What’s Hot In 2016 Decor and Design

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Homes often times seem as trend-conscious as the latest runway show. With fancy roof lines or sleek and modern exteriors; floral-print decor comes and goes; the bigger the better then the tiny house fad. One thing’s for sure: conformity is not part of homes in 2016. Here’s some of what you can expect to see on the home front in the upcoming year.

The Housing Market

New home sales in Ottawa should rebound by four per cent over 2015, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. That’s due to an increase in starts for relatively affordable row housing. Starts of single detached homes will stay flat in 2016. The average price of a new, detached home in Ottawa is predicted to hit $525,000 this year, up from a predicted $517,000 in 2015.

Renovation Trends

Renovators will have plenty of work to go around in 2016 as Canadians continue to spend more on renovations than on new home buying. The renovation trend comes as part of continued growth in the stock of existing homes while new construction remains soft. Kitchen renovations are now a big thing and with the increase in high-tech appliances like steam ovens and smart coffee makers, spaces need to be designed around the appliances.

Design

We have a love affair with contemporary designs and bold, modern prints as opposed to traditional home designs. In some cases, we like homes that have a traditional exterior but a sleek, modern interior.

In 2016, open-concept layouts are as popular as ever due to people opting for smaller homes in terms of affordability. Large windows, curb-appealing front elevations and smarter storage spaces are in demand.

Kitchens & Bath

Kitchens will continue to have transitional designs with modern slab cabinetry doors but we still love wood in kitchens, whether in butcher block style counter-tops (granite continues a slow decline) or in jointed wood drawers. High gloss or super-matte cabinet finishes are growing in popularity. Super matte doesn’t show fingerprints and, if mildly scratched, some can even be repaired by heating the surface with a hair dryer.

Paint and Colour

Any colour you like will probably be in catalogues this year. Everything from deep, lustrous golds to muted greens are in. Experts say the trend is to pair two tones such as Rose Quartz (a soft pink) and Serenity (a tranquil blue) which when paired together, reflect connection and wellness, order and peace.

Dark, rich tones such as navy and charcoal for accent walls and fabric elements are trending.

Furniture and Lighting

The Scandinavian influence is hot on the market. When it comes to furnishings, the status quo is out the window and blending styles is all the rage. The market is seeing purposed or refurbished existing pieces, mixed with new, quality items. It’s a style mash-up which reflects blended families or people coupling up later in life than in the past, with both bringing best possessions to the union.

Decorating styles are much broader thanks to the Internet, television and magazines.

The new generation of Scandinavian furniture designs is a spin on earlier trends but with new colours and flair. Light-coloured woods are popular.

Lighting has no limit, whether it’s mid-century modern, old rustic wood that’s been reclaimed or a statement piece with glam, chic or funk.

Decor

The big trends in 2016 go from patterned furniture and fabrics to floor coverings made of natural materials such as jute, sisal or raffia. Floors seem to be large-scale patterned stone. Furniture is fitted with skinny pin legs.

Texture and floral prints are huge! For texture, faux fur accents and rugs are big, especially when thrown over the back of living room chairs. Woven basketry and hand-worked leather add a homey element.

Landscaping

Backyards are reflecting the outside world’s influence on our personal space. Some homeowners still opt for the luxurious backyard spa experience, events like the war on terrorism in Syria and terrorist attacks in Paris and elsewhere are sparking a desire to retreat from the unpredictable chaos to a protected space that is safe and familiar, a cocoon or nest of tranquility and peace.

A patio set under string of lights or cozy evening spots around a fire pit will be popular this yea. Nostalgia for simpler times may see the use of classic materials such as wood, stone and poured concrete but with a modern and geometric twist.