2016’s hottest home décor trends

AT the end of the year it’s fun to recap on 2016’s hottest trends and to try and predict which ones will move along swiftly, and which ones are here to stay.

Here are some of the biggest décor movers and shakers of the past year:

• Persian and Turkish, traditionally quite at home in the living room, entered kitchens in 2016. While the practicality of this bold move might be questionable, it most certainly added character and warmth to the heart of the home.

• Farmhouse style décor was all the rage in 2016. Everybody wanted grain sack cushions, wicker baskets and gingham fabric in their homes.

• A modern take on traditional wooden flooring, wood-impression tiles made headlines in 2016. Not only are they stronger and more versatile than wood, but they’re also kinder on Planet Earth.

• Nurseries have been becoming increasingly sophisticated over the past few years, but 2016 saw the rise in dark wall colours. Deep navies, rich hunter greens and dark greys are the new baby pink and blue.

• People no longer completely overhaul their kitchens, they now simply paint the cabinets black – a quick make-over that yields dramatic results.

• It might be a nightmare to keep it clean, but brass hardware made a big come-back in 2016. A lazier, but equally stylish alternative? Paint all your taps matte black!

• Completely in contrast with the natural elements that featured everywhere in homes in 2016, along came the acrylic table. Stylish and modern, they give the impression of taking up less space.

• Since 2016, the laundry room is no longer a place where you can hide your ironing pile. It is now a stylish extension of the kitchen, and just as beautiful as it is functional.

• Live. Laugh. Dream. Who did not want one of these wooden reminders in their homes?

• Books now serve a dual purpose. They not only make for excellent reading material, but also add colour and design depth to a room. In 2016, crafters caught on to the craze of using old books to make headboards, bedside tables and even bookcases!

Also read: 2016 Christmas Shopping List

Future trends?
And what could we be looking forward to in the New Year? Trend watchers predict the return of terracotta tiles – especially as matte feature walls in bathrooms, or for cladding fireplaces.

Do not rip off that cork ‘notice board’ wall just yet – cork will apparently make a huge come-back in 2017.

2016’s Farmhouse Style pastel pinks and blues will make way for jewel tones. Think transparent fabrics, floaty silks and sheers.

According to the trend watchers, we’ll be seeing the last of copper, brass and rose gold.

Those ‘Keep calm’ and other motivational posters will also have to be taken off walls – so say the trend watchers.

The biggest shock, however, must be the alleged gradual move away from open plan homes.

According to some designers, people have come to realise the impracticality of open plan living and 2017 will herald the return of the closed-off kitchen.

(Sources: www.popsugar.com, www.domain.com.au)

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