By Jane Morgan
Spring is coming upon us and the Pantone Fashion Color Report for 2017 already is trending.
As Pantone, the color direction agency for the fashion and design worlds, declares, this year’s colors exemplify “a mixture of vitality, relaxation and the great outdoors.” In particular, the color “Greenery” has been named “color of the year” by the American Society of Interior Designers.
Expect Greenery to be a huge favorite this spring. Modern and nostalgic at the same time, it calls to mind young flower buds and the process of renewal. This color signifies hope, and we all need some of that!
Greenery and Pantone’s other colors are showing up in paint hues, on home textiles and even on furniture.
Yet colors aren’t the only trends to keep in mind as you spring-clean in the pursuit of new beginnings. Here are a few suggestions on what to save and what to scrap.
Bring It On!
Modular sectional sofas
This casual furniture arrangement brings the relaxed, coffeehouse vibe home. Plus, of course, it’s great for snuggling.
Graphic tiles for kitchen and bath
This is such a fresh and modern trend. It’s like using wallpaper for that one accent wall, but tiles accomplish the effect instead.
Geometric prints and patterns
Great because they are so versatile, you can use geometric patterns either as the main focus for the room, or blend them into schemes for a softer overall gestalt that creates contrast.
Also trending:
Lucite/brass and gold metal accents/minimalism
Enough Already!
Midcentury modernism
This trend went from “Brooklyn ironic” to furniture mainstay. If it continues any longer, we will still be looking at it in the mid-21st century! We said goodbye to “Mad Men” a while ago, so let’s clear the set, please!
The color gray
Yes, gray had a very big moment that actually lasted years. It’s a fine color and it served us well, but we’re beginning to feel as if we’re all living in a black-and-white movie. Let’s give it a grand send-off or, at the very least, let it take a back seat.
‘70s-inspired anything
In the latest catalog for a modern furniture store, a famous musician (hint: real-life son of “The Jefferson’s” Roxie Roker and ex-hubby of Lisa Bonet) is shown sitting in a room with black walls, surrounded by woven wall hangings, a patchwork rug, white cube furniture and mirrors everywhere. Trust us, he’s the only person who can pull this off! None of us will ever be that cool, so don’t even try.
Industrial chic
We are so ready for this trend to be over. Who wants to eat on a sawhorse, or hang their coat on a pipe fitting? A very popular home design store recently debuted a bar cart that, we can only guess, is inspired by turn-of -the-century, deep-sea diving equipment. It is perhaps the weirdest thing we’ve ever seen. Are they hoping you’ll feel like Captain Nemo, serving drinks from the bridge of his submarine? We are not 20,000 leagues under the sea, people! Too literal.
Open Concept
Sure, we’re fans of open concept living, but the trend has now been taken to the extreme. Houses are being shown now with basically no walls at all, from kitchen to dining room to living room and beyond. Never mind seeing the dirty dishes all the time — doesn’t anyone ever want to make a private phone call?
So 2016:
Chrome/rose gold finishes/wood block kitchen countertops
Now go throw open the windows!
Jane Morgan, Allied ASID, is founder of Jane Morgan Interior Design, a boutique design firm. To see more of her work, visit www.janemorganinteriordesign.com.
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