My Favourite Decorating Trends for 2016
Yeah, it's February and I'm pretty late to the party on this one. Let's just call it "fashionably late". So in my fashionably-late fashion, I've compiled my top 10 decorating trends for 2016, I've selected the trends that can easily and affordably be incorporated into your home. So get ready cause these are my best-of-the-best, my fave-of-the-faves decorating trends of the year.
1) Metallic Accents (aka my favourite decorating trend)
I had to start with my favourite decorating trend, I am super, and I mean suuuupppperr into gold accents right now. They add a bit of glam to any home. I’ve got a can of spray paint on stand by, waiting to transform a few of my existing objects into the perfect metallic accents. Maybe you’re into gold, like me, or maybe it's silver or bronze. Maybe all of them! You know what? It doesn't matter, go ahead and mix 'em up, cause that's "in" right now as well. There's a few ways to master the mix, you might choose a one dominant metal, then a constrasting metal as an accent. Or you could separate the metals by height in your room. Objects on the wall (higher portion of the room) could be silver, while the accents on coffee table and side tables (lower portion of the room) are gold, this way they compliment each other without fighting each other. Just google "how to mix metals" and you're well on your way.
A. Indigo | B. Ikea | C. Ikea | D. Indigo | E. Anthropologie | F. Structube | G. West Elm | H. CB2 | I. Indigo | J. Anthopologie | K. West Elm
2) Dark Colours
This year we're going to see a move towards richer, darker shades. Dark walls are going to make statements like never before! What I love about this trend, is metallic accents work really well in contrast and add pop. 
Benjamin Moore Colours: Gentleman's Gray | Stonecutter | Chrome Green | Vintage Wine | Caponata | Black
3) Consignment Furniture and Decor
More and more furniture consignment options are popping up, providing more options for used furniture and decor. This is a great way to find really unique pieces for a fraction of the cost. A few Toronto-based shops include; Elle and Eve, Transition Squad, A Changing Nest, The Singing Lady.
4) Scandinavian-Inspired Design
Yes!!!!! So much yes, this style is the perfect combination of simplicity, minimalism and functionality.
5) Intricate Wallpaper
Wallpaper has gotten a bad rap in the past. Luckily, it’s evolved a lot. There are so many incredible designs that can transform a room from 'meh' to 'heck yeah!'. Not to mention it's easier to install and remove than it used to be. From guided metallic wallpaper (be still my heart!) to intricate designs. This is an easy and affordable way to make a statement in any room.
Top left: Urban Outfitters | Top right: West Elm | Bottom left: Walmart | Bottom right: Graham BrownOther wallpaper retailers: Home Depot, Target (sorry Canada, if you're like me, you're still grieving this loss), Anthropologie, Rollout
6) Oversized Art
Move over gallery walls 'cause oversized art is back! I’ve always loved huge art on a wall. It’s simple, contemporary and packs a huge punch. Plus, you can say good-bye to the anxiety associated with the stress of hanging gallery wall (is that just me?). But please, under no circumstances should you ever, and I mean ever, buy that huge Audrey Hepborn canvas at Ikea. Ok? Ok.
Oversized art can get pricey, but there are affordable options. The look in the picture above can be acheived easily and affordably by purchasing a large Ribba frame from Ikea ($24.99), and finding a poster online ($38.99). Make sure the size fits the frame, and don't stress if it's too big you can always cut it down to fit. Easy-peezy, oversized art for only $70.75.A few online retailers I like are; Etsy, All Posters , Society6 and Minted. If you know of any other great online options for art (bonus points for Canadian companies*) post them in the comments! *By bonus points, I really just mean virtual high fives.If you're techy, you could also design something yourself and have it printed at Staples or any local printer. And if you want to get really creative, buy a large canvas and paint something abstract.
7) Mixing Old and New
I love the look of mixing old with new, this is something I am looking to incorporate into my home. It adds so much more personality. Plus, what’s great about this trend, is that it’s super easy create this look on a budget (ahem, remember number 3?).
8) Bring in Green
I’m gonna be honest. I’ve avoided real plants, I kill them. I’ve killed bamboo, succulents and I’d probably kill a cactus if I had the chance. I'm ashamed to say I’ve gone the faux route. Till now. Life is an important element of any space, and I’m determined to make it happen in my home (and my clients homes). So, this trend is being added to my 2016 goals, stay tuned for a future blog post on this topic. Feel free to share your experience with plants and what ones are the hardest to kill. Cause those are gonna be my jam.
9) Funky Facades
That's right, take your Ikea favourites and turn them into something completely different. Now you can furnish your home with ikea, without everyone knowing, now there's a trend I can get behind! So, have some fun and reface a piece of furniture from ikea, or you can find something used. This is a fun way to add pattern or texture (or maybe even a metallic accent...the obsession is real, folks) into your home.
10) Statement Mirrors in Bathrooms
First of all, I think every room needs a statement piece. Now, you don’t want to go over the top, some rooms might have something more in your face, while others are a bit more subtle. Ideally, the statement piece says something about your personality. If your house is missing statement pieces then it’s time to start thinking about how to incorporate something that makes people talk, and makes you smile! Thank you trend number 10, for giving us the kick we need to get this started!
A. Urban Barn | B. Crate&Barrel | C. Anthropologie | D. Ikea | E. CB2So there you have it. The best-of-the-best, the fave-of-the-faves. I'd love to hear what you love or hate about about my top 10 list, or what your favourites are. Don't be shy, let me know in the comments. And stay tuned next week, for my first video. It's sure to be a whole lot of embarrassing, but I hope also provide some great tips on how to incorporate trends into your home.