4 fun and fabulous design trends

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With a focus on beauty, elegance and ease of living, the latest emerging interior design trends are anything but passing fancies.

Although the definition of a trend suggests something that is fleeting and impermanent, the following four fresh and fabulous design-forward trends focus on blending old-world timelessness with a modern-flair and are sure to add some playful dimensions and long-lasting pizzaz to any home.

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Wall Treatments

“Gone are the days of flat stock baseboards and casings,” says Alykhan Velji, a Calgary-based interior designer who works locally, nationally and internationally. “We’re seeing the resurgence of wall moulding details, which add a traditional nod to a space. We’re also seeing more additions of crown mouldings to add a historical feel.”

When it comes to how the detailing is used, it all really depends on the space. For example, using the detail on simple white walls creates a sense of expansiveness, whereas using the detail on a dark, rich colour would create a more dramatic feel.

“The great thing about wall moulding is that the sky is the limit. You can add in a chair rail to help break it up or even try a thicker moulding,” says Velji.

He also suggests incorporating arched doorways and windows (also trending this year) to create layers of pattern. “The curves are a great way to add softness in a space and to break up the hard lines of the squared off moulding details.”

“The great thing about wall moulding is that the sky is the limit, you can add in a chair rail to help break it up or even try a thicker moulding.

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Texture

Texture is the perfect way to add depth, dimension and decadence to a space. It creates a visual tone and influences a home’s look and feel. Without texture, a space will fall flat.

“It actually changes the way that we read a room,” says Victoria Epp, show home project lead for Baywest Homes.

“Texture can really be added to any room and through various ways,” says Epp, noting that its use can ramp up the look of any design style.  “Even the most sleek and modern designs use texture through contrasting materials and unusual pairings like sleek glass or metal elements with velvety soft furnishings.”

Not only can texture be introduced through textiles and the use of layering when decorating, but also through home finishes — think rough-hewn stone, wood, brick and marble. It also works in conjunction with colour and pattern. And, don’t underestimate the effects of textural wall treatments, like plaster swirls or sanded paint. Wallpaper is also a failsafe choice that adds elegance and ups the design ante. Made of materials like linen, grass cloth, wool and even silk, wallpaper doubles down on texture, pattern and colour.

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Moody Colours

Soft, alluring and full of drama, moody colours (think jewel tones like ruby, emerald, jade and sapphire) add dimension and often a full-stop exclamation to a room (imagine a dining room swathed in matte black walls).

“Darker, moodier colors create an incredibly cozy atmosphere. The richness and contrast you can create in a space with dark walls is why I gravitate towards them,” says Courtney Molyneaux of Amanda Hamilton Interior Design, adding that all design esthetics lend themselves to a touch of colour.

So, what is the best way to use colour?

“We’re seeing more and more people commit fully to an entire room, ceilings and trim included,” says Molyneaux. “But, it’s really dependent on someone’s comfort level,” noting that committing to drenching an entire room in a deep shade can be intimidating. In this case, she suggests starting small by using drama-filled colours in the furnishings and the accessories or going big and hitting the entire room with colour, but using a neutral white for the trim.

“White provides a relief and a welcome contrast to a dark paint color if you’re afraid it will feel too dark,” she says, also suggesting a feature wall as stepping stone into a full-colour room.

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One thing that is key when working with colour is to always do a test swatch to see how the paint shows up in the room.  

“Light is what makes choosing a paint so difficult,” says Moyneaux. If a room is light-filled, darker colours will always read lighter. The flipside is true if the room gets very little natural light. 

“In this case, a darker colour could make it feel cave-like,” says Molyneaux, suggesting a quick fix — “bring on the ambient lighting.”

Standout Staircases

Often overlooked as a powerful design element, staircases have the potential to demand centre stage in the landscape of a home’s overall look and set the tone for pure expression of architectural beauty. “The staircase is one area that you can achieve an unexpected wow factor,” says Luke Obodzinski of Dream Ridge Custom Homes.  “In most high end and custom homes, we are used to seeing great cabinetry, flooring and finishes, but the staircase is often left to just be a functional unit.”

Known for its stunning and unique staircases — they are truly art — Dream Ridge Homes custom-creates staircase designs for each specific home and site; some are crafted from plaster, others have floor-to-ceiling glass.

“Gone are the days of intricate details. Everything is sleek, with no visible hardware,” says Obodzinski.

On trend right now are hardwood risers — no carpet, no runners, no MDF — just wood on the rise and the run, as well as round and sleek spindles, minimal handrails and no posts.

 “We’re still seeing a lot of glass, especially in ultra-contemporary homes. But in homes where there are small children, the glass is where we find the little hand prints, so in this case we are seeing metal spindles, and wood rail, as it adds the softness to the spaces.”

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