From Monica’s chintzy kitchen to chic grey floors, here are some of 2016’s hottest home décor trends
If your home is in need of updating, there are some great décor trends around this year that will inject a little personality into the proceedings with minimal effort and expense. Whatever your personal taste, there’s something for everyone this year- so whether you love old fashioned florals or prefer the minimalistic, masculine look, there’s plenty of inspiration around to get those creative juices flowing and give your living space a contemporary feel. Guaranteed rent specialists, Assetgrove says, “Paying attention to trends in home décor can be a huge help if you’re looking to sell your home, and there are some stunning looks around this year.”
Many of us love the idea of a brave new look but feel intimidated by some of the bolder trends. It’s important to remember that your home reflects you, so you need to create a space that you’re comfortable in and works for your lifestyle. Interior design magazines may be full of bright bold stripes and geometric designs but remember seeing something in picture and living with it every day are two very different things. Eden Harper, estate agent in Brixton and Battersea says, “It’s always a good idea to test the waters first before you commit, so dip your toe in with accessories like cushions and vases to get a sense of the new trend before spending a fortune. “ Accessories are a fantastic way to inject a little personality and try something new, and you can always pick up fabrics and second hand bargains online.
2016 has been an eclectic year so far in terms of home design. From chic, elegant Parisian inspired boudoirs to strong, industrial greys and matt paints, here are some of the key home décor trends which have got interior designers talking this year.
- Grey hardwood floors
Quite a commitment so not one to enter into lightly, this is a modern take on traditional wooden flooring. Ideal for large living spaces like warehouses and barn conversions, this creates a stylish, edgy look which is easy to accessorize and surprisingly easy to live with.
- Matt paint
We all know that one of the quickest ways to give your home a fresh new look without having to spend a fortune is with a trusty tin of paint or two. And this year’s trend for matt paint is more user friendly than you may think- because it shows up fewer scuffs and marks than its light reflecting cousins, it’s ideal for high traffic areas and gives a modern, fashionable touch to the home. Popular colours this year are natural and muted; think soft greys, duck egg and cool stone tones. A matt finish is also a great backdrop for artwork and works well if you want to experiment with bold geometric shapes and stripes.
- Mix and match
Fans of Friends will remember Monica’s famously mismatched kitchen, which was an eclectic combination of bold colours, painted chairs and chintzy fabrics. If this is a style that appeals to you, you’ll be glad to know that not only is it one of the key trends of 2016 it’s also one of the easiest to replicate on a tight budget. Explore pre-loved shops, car boot sales and online auction sites to find mismatched chairs, cabinets and display units and bring them all together with key accessories like vintage cupboard knobs and patterned seat pads.
- Raffia
Seventies classic raffia has made a long overdue comeback this year and it’s a great way to bring a little colour and texture into the home without spending a fortune. Breathe a tropical, summery feel into your living space at any time of the year with raffia place mats, picture frames and rugs for an outside-in look.
- Parisian
Not so much of a style trend as a way of life, Parisian themed home décor is a timeless classic that never really goes out of fashion. Just like its chic, elegant residents, Paris is synonymous with style and adds an instant touch of glamour to any home. Experiment with chandeliers, white walls, pale pinks, ornate gold mirrors and stripes for an authentic look.
Whatever look appeals to you, take some time out to plan your new look first. Bow estate agent Peach Properties says, “take inspiration from magazines, cut out pictures you like and add them to a mood board. This is a great way to get a visual idea of how the theme will work in your living space and help you work out what you need to buy.”
