2018 Home Design Trends: Wallpaper, High Gloss Lacquer, and More
Finding a home requires trade-offs, whether in the house or neighborhood. And though it’s not easy to change your neighborhood, you can certainly change the way your home looks and feels. To help homeowners and renters make their house a home, the Trulia Design Panel, an expert group of interior designers, home stagers and organizers from across the nation, is here to share their home décor advice and insights.
Ahead of 2018, the Trulia Design Panel gave their predictions for 2018’s big design trends. What’s in, what’s out, and why?
What’s Out
1. Exposed lighting
The ubiquitous, proudly displayed filaments of Edison bulbs and exposed track lighting have been a topic of debate among designers for years, but Hannah Crowell of Crowell & Co. says 2018 is time for them to go.
“I am a lover of all things vintage and appreciate a nod to the past, but it just became too overly saturated,” Crowell says. David Charette of Britto Charette adds, “there is no reason to have exposed track lighting; it can be recessed in drywall for a much cleaner and aesthetically pleasing look.”
2. Granite countertops
Granite has long been the countertop king, but it’s begun to fall out of vogue in recent years in favor of more versatile, low-maintenance materials like quartz.
“Granite is durable, I will give it that, but it lacks the beauty of marble or the sleekness of quartz,” Crowell says.
3. Bamboo flooring
“Bamboo flooring is out, out, out,” says Jay Britto of Britto Charette, citing bamboo’s low durability and the overall tiredness of the trend.
What’s more, while bamboo was once cited as an eco-friendly flooring option, concerns have been raised more recently about its negative effects on biodiversity and carbon emissions.
4. Reclaimed wood
Reclaimed wood gained popularity for its eco-friendliness and rustic aesthetic, but too much of it in the wrong environment can be a real eyesore.
“I think we have been phasing this one out for a bit and I am hopeful this trend continues,” Crowell says.
5. Bohemian tapestries
Put down the mandala and consign the wall-hanging psychedelia to the ’70s.
“These guys had a dormant period from around 1980 to last year, and I think they are headed back into hibernation,” Crowell says.
6. DIY organizing products and projects
Millennials have broadly embraced DIY, including when it comes to improving their homes—but this is one area where finding professional solutions pays off.
“Repurposing items like egg cartons and toilet paper rolls makes your space look junky,” says Layne Brookshire of Ms. Placed Professional Organizing.
What’s In
1. Pattern on pattern
“Using the same pattern for the walls, the windows, and all the accents is dangerous, but if done properly—it’s perfect! ” Crowell enthuses.
She’s almost as excited about the slightly less risky trend of mixing patterns in décor, like in the bathroom of this home in Los Angeles’ Topanga Canyon neighborhood. If you’re seeking guidance, take some tips from the fashion world, which has been acing this trend for years. Jay Britto and David Charette of Britto Charette agree, predicting that, “more and more mid-century patterns will be used in textiles and porcelains in 2018.”
2. Wallpaper
“I still have clients say to me, ‘gross! I hated the wallpaper of my youth!’” Crowell says.
But forget about Grandma’s house. Wallpaper, as seen in the kitchen of this mid-century style home in Los Angeles’ Silver Lake neighborhood, is definitely back in, and forward-thinking designers like Rebecca Atwood and Eskayel are keeping it contemporary and chic.
3. High gloss lacquer on walls
The unmistakable sheen of lacquer, especially combined with eye-catching color like the fireplace and mirror in Courtney Love’s onetime West Villagetownhome, is a sure way to make a room pop—and it’s easy to incorporate on your own in big and small ways.
“It is bold and sexy and makes such a statement,” Crowell says. “I love it so!”
4. Minimalism
Although its merits have been the subject of some debate, minimalism is an omnipresent trend right now and a mainstay in many newly remodeled homes for sale, like this three-bedroom, two-bathroom in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles.
“It may have gotten its start in a trendy way, but the concept sticks and spreads thanks to the undeniable improvement in the overall quality of life,” Brookshire says.
5. Instagram-ready décor
Whether it’s a night out, a new outfit, or a piece of avocado toast, everyone’s looking to get maximum Instagram value out of life these days. So it’s only natural to pursue what Jay Britto calls “upload-worthy” furniture and accessories as well, as depicted by the bedroom of this Bel Airhome.
“The materials will be unexpected, beautiful, and functional,” he says.
6. Strong accent rugs
Layered rugs have been in this year, and rugs will continue to be a big deal in 2018, as seen in the dining room of this SoHopenthouse. “We see really strong accent rugs in interesting shapes and with polychromal color schemes taking center stage,” Britto says.
To learn more about the Trulia Design Panelists, visit: info.trulia.com/truliadesignpanel.
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