Your home is no longer the place to store your things or crash at the end of a busy day. Instead, it is now the place to work and play. The Decorators Unlimited Interior Designer Emily Iwaskewycz has her top four trends for this spring and summer, as seen in Coastal Design.
STYLE
Modern style is the trend as clients want sleek and uncluttered homes. When deciding on your color palette, keep the foundation neutral and add personality with pops of color through pillows, artwork, accessories, and area rugs.
The heart of the home, AKA your kitchen, should be inviting. Having a two-toned kitchen is on-trend. I suggest incorporating different shades and textures through cabinetry, countertops, and hardware.
MATERIALS
With people wanting to reconnect with nature, I am seeing a resurgence in using natural materials. Sustainable materials like marble, stone, quartzite, and hardwood restore the ambiance of the outdoors.
And bring on the spaghetti sauce, muddy dog, and jumping kids. Performance fabrics make cleaning a breeze. These durable fabrics have come a long way from the microsuede days when it comes to style and functionality. So you can host book club on your white sofa while serving merlot.
Wallpaper is not just from your grandma anymore. It’s a key trend for 2022. Don’t be afraid to combine dramatic patterns, layered textures, and complementary colors.
SPACE
In 2022, four spaces that were once considered “luxury” rooms are now essential.
Elevated outdoor living spaces bring calmness to your chaos. Your outdoor haven should include a refrigerator or wine cooler, grill, TV, and a firepit. In addition, I suggest that my clients’ outdoor living spaces have motorized screens.
Since driving to work is so 2019, creating a functional home office is crucial to keep you on top of your workload. Desks with doors that have pull-out shelves for printers and panels to cover wires will keep your space decluttered. And for all your Zoom calls, consider a feature wall behind you because we all know the virtual background doesn’t cut it.
Whether you have an online fitness subscription or go old school, home gyms should include ample lighting, full-length mirrors, storage, and proper placement for equipment that need a power source.
Finally, designate a flex space or dual-purpose room for indoor entertaining and activity because men aren’t the only ones who deserve caves. There are endless ways to customize your flex space to match your lifestyle. Maybe it’s a home theatre or game room, or perhaps you don’t have an extra room for an at-home gym or office. The versatility of this room adds value and purpose to your home.
LIGHTING
One of the easiest ways to update your home is to change your lighting. Incorporate natural lighting as often as possible, but don’t shy away from statement fixtures. These can become the jewels of your home. From boldly designed lamps to sculptural fixtures, lighting brings personality to your space and can become a design focal point.
At the end of the day, your home should be functional for your lifestyle as well as a sanctuary to escape with family and friends.
