Aah, 2017. There are many things we would love to forget about the year, especially as regards the state of security globally, or to some, the shifting political landscapes that ushered in new regimes across different nations.

But it would be unfair to say there wasn’t anything to smile about. There was. A LOT. The home décor front especially witnessed significant change in 2017.

It was the year when the world finally decided it had had enough of minimalism, a trend that bordered on a secular religion and which, in essence, was just another form of conspicuous consumption: paring down on stuff yet splurging on exorbitantly-priced, albeit sparse, items. Privileged posturing, some described it.

It was also the year natural wood made a triumphant return, with marble and plexiglass counterbalancing it nicely.

Natural wood also proved an ideal match when coupled with warm metals and rich plush textiles such as velvet, resulting in a classy, lavish ambience that rocked the senses. But not in the tacky sort of way we had grown accustomed to through the four seasons of shiplap craze which, thankfully, fizzled out as the year wore on.

And, of course, we cannot forget the sophisticated pastels, those rich jewel tones that emphasized the luxury while allowing us to be self-indulgent and a tad careless, all in a bid to bring in an element of fun into our homes.

New Year, New Design Trends

Now 2018 is upon us. And it’s out with the old and in with the new.

Perhaps now would be a good time to point out that new fads (in whatever form) are not something that particularly gets our hearts racing.

Maybe it is an unwillingness to let go. While we are not your typical hoarders, we just think it is a little insensitive to abandon a style that’s barely a year old – and one that was working perfectly fine at that – to jump on to the latest bandwagon. “Shiny object syndrome” should be the phrase here, I believe…

Anyways, it is a new year and as is the norm, there will be new home décor trends that will be stirring up a buzz in 2018.

If you are contemplating remodeling your home this year, making some noteworthy design changes, or simply introducing some fresh details to your home décor, here are some popular 2018 home design trends to mull over.

We kept it general to avoid being too constraining.

Color

Color, as in every other year, will be one of the most prominent home design trends in 2018. The last couple of years have seen homeowners stick a lot to whites and grays (aka safe and neutral) in line with the minimalist theme.

But as this trend grows blander, so is the desire to rock things up a bit.

The gravitation towards intense, saturated colors will continue in 2018, whether it be in furniture, kitchen cabinets and appliances, or decorative items, doors, walls, and even window frames.

Indeed, the Pantone Color of the year 2018 will be Ultra Violet, while Sherwin-Williams 2018 Color of the Year is Oceanside, both deep, majestic shades.

Still on the subject of color, expect to see more neutrals gracing walls and artwork this year. Think warm reds, caramel browns or soft ivory.

The underlying need is to create a nesting effect, as people seek to move away from the office-like feel of minimalism witnessed in recent years, to more nurturing and inviting homes that kind of…give us a hug.

Patterns and Finishes

Old is getting new again, and this will definitely be the theme in 2018.

According to Zillow 2018 home design trends, geometric patterns reminiscent of the ‘60s and ‘70s will be making a comeback in everything from chairs, to drapery, to throw pillows, while the Pantone’s Color Institute adds rugs and wallpaper to that list.

Colorful options will also be getting popular in our kitchens, finally replacing stainless steel, as will paneled and vintage options.

Another stalwart from the ‘80s in marble will hasten the phasing out of granite countertops.

Nature

If there is a timeless home design, it has to be houseplants. In what looks to be a continuation of where we left off in 2017, a year when Greenery was Pantone’s Color of the Year, décor featuring plants will be all the rage in 2018.

This is just in harmony with the desire to create homely abodes that are both natural and luxurious at the same time, and houseplants are a perfect way to add a [natural] splash of color to our living spaces. The added bonus is that you don’t have to break the bank to introduce this design.

Other ways homeowners will be looking to introduce nature into their homes is, as alluded to earlier, through incorporating wood products and natural fabrics into their décor.

Sustainability

Going green and smart living will continue to be top on the mind this year, and more so at a time when homeowners are increasingly opting to stay in their current, older houses.

Sustainability will apply on various home aspects such as the doors and siding, windows, as well as the roofing system, with the overall aim of making them more energy-efficient.

So, don’t be surprised to see a wider adoption of, say, reflective asphalt roofing shingles in favor of traditional shingles, as the former are better equipped to radiate heat and also cool the roof’s temperature more effectively.

Balance

Hygge, the Danish design concept meaning “coziness” has been a big deal since circa 2016, as families wrap up themselves in knit throws and light up candles.

In 2018, there are two other design concepts that will be making a way into our homes: lagom, a Swedish word which loosely translated means “just the right amount”, and wabi-sabi, a Japanese theory that advocates for embracing imperfection.

Both concepts signal an abandonment of perfection, and in its place, authenticity and a return to simplicity.

Vogue, Elle Décor and MyDomaine have gone as far as proclaiming wabi-sabi “the design trend of 2018”.

The key to getting it right in your home is to embrace the beauty in being imperfect, regardless of your personal style. Accept the fact that your home doesn’t need to be magazine-style perfect, and instead, aim to keep it authentic and real.