Fresh and natural is in, and less is more. Or so says noted interior designer, Ben Sundermeier. “The things we see coming are more natural, a little bit of green,” explains Sundermeier. “In wall coverings, it’s back to grass cloth, back to organic textures like raffia or handmade paper.”
In the KITCHEN, the trend is towards Old World cabinetry in wood or painted finishes. The goal is to make the “kitchen furniture” (including the cupboards) fit in with the rest of the house.
Brushed nickel and cold stainless steel are out, warm-hued copper and brass fixtures and hardware are in. Also out are divided sinks, to be replaced by over-sized single ones.
Even cleaning products and hand soap are being overhauled – antiseptic and floral have been given the heave-ho in favor of soaps scented with fruit and herbs (which tend to go better with cooking odours).
As for COLOUR, blue is huge, and not just for boys’ bedrooms anymore – a clear “French” blue or a medium blue tinged with iris are both suitable anywhere paint is applied.
Yellow is also making a come-back, both for color accents and as a dominant room cover. Light wood stains are replacing darker stains, while the “raw” unstained look is also gaining in popularity.
BATHROOMS are going hands-free with motion-sensor faucets and toilets. Oversized jet-tubs are being jettisoned in favor of oversized walk-in showers.
The latest tile-style is stacked stone. In the same theme, and if money is no object, you can replace your jettisoned jetted tub with a stone one.
DÉCOR has a definite Post-modern flair, with whimsical forms and brilliant colors. Fabrics and tableware favor Primitive designs and abstract floral motifs. Pieces such as tables, chairs, ottomans and sectionals boast built-in hidden compartments to keep personal and electronic devices out of sight.
Grass cloth is back, but with a more refined finish and wider palette to choose from.
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