Oooh, controversial! I know, I know, I’m gonna have a whole bunch of comments across social media and my blog of people getting royally annoyed with me for even daring to do this. But well, what can I say. The thing is trends are weird. In fashion, because we change our clothing seasonally, it makes sense for things to move quickly. But interiors? Well, we hope that what we buy has staying power. I mean, who has the time or the budget to be redoing their bedroom every few months – never mind their kitchen or bathroom – just to fall in line with 2018 trends?
The truth is – and this is something I have ALWAYS preached – that trends are not what you should really be paying attention to for the main decor pieces in your home. Buy what you love year in and year out and sod off what people are telling you is in and out. And by people, I do also mean me. Choosing the large items you absolutely adore is paramount to getting a more timeless style and mixing and matching are essential for that well-pulled-together classic look that just never dates.
But. And yes, it’s a big but (ahem)…. I admit that I do love a good trend. I can’t help myself really and when I want to give a little oomph to my rooms, then sure, I’ll try out something that catches my eye. Here’s the thing – if you do love the odd trend here and there then what you should probably be concentrating on is not that big sofa or your kitchen redesign. Look at your accessories – the little bits and bobs you decorate and zhush up your home with – like cushions or trays or candles or knickknacks. In this way, the smaller bits are cheaper to replace when we suddenly find something is ‘out’ of style or the trend has gotten so far out of hand that you see your mum has the same thing you do and suddenly, you don’t mind dropping it off at the charity shop.
Look as well at your paint colours – if you are loving the newest shade then why not try it out on your walls? Painting a room takes an afternoon at best and when you tire of it, then Β£50 and another afternoon and it’s like it never happened. So yeah, if you want to give these trends a go then do consider doing it cheaply and easily rather than slavishly following every nuance of fashion as it happens. Ain’t nobody got time for that.
So with all that said, here are my predictions for what’s heating up and will be going out for interior trends in 2018…
In: Gold | Going Out: Copper
I’ve been saying this since copper came on the scene but I knew it would never really last (sorry sorry for all you copper lovers out there). I love the look of copper when it comes to things like copper-bottomed pans but once every single shop on the high street comes along with a copper range, it’s time to move on. The thing is, gold and brass do and have always had more staying power. Sure, it fell out of fashion for a while in the 90s and early 2000s after the influx of really cheap looking polished gold was everywhere. But gold finishes have been around for eons – it’s classic, it’s beautiful and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
In: Mixed Material Kitchens | Going Out: All White Kitchens
Don’t get me wrong – I fell for the all-white kitchen look myself and it was at the top of my wishlist when I first moved into my home in 2010. But mixing your finishes provides a much more pulled together look and creates a more eclectic, interesting aesthetic. Plus, white kitchens were just EVERYWHERE a few years ago and they are starting to all look the same. Who wants a kitchen that looks like everyone else’s? It’s time to get a bit more creative.
In: Herringbone Floors | Going Out: White Painted Floorboards
Studio Oink via The Remodelista
Who doesn’t love a good herringbone parquet floor? I for one am desperate for herringbone flooring when we move into our next home. First, because it’s utterly gorgeous but second because the very dark wood flooring we’d initially chosen upon moving in shows up every single piece of fluff from our fur babies and it’s nearly impossible to keep looking clean. White painted floorboards will be similar in terms of their upkeep and that very pale Scandi look is on the wane as people realise how hard it is to keep it all looking so pristine. So it’s time to look at a warm natural wood finish that adds a bit of pattern to the floor. Again, this is a classic look that really never dates.
In: Lilac | Going Out: Indigo
Elle Decor / Photo:Β Debi Treloar & Hans Blomquist /Β Publisher:Β Ryland Peters & Small
I said in this post that I think Violet might be a front-runner in terms of new trends and I’m suddenly seeing it everywhere. Indigo blue is still big but I feel it’s beginning to fall out of favour as we’ve just been oversaturated with dark blue EVERYTHING for the last few years. Personally, I’m welcoming this 80’s favourite but done up in a fresh new way with deeper shades and black.
In: Peach | GoingΒ Out: Millenial Pink
Adore Magazine /Β PhotographyΒ & StylingΒ Citizens of StyleΒ /Β Β WhywoodΒ coffee table from Life Interiors
I have no doubt this will be a controversial one but as much as I love the pale blush-y pink we’ve seen everywhere for the last 12 months, I’m ready for it to be over. There’s only so many pink sofas you can see before you start to think it’s not going to last. I had my eye on a pink chair for a while but I never committed, fearing the trend will be over and everyone will look at my choice in years to come saying, ‘Wow, that is sooooo 2016.’ It’s far too popular to last and that oversaturation is what will kill it off quicker than you can say Instagram Influencer. The soft coral salmon peach is what’s coming – similarly pretty but easy enough to pair with anything to not scare off your other half.
In: Terrazzo | Going Out: CarraraΒ Marble
Yep, as much as it pains me to say it, I have a feeling Carrara Marble may be losing its strength as the finish-of-the-moment. Not marble in general though – that’s still going strong – just not in the white with grey vein that everyone (including me) fell in love with. Terrazzo is going crazy at the moment and I admit, my head has been turned. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing plenty of it in 2018. (And if you are wondering, nope, not a chance I’m getting rid of my dining room table.)
In: Statement Art | Going Out: Gallery Walls
Heidi Lerkenfeldt PhotographyΒ via SF Girl By Bay
The funny thing is, I’ve been saying gallery walls are on their way out for YEARS now (see here). But I really do think 2018 will be the death knell. It’s really more about a curated look for your walls and not piling every single thing that sort of works together in one area. It’s just that bit too busy, too chaotic and everything is gearing towards a more subtle classic vibe. Go bigger, go more statement-making in 2018.
In: Moody Photography | Going Out: Typography
Does everything need to have a catchy saying nowadays? Apparently so and I think we are all getting a little tired of the look. We’ve been scouring houses on Rightmove now for the last 3 or 4 months and I swear if I see one more house with aΒ ‘Live Love Laugh’Β wall sticker above a sofa, I’m gonna take a rusty bread knife to my eyeballs. What I am seeing more and more in more fashionable abodes is moody photography which I admit, I love so I’m probably biased. It’s classy, it’s elegant, it’s a touch mysterious. Leave the typography, letter boards and cutesy sayings behind next year.
In: 70s Glam | Going Out: Mid-Century Modern
Another controversial one, I’m sure but I think when every single home shown on Apartment Therapy for the last 5 years has been awash in MCM, it’s time to move on. I still love the odd piece here and there (in fact, I have two MCM side boards in my home which aren’t going anywhere) but when every single piece in your home is from the same era, it really does start to look a bit dated. It’s time to mix things up and 70’s glam is definitely one to watch. Kelly Wearstler and Jonathan Adler have been inspired by this era for years but I have no doubt it’ll start to move to the bigger retailers soon.
So while I realise it’s a bit early to start predicting next year’s big trends, I’m ready to put my reputation on the line and say these will be some of the key trends in interiors for 2018. Of course, there are others that I’m aware of from terracotta to velvet to hand-thrown ceramics but this blog post is long enough so I’ll leave it at that! Β Now, it’s time for you to give me your predictions. What do you think it’s gonna be huge and what do you think is on its way out? The comment box awaits!
I love this post! Not only because I agree with lots that you say. I’m kind of over copper and also yay to lilac walls. My husband will be happy without gallery walls. He loves a statement piece. X
I’m completely with you when it comes to trends – I don’t to really tend to follow them, although I think it can be nice to bring them in a little in terms of accessories etc. I’m more than happy with many of the new trends coming in. I’ve been a big fan of gold for quite some time and not so much of copper, so that appeals to me. I do love Carrera marble though. x
Jenny | LuxeStyle
Hi Kimberly
Loving all these predictions, You are spot on (but as someone who grew up with peach everything in the 70’s/80’s I may have to pass on that one ) Still I agree its a big trend!
You are so much younger than me so I absolutely understand where you’re coming from on that one!
I’m gonna go with lilac and run with it…
Ash xx
PS love a post with a bit of controversy and they are always good for starting a discussion right?
Afterall thats what blogging is all about.
I agree with so many of these (especially the mixed kitchens prediction). My prediction? Very controversial but I’ll say it anyway… grey is on its way out. At least I hope haha. Everything I own is grey and I need an excuse to make my home look warmer and more colourful! In our new kitchen I’ve tried to go for warmer taupe, cashmere and cream kinda colours as my neutrals. Who knows though hey!
I agree with you that grey’s appeal is starting to fade as we strive to achieve more warmth in our homes. I’m a huge fan on Greige and love Taupe as I always think it looks expensive. Let’s see if we’re right…
Sarah aka Girl About House
So with you here! Great post and very astute that when the high street becomes saturated with a look, it’s time to move on. The only one I’m really clinging onto is Carrara marble as I feel it’s a classic material that can slot into most schemes pretty effortlessly. ππ»
Sarah aka. GIRL ABOUT HOUSE
very interesting, some articles I’ve read predicting trends seem to be a little lazy and not thought through very well but I think yours all make sense. Definitely less copper, less typography and less MCM but I hope navy blue stays around a while as I have my heart set on a dark blue kitchen! I think I’m ok as that fits in with your idea of ignoring trends when it comes to the big purchases so navy blue it is but maybe with some mixed materials!
Good post as always Kimberly. I don’t go all out for trends put just try and put a few touches I really like in.
When Keith painted our kitchen last year a navy blue I knew I wouldn’t want to change it for a good few years (really Keith I mean it lol), and I’ve always preferred gold to copper. xxx
Decor trends are tricky little beasts. It’s like, you see something new, you fall in love, and then you quickly get tired of it after seeing it EVERYWHERE. So, I’m totally with you on not breaking the bank for those big, long-term items. I think your predictions list is right on. Copper has been over-done (though I still love it…I just use ALL the metals… haha) and, although typography is fun, it’s kind of gimicky. I’m really excited about the resurgence of photography. Gotta love those pieces that tell a story. As for Carrara marble, that one is too beautiful to let go.
Brilliantly written post Kimberly! Each to their own, and people should go with what they really love but I agree with your predictions about where the general trends are going, although I don’t think Carrara is quite going out. I grew up in a home with terrazzo floors so find it exciting to see this material in homewares like lamps. Can’t quite see myself using it in a kitchen though. Anyway, love all the inspiration you’ve pulled to illustrate your points!
Very much agree with you here on pretty much everything! I’ll be glad to see the back of the gallery wall!
Love this post! ππΌ I’m seeing a lot on velvet at the moment (especially in sofas) but I feel like it’s such a timeless material that it will never really be out. I loved all your predictions and do hope that most of them are right π X
Lovely post as usual, however I do think that Gallery Walls are here to stay for a little while! (I hope so, I’m just putting one together in the kitchen diner!) I think it’s perfectly fine to be controversial, gets the juices of conversation flowing! I think the move back to peaches and browns herald a slight return to the 70’s, although been through those awful wallpapers the first time round I’m not quite sure I can go back to it. Oh those shades of orange, purple and brown!
I’ve got to say I do agree with most of these. You’re a great trend predictor! Copper has indeed been done to death which is sad as I really loved it but I’ve gradually gone off it the more and more I see it everywhere. I’ll be happy to see peach replace Millennial pink. It’s far warmer and works wonders with wood. I can’t get on board with Lilac though, but maybe that will change the more I see it.
Kimberly, I love you and I agree with every single choice that you have made but one! Indigo is still beautiful!! You make me want to cry haha! I loved this post and especially the pictures. So pretty!
I think you’re right about the trends as you are usually on the money.
I also think you are right that people should pick what they love, after all you have to live in your home day in day out. And we all want to come home to somewhere we love, right?
I love this post!!! You are on fire. I agree with it all and some can not come soon enough. (I.e. Typography & gallery walls) I’m proud to say I have neither. Indigo and dark moody blues I absolutely adore so I hope they stay around a bit longer (I love my Navy Velvet drapes). The other “trend” I’m personally over is Farmhouse! There is just only so much shabby and shiplap one can stand. Lol. Your killing it Girlfriend. Keep on keeping on. I always love reading your blog. Xoxo-Jenn (ModernVintageRanch)
Totally agree! I follow a lot of interior designers and I’d add beige as the new “it” color to replace gray. Warmer combos – like red and black with brass – will replace the ubiquitous white/gray/silver/bleached-wood combos of recent years. And all the mid-century, simple clean lines will swing toward more curves and visual interest. Anyway, that’s what I am seeing!
Love your predictions and agree that we’re going to be seeing more taupe-y beiges coming in replacing greys! I love the thought of more curves too :) Thanks so much! xx
When we updated our kitchen, I went with white to brighten it. I don’t care if that goes out, I love it. However, the dark woodlook floors are a beast! We have three fawn colored pugs and I can see hair everywhere! I really would love to re-do them, but hubby would kill me.
Lovely post I definitely think mixed materials is going to be huge in Kitchens and bathrooms and covered a post on this myself π Great tips and ideas and trend alerts X
Hi! Just came across your blog and I love it :) . I’m due to move into my new home in a few weeks and looking forward to decorating it. Unfortunately all the ‘trends’ I’d been eyeing up and planning in my head (esp the gallery wall as I like photography) now seem to be on the way out!! Playing with bright colours in the first go sounds daunting for me… but its good to know the sort of things to look out for! Thanks x
Hi, just accidentally came across your blog when I find something about interior through Google, then it brings me to this post. Love it a lot!
Ahh that’s so cool! Nice to have you visit Nha ;) xxx
I’ve been saying it all year, next year is the return of the 70’s. Smoked black glass on darker woods. Peach everything! Animal print and way more eclectic style. Totally agree with all that you’ve said, and I am so excited to turn our backs on scandi style!
I agree with ALMOST everything here, lol! Copper will always and forever be bae for me….but thatβs mainly because Iβm into old school
Vintage copper pieces. The ones that retain their value as they age. But everything else i think and hope is spot on. And i personally LOOOOVE indigo and lilac together so thatβs a power couple as far as Iβm concerned!
Oooh I actually TOTALLY agree with you with regard to more ‘old school’ copper (which is why I mentioned copper bottom pans) – I don’t think that kind of thing ever really goes out of style! It was more the ‘new’ copper items that I felt were on their way out :D And YES for lilac & indigo together, total winning combo! xxx
Such a nice blog. You have such a good taste. I love your writing and pictures as well. Inspirational and beautiful women! :) Speaking about 2018 trends, are you sure about gold? :O Nice! I don’t know why, but I thought that gold is the old fashioned thing… :D my mistake! And one more thing, as I rely on your taste, I would like to ask your advice. What do you think, will such DIY roller blinds: https://www.decoshaker.com/diy-roller-blinds for the home will be popular in 2018? I would like to get some for my bedroom and living room, but first, I really want to hear your opinion. :) Can’t wait for your answer!