The appeal of all-white kitchens endures, but we can expect to see an update on this class look by way of a repeating accent color. "To customize an all-white space, try throwing in some beautiful window treatments, a colorful island or stools, or a distinctive light fixture," says Carla Aston of Carla Aston DESIGNED.
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No longer overlooked for the gleam of stainless steel or chrome finishes, brass is taking over bathrooms—and kitchens and living rooms—in the form of faucets, fixtures, and accessories. "Brass is back with a vengeance," declares Antonino Buzzetta, New York City interior designer and guest speaker at this January's Metro Curates Show on the topic of "Past to Present: Design Beyond the Boundaries."
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Au naturel is in, rattan being the go-to neutral for its subtle pattern. "Its color and texture will be big this year to create personality-packed spaces," says Sara Gilbane Sullivan, principal designer of Sara Gilbane Interiors and Metro Curates Show panelist. "The ease that rattan brings to a room is timeless."
"The use of pattern throughout a space on all surfaces is coming back," observes interior designer Patrick Mele, who also spoke at the Metro Curates Show. To make it work, unify different patterns with a coordinating color scheme or choose one dominant motif and layer other smaller prints that complement it.
Rustic tables, benches, and chairs with a modern edge to them will be popular this year, reports Sharon Radovich, principal of Panache Interior Design in Austin. "Juxtaposing organic elements like wood or stone with smooth metals or translucent acrylic is a clever way to add both natural and modern touches to any space," she says.
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While calming hues like soft gray will continue to be popular in home design, Claire Paquin of Clean Design Partners has noticed more layering of bold colors on those neutral backgrounds. "Clients are getting more comfortable—and are even craving—unexpected, bright colors like aqua, berry, orange, and chartreuse," she reveals.
In the realm of kitchen renovation, consider your options very open. Jason Landau, owner of Amazing Spaces LLC, predicts a continued trend of opening up enclosed kitchens to adjacent rooms for a larger living-dining-kitchen area. "Many people will forego a traditional kitchen table and use a formal dining table in the expanded space," he says.
For more on interior design trends, consider:
See the Most Highly Anticipated Colors of 2015
Make Your Fireplace Mantel Fit for a Magazine
9 Things You Never Thought to Paint—But Should
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