Trending is all About Blending

This year more than ever people are “nesting.” More time spent in the home has turned attention to our surroundings, and creating a more healing environment has become a priority. While people’s tastes vary, this year we are seeing a shift to natural materials and transitional styles that simplify and declutter our lives. We spoke with designer Kim Levell of Kim Levell Design to get tips for what’s trending in interior design.

Color and Texture Trends

Think “Scandinavian meets sophisticated treehouse,” says Levell. We are seeing a contribution of weathered teak, as well, in keeping with a more natural look in addition to painted wood. Mix it all up just like metal fi nishes. Pops of color to accent a room are increasingly popular with just about every color making its way in, however, think 70’s version gold, blue, orange, and green as a starting point. Tropical and botanical prints are fabulous for walls, pillows and fabrics. Mix with pale blues and greys or even a solid rich velvet! Muted green is also getting a lot of attention this season. Almost a spinoff of the old avocado green, but with a more medium tone. Wallpaper is the new go-to for spicing up an accent wall. Peeland-stick varieties make it easy to create a one-wall focal point. Whether it’s a black and white theme or a botanical feature wall, adding one “wild wall” can change the dynamics of any room. Two of my favorite resources for bespoke wallpaper are Ananbo Papiers Peints Panoramiques out of Paris and Cara Saven in Cape Town South Africa.

Kitchens and Baths

Decluttering has become a metaphor for living, says Levell. Simplicity and clean lines with natural color palettes are all the rage this year. Plain English Cupboard Makers is a perfect example, bringing their Shaker style look from Britain to the US. Almost a throw-back to the ‘60’s, trends are more squared up with white or lighter counter tops. Marble, concrete and butcher block counters are popular as they weather with you through the years. Wood is making its debut as gold is making a comeback, replacing the chrome/stainless look of kitchen hardware and fi xtures, and a pull away from ultra-modern is allowing more mixed metal looks.

Butler’s Pantries are increasingly popular, creating a secondary kitchen area. This is an ideal haven for a second dishwasher, toaster oven, microwave and storage. Perhaps a nod to the de-clutter trend, keeping the main kitchen simpler and more streamlined.

Bathroom styles are leaning toward more of a greenhouse ambiance, bringing the feel of plants and woods inside. Free standing tubs are often the focal point, and open showers with glass doors that look like windows contribute to a more natural look. Keep counters simple, and don’t be afraid to mix up metals when choosing fi xtures. This creates a very modern/classic vibe.

Bright Ideas for Lighting

Modern lighting is giving way to more of a vintage look and feel. Styles are moving away from metals and woods and people are favoring instead natural ceramics and glass. If you look at your lighting fi xtures more like a piece of art than a necessity, your imagination is the only limit. Making a key investment in something like a pair of show-stopping fl oor lamps can change the tone of a room for years to come.

Better Living Through Technology

Integrating automation into your home can contribute to our self-care and overall well-being. Besides managing temperature, sound systems and security, you can create a more healing environment for yourself and others. “Turning off ” at night doesn’t just mean the lights. You can set Wi-Fi to turn off at a certain time each day which encourages not only your space but your brain to become more restful. Automatic blackout curtains and air purifi ers can also lend to a more balanced sleep cycle.

Reduce/Re-Use/Recycle

Antiques are coming back and there are some great values to be had in mid-century modern pieces right now. We are not talking about Grandma’s overstuff ed couch with the rolled arms, adds Levell, but more like that old armoire with the cleaner lines and classic wood fi nish. Blending this look in a dining room, for example, with contemporary lights and perhaps an old chest creates the transitional look that is trending right now.

Tips For Interiors

Evaluate scale. A large piece of art in a small room can work, but make sure you scale your furnishings accordingly.

Blend things together. Mix diff erent looks and use one key piece to tie them together. An ultra-modern credenza and an antique table for example, can be tied together by a unique mirror.

Keep it simple. When in doubt keep it clean and add one pop of color. This can be pillows, a piece of art or a statement wall.