What are the current trends in home decor?

This week interior designer Lucy Bartley talks about the current trends in home décor.

Colours

Neutral grey is definitely a key colour this year, it sets a cool sophisticated balance and can be used minimally with charcoals and white.

Monochromatic colours are trending too, with warm, cool, dark and light layers of the same hue. (Monochromatic colours are all the colours (tints/tones) of a single hue, extended using its shades/tones/tints).

Wallpaper

With wallpaper anything goes! There is a style, colour, theme to suit all.

The trend however is towards introducing a splash of colour – subtle or bold, and to add texture – a layering effect with contrast to the interior.  

Feature walls are still current, and are an easy way to add a visual statement, colour and pattern to a room with less being more.

Statement lights

Either as a large oversized pendant or floor standing item.  They almost become a work of art and give a room character and contrast.

Carpet

Carpet tones are now very much towards grey and taupes. This gives a good neutral base and allows a versatile backdrop for all furnishings.  The cream/ivory palette is now going much more towards stone and oatmeals which again are more versatile. Velvet pile and loop are also popular.

Natural flooring too is going towards more greys/charcoals.

General trends

• Over sized sofas with living rooms becoming more relaxed places for lounging. Less formal sofas, with the need to sprawl on either a chaise end or sectional sofa.
• Mixing old with new, so a rustic dining table with modern sling back chairs, or transparent or eiffel  style chairs.
• Pairing contrasting materials and items that you would think will not work but do – emphasise the qualities of both and add character.
• Simple four poster beds with a contemporary slim profile.