Trends:The Good, the Bad and the Down Right Ugly

I shun trends!! Well, I will correct myself, trends are a good and fun thing in small easy to take doses. Trends can be costly if you are one of the many that run out as soon as a television show tells you this is 'all the rage' and buy something they are using in a design. There are just a few simple things you need to remember when it comes to following trends, and they are the following;

Keep it simple- Trends in color should be done is small increments that you test before you commit. In other words if you're thinking of painting a wall in some wild blue turquoise color, try painting only one wall in the color first and living with it before you commit the whole room to the color. If you really want to play it safe, paint a piece of paint-able wall paper in the color and hang it to your wall for a week or so and see if it works with you. This is especially handy in a room with changing light from many windows..colors change color in different lighting situations.

Make sure it's changeable- If you must go with a trend it should be one that can change easily. Throw pillows, area rugs, slipcovers, all are things that can be brought in and taken out. Never invest in a trend that is extremely costly and/or hard to remove. Anything that has to be permanently affixed should be given careful thought. We are already seeing now where small glass tile backsplashes are on their way out. This was one of those trends that may come back and bite you later on. Research classic designs to find a better timeless fit for your decorating needs.

Here's some fine examples of using a bold color choice in your home in a safe way, this trend is becoming popular as we speak, Turquoise is a hot color right now:
If it costs a lot, wait, hesitate and wait some more- Big items cost big money, big installations, etc are all red flags in design. Refrain from jumping on bandwagons that promote colors and finishes that have not been deemed classic. The eighties had their brass age, we don't want to go back to that, especially the 'imitation' brass age. 

Good trends-movable, changeable, removable, Bad Trends- fake anything, imitation anything, if everyone is putting it in, wait..wait...wait....Ugly trends- google decorating trends from the decades, 'nuf said.

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Design trends and colors for 2014

Are you looking for a change? Have you been pummeled by the winter and can't wait to migrate to better days and warmer tropical dreams ahead? You're not alone and fortunately, the new trends in color and design are right there with you. 2014 promises to be a year of risk taking, bold colors and jazzy patterns that add interest and personality to your living spaces.

 Caribbean inspired blues and greens are making a splash in décor this year urging homeowners to step out of the safe zone and try a serene blend of cool blues and greens, as well as warm blues and greens. Bright white is still the optimal complimentary trim color, however we're also seeing dark browns and blacks being used with the cool blues and greens as well. With the warm shades of blues and greens, we're also seeing calming creams and vanilla trim coming into play as well. The idea this year is to migrate into a space that feels like a vacation, offering relaxation without compromising style and lively color.
 Pier 1 Imports reflects the trends here
 Mixing and mismatching prints used to be a no no- but in the world of design, rules were made to be broken and we're seeing a shift with regards to what is acceptable and what isn't. We've lived through the stripes and floral mix and match design styles, and now in 2014 we're seeing geometrical patterns, back up on the walls with exciting new styles of wall paper with contrasting patterns to compliment as window treatments and accessories. Spring green is also making a showing in many kitchens, sun  rooms and bedrooms using interesting shapes, lines and patterns. The common denominators are in the colors, not the individual patterns, the result for some may be busy, but for others it can be a complete expression of your inner design rebel.


These concepts in design free up the design spirit in us all as we move into an era that becomes more about making ours homes suit our own tastes and less about pleasing the majority of people in the world. Since the housing market experienced a significant drop in recent years most homeowners now are staying put, and as such are going back to designing homes they love to suit their tastes rather than trying to appease potential low balling buyers. If you can't move, love where you live and that means creating a design, color scheme and aesthetic that appeals to you first. Have fun this year. 2014 says experiment with tropic flavors and patterns. Be happy, don't worry!