Tiny tiles are one of many trends to say goodbye to when the ball drops on New Year’s Eve.
The year 2018 has been a great one for home design, giving us a renewed focus on wellness and timeless choices. But not every style choice was made to last. Christina Birtcher, a top-rated interior designer with Three Roses Interiors in Portland, Ore., predicts we’ll leave these five up-to-the-minute trends behind in 2019.
1. Mid-century modern minimalism
Clean lines and decluttered spaces were popular in 2018. But Birtcher believes we will soon tire of the totally streamlined look and throw in a dash of nature.
"I am seeing more influences from Morocco and reduction of the mid-century modern minimalist for more vintage, organic and layered textures incorporating bespoke pieces," she said.
Birtcher also predicts a new take on the all-white colour palette. "All-white kitchens and baths will remain popular, but I think homeowners will incorporate organic texture within them," she said. "I think marble and lighter wood tones will continue into 2019."
2. The no-wallpaper rule
Design trends have encouraged a complete rejection of wallpaper since the 1980s. And people have been replacing busy, old-fashioned wallpaper in favour of beige and white walls ever since. But Birtcher is confident new styles of wallpaper will be all the rage in 2019.
"My favourite new trend is the re-emergence of wallpaper," Birtcher said.
"It appears that it’s making a comeback and I am loving this new trend! I believe it will be with us for a while. There is so much creativity, texture and art that we are seeing being transformed into beautiful papers."
3. "Blush"
The Pantone Color Institute selected Rose Quartz as its colour of the year in 2016, alongside a dusty blue called Serenity. This launched blush and rose gold into mainstream home design — popularly paired with creamy whites and marble finishes.
Birtcher predicts that in 2019, interest in these shades will be exhausted.
"I don’t believe the blush pink and rose golds will continue," she said. "I believe they are difficult for most people to incorporate into their homes. I think metallics will replace this look."
It seems Pantone would agree. The institute released a 200-colour collection of metallics called Pantone Metallic Shimmers last month, and it’s certain to inspire fashion and product designers into the coming year.
4. Accent walls
Bold accent walls have been a popular design choice for many years. But Birtcher thinks 2018 is the last year this look will trend for a while, as we lean toward more calm, neutral looks.
Birtcher is prepping her clients for the change.
"If my clients really want that look, I try to incorporate it with just a hint of a darker hue, but not anything that is a huge contrast," she said.
5. Offset horizontal tiles
Style options for tile expand with every year, given enhanced manufacturing technology, new designs and easy peel-and-stick products. But, as with anything that presents near-limitless possibilities, some experiments stick, and some get tired quick.
Birtcher thinks horizontal mosaics are tired.
"Tiny, offset horizontal tiles in contrasting colours on a backsplash for the kitchen and in bathrooms are so busy, and I think this product dates the home," she said.
"Using a softer pattern tile, co-ordinating granite splash or subway tile is a much better alternative. It will retain a time-honoured element in the space without dating it and making your eyes blur."
— TNS
