Gone are the days when expensive, huge furniture, decor and appliances where the norm. Today, when it comes to home decor, more and more people are opting for a more casual, simple and functional look. You need to create a living space that is welcoming and cosy, not big, open and intimidating. These days less is more in home decor. People want a more casual and easy lifestyle, while still maintaining the creature comforts and upscale amenities that go along with it. Here are some current trends that home owners seem to be enjoying:

 

Surface selections

 

Laminated and tile countertops have seen its day. The new thing in home decor seems to be Granite and Silestone. Concrete is also becoming increasingly popular with many people opting for a more industrial look. Concrete is also in because it can be stained to match any decor and is quite durable. Granite and silestone are comparable in price; however, concrete is usually less expensive while still providing a contemporary and luxurious feel.

 

Outdoor living areas

 

Many home owners are now expanding their family living spaces to the outside. Outdoor kitchens, covered patios, lanai's, fireplaces and fire pits are all the rage in design and home decor terms.

 

Wood flooring continues to be a popular choice for traditional homes. But instead of common woods like oak and cherry, more people are looking to bamboo and cork as a quirky alternative. Besides that, these types of woods offer more hardiness and sound insulation properties, and well as offering more environmentally friendly elements. Bamboo and cork can regenerate in three years, compared to the 30 years for oak and cherry.

 

Metal surfaces

 

Stainless steel seems to be on its way out, with bronze and copper being the new metals of choice. Shiny chrome is replacing brushed nickel as the accent metals on faucets and fixtures, as well as wall plaques and accessories.

 

Kitchen appliances like stoves, refrigerators and dishwashers are also incorporating themselves into furniture design and cabinetry. Laundry room appliances are expanding to new bold colours like teal and red.

 

Walls

 

Walls coverings are becoming popular once again, but not with typical wall paper. Wall murals are all the rage for home decor, particularly custom made or hand painted ones.

 

Mirrors are also making a comeback. Mirrors have for a long time been used by designers to create the illusion of light and space. These days’ beveled tiles and large framed mirrors are being used to complement smooth contemporary styles.

 

Colour trends

 

Colours in style continue to be varied; however, jewel tones seem to be used often to accent a colour scheme. Browns, taupe’s, and grays are often used as the staple or background colour, while muted shades of jewel tones are popular wall colours for dining and formal rooms.

 

Design styles

 

Feng Shui is becoming quite trendy these days thanks to its environmental elements. Feng Shui's main concern is the relationship between man and nature with many people hiring Feng Shui design experts to redesign their living and work space.

 

Many people are also opting for the new design buzz word 'eco-chic', commonly described as 'modern design with a conscience'.

 

Eco-chic is about recycling, reusing and reducing. Many people are inclining towards environmental consciousness these days, leading designers to offer a more environmentally sounds aspect to home decor.

 

These days its all about individuality, comfort and style. Trends are great for now, but if you are not a fan, remember that fad home decor will die down. Choose designs that work for you and your family, and that you can afford.

 

Author bio

 

This article was written by Liquorish and offers advice on home décor trends.