greatest military victories.”
Photo courtesy of https://parlourbrooklyn.com/
The Colosseum is an iconic historical site that is recognizable for its grandeur and the well-known arches that make up the exterior. But other cultures and builders throughout the world have also embraced and embellished arches in their architecture. The pointed arch, as seen at Tintern Abbey, Wales and in other gothic architecture, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, and The Leaning Tower of Pisa are just a few examples of arches found around the world. Arches are often marveled at for their complex structure and their seeming ability to defy gravity.
Photo courtesy of https://parlourbrooklyn.com/
Here and Now
The Parlour
In an effort to honor the historical identity of Brooklyn’s highly sought-after Park Slope enclave, INC infused classic elements from the neighborhood with a modernized approach into the design of the new boutique residences at Parlour.
Photo courtesy of https://parlourbrooklyn.com/
The custom-crafted, mullion-free arched windows from Europe are an homage to the signature arched bridges in Prospect Park, and the limestone brick a nod to the limestone townhomes with arched motifs that face the park.
Photo courtesy of https://parlourbrooklyn.com/
Luna
Also, located in Brooklyn, New York is Luna — 39 condominium residences designed by Luca Andrisani with a host of amenities tailored to make every day a holiday, according to lunagowanus.com
Building Rendering: Credit PAX Brooklyn
130 Williamby David Adjaye in New York City
“At 66 stories and nearly 800 feet tall, Adjaye’s first New York City high-rise tower is an important contribution to the New York City skyline. 130 William’s hand-cast concrete facade creates a striking form against the cityscape of Lower Manhattan,” according to the 130 William website.
130 William also includes the intriguing arched windows. At the top of the building, the theme has been turned on its head, with upside down arches lining the upper floors.
Trends and styles traditionally fade out of the limelight only to resurface a few generations later, usually with a few twists and fresh perspectives. But retro themes and designs remain popular and are now making an appearance in the realm of luxury.
Photo courtesy of DelightFULL
Photo courtesy of Essential Home
Incorporate Brass
Overall, brass contributes to a classical ambiance and can complete the vintage look you’ve been searching for.
A vintage floor lamp will fit perfectly in your mid-century modern living room or vintage retro design hallway. With a structure made in polished Estremoz marble and with multiple lampshades made in brass and aluminum, this floor light is a modern lamp full of grace and charm.
The Monocles Screen is a refined room divider. The folding brass structure holds three walnut panels with brass holes that let you glimpse into the other side. Stylish and functional like no other.
Photo courtesy of The French Bedroom Co
Photo courtesy of Smithers of Stamford
Rattan and Recycled is Retro
This Retro Rattan Console blends craftsmanship and texture with a little bit of artisan vintage into your space. Cane wickerwork and teak framework work perfectly together to reinvent the 70’s furniture trend into a more refined, elegant shape, styled more for modern homes.
Made from solid recycled boat hardwood, the satin hand-painted finish has been added to bring out the beauty of this retro speedway range. It’s retro, unique and a lifetime buy that will never go out of fashion.
Photo courtesy of Yellow Octopus
Photo courtesy of Lights4fun
Props that aren’t Played Out
The GPO 200 classic, British Rotary Telephone is a one-stop communication portal for all your conversation needs. Touch base with friends and family, then buzz, dial and connect with a classic design of modern technology. Bring a piece of iconic phone technology right back into the present.
Retro Cinema Lightbox is the perfect opportunity to customize your decor. Create a fun message that suits your mood and enjoy the classic element that will elevate your space.
Gather around the fireplace and embrace the comfort of warmth and fresh designs with these fireplace trends.
The fireplace is so much more than an accent today. A crackling fire has become a central point of design in some rooms, a conversation starter, and a gathering place within the home. Transform your home with these stylish and modern trends.
Don’t Be a Square
There are endless opportunities for creativity when it comes to fireplaces. The time for traditional fireplaces that are built of bricks and right angles is officially over. Embrace the variety of shapes to choose from, including round fireplaces. This stunning circular fireplace is eye-catching and adds to the warm and inviting atmosphere. The placement, color, and overall style produces an unforgettable element in this space.
Divide Your Space
A dividing wall or partial wall is the perfect place for a fireplace. Adding a component like this simultaneously separates the rooms and brings it together. The coziness of the fireplace easily spreads to both areas. This trend is also the answer for those struggling to spice up an otherwise bland dividing wall. Avoid overwhelming the space by keeping the fireplace low to the ground and subtle.
Make it a Focal Point
A fireplace doesn’t have to blend in to be functional and beautiful. Whether guests are settling down for a movie night or assembling with some wine and good conversation, it is increasingly popular to make your fireplace the central point in a room. This type of fireplace will not only attract guests but is bound to start a conversation. Is there anything more relaxing than an afternoon around the fire? Don’t be afraid to make your fireplace really stand out!
A Subtle Spark
If your fireplace isn’t a large part of your space for most of the year, then a subtle addition can be as equally appealing. A smaller element that is close to the ground could be the perfect touch of warmth that you’re craving. This design is grand without overpowering the space.
Visit https://modusfireplaces.com/ for more of their luxury fireplace collection!
Photos courtesy of Modus Fireplaces
At the International Builders’ Show, John Burns Real Estate Consulting identified six new home construction and repair/remodeling design trends.
Backed by significant consumer research — which has become easier thanks to consumer behavior on websites such as Houzz and Pinterest — building products companies continue to offer new products to stay one step ahead of the competition. John Burns Real Estate Consulting’s growing building products research and consulting business, as well as its DesignLens™ business, continue to help the company inform its expanding builder and developer clients.
- ioT Connectivity
- Labor Efficiency
- Engineered Products
- Black Finishes
- Simplified Customization
- Ultra Modern
Internet of Things (IoT) technologies open the door to whole-home connectivity.
Amazon’s Alexa and other personal assistants have opened the flood gates for smart home products, especially in plumbing, appliances and home security.
- Plumbing: Companies debuting the latest smart bathroom products at 2018 International Builders’ Show included Moen, Delta, KOHLER and American Standard.
- Appliances: ioT connected products for the kitchen and other parts of the home were also on full display. ioT connectivity is important because it makes using smart products throughout the home a seamless, user‐friendly experience.
- Home Security: Smart products related to home security have been around for a few years, but companies like Broan‐NuTone and Baldwin have rolled out new introductions with enhanced features including voice‐control though Amazon and Microsoft platforms.
Labor efficient products take center stage.
Building product manufacturers continue to invest in products that streamline the installation processes, with KATERRA’s large booth the poster child for potential labor disruption this year.
- Turn‐Key Construction Solutions: KATERRA’s booth highlighted its plans to revolutionize construction, controlling nearly every part of the value chain from procurement of raw materials to framing and finish work. It plans to be a one‐stop shop for production building, controlling cabinet manufacturing, finish plumbing installation and wood floor manufacturing.
- Wall Panels: Manufacturers have been designing products that eliminate labor in the framing process for several years. At the 2018 International Builders’ Show, Huber Engineered Woods debuted advanced versions of its R-Series Modular Wall Sheathing Panels, in four different thicknesses, as insulated wall panel solutions for various climates. Structural wood panels with protective barriers eliminate the need for house wrap and on-site framing. It also provides a continuous barrier to moisture and air that optimizes energy efficiency.
- House Wrap/Seals: Residential‐grade sealants and tapes have been around for decades but companies are beginning to design better, more forgiving products that create efficiencies in the framing process. Many companies, including DuPont and Georgia Pacific, introduced new flexible tapes that cover wide surface areas while creating tight seals around exterior wall outlets or between structural panels. Framing crews can spend less time measuring and cutting outlets to precise fits because these products seal any imperfections that exist as a result of a quick cut.
- Fittings: A modular under the sink rough‐in plumbing solution that eliminates the need for on the job‐site pipe fabrication, sweating and sealing was launched by Keeney Manufacturing Co this year. The pipes can be connected in just three steps, similar to other labor‐eliminating quick‐connect fittings and supplies on the market.
- Plumbing: Updating a shower is one of the most expensive, labor intensive components of a bathroom remodel. In recent years, many plumbing manufacturers have launched retro‐fit ‘custom‐shower’ solutions that allow plumbers to upgrade a shower without going behind the wall, saving time and money for the installer and homeowner.
Engineered products offer better design and less maintenance.
Engineered products look increasingly like their natural counterparts, often at better or comparable prices, and continue to offer meaningful value propositions to the trade and consumers.
- Windows and Doors: Door manufacturers continue to build lower‐maintenance doors made from metal or composites that look just like solid wood alternatives.
- Structural Lumber: LP debuted a new subfloor, infused with Gorilla Glue, that it markets as stronger and more water resistant than traditional OSB.
- Decking: Trex and other composite decking manufacturers continue to expand offerings that make deck installation and maintenance simpler for the installer and homeowner.
- Engineered Wood Products: Weyerhaeuser launched a new parallam® that it claims is one of the most durable engineered wood beams on the market and it comes in the form of a fireplace mantel — a unique application that has become fashionable in interior design.
- Siding: Companies continue to develop siding made from metal or composites that offer the look of wood but are designed to shorten installation times and eliminate maintenance for the homeowner.
- Plumbing: Paneling solutions for custom showers continue to gain popularity in the custom‐shower segment as these products not only eliminate labor (panels are far less labor intensive than tile), but they also requires less homeowner maintenance (no grout, fewer leak paths). Although plumbing manufacturers have been designing similar products for years, solid surface and laminate manufacturers such as Wilsonart are now introducing products for this segment as well.
- Countertops and Surfaces: Engineered Stone (also known as ‘Quartz’) product offerings continue to grow, emphasizing easier to maintain products than natural stone slabs like granite, marble and soapstone. Consumers often prefer engineered designs because the factory‐controlled process provides a consistent look. With major laminate and solid surface players such as Corian making large investments in this now very‐competitive market, prices may come down as more capacity comes online.
Black is back.
Black finishes dominate the appliance, plumbing, hardware and window/door exhibits.
In the design community, it’s often difficult to delineate between what is fast‐fashion and what will become a mass trend. In 2018, it is clear that black finishes are a huge trend in the building products industry. Home appliance manufacturers debuted ‘black stainless’ several years ago, and plumbing, hardware and window and door manufacturers have quickly followed. Mixed metals, perhaps a developing trend, often include black as well.
Customizing becomes simpler.
Customized product offerings this year focused on minimizing costs and complexity for the consumer. Standouts included private-label hardware options, mix-and-match handle/spout colors and finishes and appliance panel customizing options.
The design community and homeowners love choice. Custom product specification has historically been a complex and expensive process, but product manufacturers have invested heavily in lines that offer the customer more options to truly customize or personalize a space. Higher‐end finishes such as specialty door hardware no longer need to be specified from a separate vendor or commissioned made‐to‐order from local artisans. Today, consumers can get similar modifications directly from the door, cabinet, appliance or window manufacturer, making product customization easier than ever.
Design has shifted to ultramodern.
Exhibitors highlighted ultramodern interior designs in the 2018 International Builders’ Show, mirroring the home builder shift to ultramodern home elevations.
Many new product launches across categories leaned ultramodern in their design aesthetic, mirroring the home builder shift to ultramodern home elevations. Themes included large/oversized formats in doors, surfaces and plumbing products; modern cubist/geometric design in tile, surfaces and plumbing products; and unique ombre finishes.
Photo courtesy of Steve Basten at John Burns Real Estate Consulting