Design Trends to Watch in 2016
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine
What are the hot trends to look out for in 2016 in home design? Here are a few predictions from the remodeling and design site Houzz on some of the big trends to expect.
1. Two shades of kitchen cabinets.
The upper cabinets may be a white or neutral but then more designers are trying out deeper colors or wood tones for the lower cabinets.
2. Formal dining rooms are back.
More home owners are opting to keep the dining room and not turn it into an office. The formal dining room is expected to get more attention this year.
3. Multi-purpose kitchen islands.
The “workhorse” kitchen island is about more than just adding workspace in the kitchen, but also for adding more storage, prep sinks, and a way to add extra seating.
4. Mirrors that make a statement.
Medicine cabinets are heading out and now wood-framed, modern, or vintage mirrors are adding more style to bathrooms.
Kitchens are fading into the backdrop as the open layouts infuse more seamlessly into the living room or other spaces in the home. Aiding that trend, more kitchens are featuring open shelves to add to that openness.
6. Sunrooms are hot.
Houzz identified this as one of the top dream spaces for home owners. Some home owners are finding ways to even transform tucked away corners in their home into a sunroom with a few chairs to relax near windows.
7. White kitchens dominate.
White kitchen walls and cabinets and even countertops is a trend with staying power, Houzz predicts. To add some splash to the all-white kitchen, designers are adding touches of color through the tile floors or floor-to-ceiling bookcases.
8. Powder rooms get more bold.
Wall coverings are getting punched up in powder room, that include everything from custom graphics to textured walls. Also, designers are mixing in ornate chandeliers or furniture-like pieces to add some more pizzazz to these spaces.
9. Farmhouse style guides the entryway.
Farmhouse style is catching on, particularly for the mudroom. Simplicity in the storage solutions and durable materials are taking charge.