With the holidays just around the corner, it’s fun to think about what we will do to update our homes in the New Year. Lynda Reeves (publisher) and Suzanne Dimma (editor-in-chief) of Canadian House & Home Magazine recently gave a breakfast presentation on trends for 2014. We were lucky enough to be there to get the scoop – and of course, we want to share it with you!
Home Sweet Home. Never has it been truer than right now. The buzz word is “supercocooning”; our desire to stay at home and make it a cozy and comfortable “nest”. “Cocooning” is a term coined by marketer Faith Popcorn in 1981; today it has escalated into “supercocooning”. Sure enough, hotel bookings, car rentals, restaurant traffic and road tolls are all down, while sales of home electronics, in-home entertainment and take-out food is up. Making homes beautiful, efficient and a hub for communicating are the biggest trends.
On the Walls. In general, walls have more texture. Incorporate these ideas in your home:
- Trim Is In. Painted out trim and panelled moulding make a room feel rich, look larger and give it substance. To keep it current, paint the trim the same colour as the walls but give it a different finish like high gloss, for example.
- Make a Statement. Add large, abstract paintings and murals.
- Amp It Up. Try paneled walls, geometric panels, logs and glazed tiles. Think beyond flat walls – add shine, colour and depth.
- Open Screens. Instead of a wall on a stairway, install an open screen – it will open up the space and add texture and interest.
- On the Ceiling. Sculptured lighting is increasingly popular, with metallic finishes and details that give an industrial or deco feel.
- On the Floor. It’s all about pattern! Patterned tiles make their way to the kitchen floor, adding charm and colour. Look for beautiful handmade, patterned carpet tiles as well. Traditional Persian and Turkish rugs are making a comeback, but now in your kitchen and bathroom. Yes, even parquet flooring is back!
Colours & Patterns. It’s time to be adventurous. Here are some suggestions:
- Animal-inspired. Leopard has been used as an accent for many years, but is now seen on larger elements like wallpaper. But think soft and warm, not overpowering.
- Bright & Bold. Fabrics are “happy” with prints that make you smile in primary colours, geometrics and vibrant designs. Check out futuristic wallpaper in geometrics with metallic touches and texture.
- Nice Neutrals. It doesn’t have to be white! Mid-tones that add colour, such as warm grey, taupe and soft brown make a home cozier. Even your kitchen cupboards can be painted a colour other than white.
- Hue News. Soft, filtered, delicate hues soothe the spirit and add a touch of ‘zen’. Instagram-inspired soft pink, pale cornflower blue, orange-red, sunny-yolk yellow, gentle turquoise…
- Beautiful Blue & White. A romantic favourite goes more modern – look for tableware, accessories and wallpaper for example.
- Marvelous Metal. Incorporate copper, gold and bronze throughout your home. A little adds a lot of ambience.
- Safari Chic. Safari chairs, buckles, straps and classic camping accessories have been reinvented for a touch of masculine energy – think stripes, khakis, rugged palettes and natural materials.
Furniture Finds. Furniture trends are a study in contrasts this season. On the modern side, look for clear coffee tables and desks in glass or Lucite with accents in metal and etching – in opposition to feminine sofas with curved backs and tufting and retro chairs in pastel colours.
Accents & Accessories. Macramé crafts are back including dream catchers and hanging macramé art, even over the bed. Knitted items are featured as well as the earthy look of glazed pottery. Another trend for 2014 is Round bathtubs. They are so luxurious with a nod to the artisanal feel of ancient Roman baths.
I can’t wait to incorporate some of these ideas into my home in 2014! Let the planning begin.
Concepts courtesy of Canadian House & Home. Featured in House & Home, January 2014. Copyright House & Home Media. All rights reserved.
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