Elisabeth Stubbs

Warmth and color have taken the place of all gray or white decor.

10 Interior Design Trends

What’s Hot and What’s Not Among Metro Atlantans

BY ELISABETH STUBBS

Are you thinking about redecorating? Many people are apprehensive about room makeovers. Changing designs and layout could mean an expensive mistake. One of the best ways to have confidence in redesigning your space is by researching and looking at trends and timeless designs. However, most home improvement articles are written by designers in New York and California, which is not always helpful for us. I recently conducted a survey about decorating do’s and don’ts among the Atlanta Decorating and Design Advice and Referral Facebook group. Here are 10 design trends and tips from your Atlanta-area neighbors.

Remember, even after reading through trends and insights, it’s your house! If you love something, do it. If you make your choices based on what you like, and not what everybody else is doing, you will always be happy.

Elisabeth Stubbs is one of the owners of Enhance Floors and More, one of Atlanta’s top-rated flooring dealers, located in Marietta. 1. Dark floors are out. Black, gray and dark wood floors show everything, so it is not easy to keep them looking good in active households. To make your floors look new longer, choose a lighter wood. Colors like golden oak, provincial and special walnut resemble real wood.

2. Gray or white everything is passee. These colors feel dull, cold and unwelcoming. Warmth and color are in.

3. Shiplap and many farmhouse styles are perceived as dated. However, barn doors are still trending. Seek out modern designs that aren’t too rustic for a timeless look.

4. Vessel sinks are too messy to use. Farmhouse sinks are still popular, but they are best with new cabinetry, as you must cut into the cabinet beneath when you want to add one.

5. Open shelves in the kitchen look great in magazines, but they are not great in real life. With these shelves, you may have to add dusting your dishes to your chores list.

6. Subway and glass tile is out; it’s too commonplace. Look for tiles with unique shapes, like arabesque and picket.

7. Using countertop material as your backsplash is out. Stone can be busy and overpowering. Waterfall islands receive negative comments for the same reason.

8. Free-standing tubs are classic; they are still sought after. These tubs can make your bathroom feel bigger and more open.

9. Accent walls made of wallpaper or board and batten are popular. They help your rooms pop with varied texture.

10. White Carrara marble countertops look great, but they show everything. Additionally, a lot of people have them, and uniformity is a downside. Varied exteriors and interiors are in demand. Make your space unique.