All of the design trends reports for 2019 have been coming out and they are fascinating. While many feel like they’re spot-on, others feel like they’re trying to make “fetch” happen. I’ve been collecting these as I see them and I figured why not just spend a little time posting an opinion or twelve.

Overall Themes – Natural and Relaxed
2019 will be moving toward fresh, natural materials such as stone, copper, concrete, quartz and granite. These elements add an organic and serene ambiance to a space. This is in strong contrast to some of the tech-centric décor of 2018.

Benjamin Moore’s Color of the YearMetropolitan AF-690
I can’t complain much here. It’s a nice gray, but also grays have been in for a while. Some designers, like Jeff Andrews of Andrews Design, are opting for stark white and warm neutrals instead. (On a related note, I visited Tahoe over the summer and his Lake Tahoe project is definitely on point. I’m crushing on it!)

Sherwin Williams’s Color of the Year – Cavern Clay SW 7701
Love it. As I mentioned, earth tones are coming back big and this one hits the nail on the head.

Appliances – Not Stainless
I understand where the author in the article above is going. Stainless has been the standard for two decades. However, I still don’t think it’s a sin to go silver. The black matte finishes and fun colors are very cool, though, and offer a great opportunity to stand out and put your own personality into your kitchen.

FloorsNew Products and Creative Applications
Newer materials are growing in popularity as are American-made products. Textured materials will continue to be a very big deal. There are more options to get creative in 2019, with unique patterns and unconventional widths providing the opportunity to show a lot of individuality. Wood and stone-look floors are even more in demand. Contemporary, coastal and farmhouse will be the most sought-after flooring styles next year. Fortunate for us, flooring trends don’t change nearly as often as fashion. Right now we have more options than ever before, and new advancements in technology will continue to ensure we haven’t seen the best options yet.

FixturesBright Metallic, Hammered Finishes and (Yes, Even) Brass
We will see some gold, but there is a shift from bright, reflective gold. Black and darker matte fixtures contrasted with white and bold colors in ceramic sinks are new and trending. What about an 18K Gold toilet? Yes, they really do exist, but we’re going to move on.

LightingIndustrial, Vintage, Unique
Industrial styles and vintage light bulbs will continue to trend.  We’ll see some very unique lighting styles with personalized forms and more ability to adjust strength and color of the light. Geometric shapes will be big.

FurnitureSmaller in Natural Tones and Metals
Natural materials and metals again! “Handmade with a story behind it” will continue to be popular. Check out Fyrn for some cool, modern concepts.  The surge in popularity of mid-century modern has created some interesting hybrids. Wood furniture pieces in solid teak and reclaimed wood will be particularly satisfying.  Oh, and cocktail tables and carts are still in.

Art and DecorMore Etsy, Less Pinterest
I still love to have a few mason jars and terrariums here or there, but it’s time for the real artists to have their day again. In the Northwest there’s no shortage of glass blowers, potters or painters, so go out there and purchase some great pieces from local artists who truly know what they’re doing. Many even offer classes if you still prefer the DIY approach.

That’s year 2019 in a nutshell. Let us know if you’re seeing anything we missed and have fun planning those options packages and model homes.