Trendsetters in Today’s Home: Simple Strategies for Staying Contemporary and Classy
At KBC, we believe that the best way to meet and exceed our clients’ needs is to keep our conversations going. To listen to what they have to say. And to respond thoughtfully.
Often, in the course of our day-day conversations with clients, we hear them express a desire to stay “on trend.” They’ll share clippings from a Houzz.com article of a kitchen remodel or describe a custom-made couch they saw in a magazine. And while we keep our fingers on the pulse of the latest trends in the design world, we ultimately apply those trends with care, consideration, and a long-term strategy. If you’re looking for insights that will keep you out of the “here today, gone tomorrow” fad zone — and keep your home timeless, tasteful and on- trend — read on.
COMPLICATED AND CLUTTERED ARE OUT, CLEAN AND CLASSY ARE IN
Over the last several years, all of us at KBC have witnessed an evolution, a return to traditional, classic design. Gone are the days of “wow, look at that elaborate object.” We’re now in an era of softness. Today’s homeowner is eschewing fussy, large, and ornate, and instead is embracing sophistication and simplicity. Colors have become muted. Gray often plays a major role, with a powerful accent offering just the right punch of color. Wood grains also provide a basis for classic, clean lines.
A TOUCH OF TEXTURE
How else are homes maintaining a look of enduring elegance? By adding texture. Layering and mixing has become a signature design element, one that keeps a home looking chic. Hardware finishes, when done well, bring beauty to a home. Mixing metals and adding a textured wallpaper to a great room, or a backsplash to a kitchen, invite sophistication, depth and warmth to any space.
At KBC, we are dedicated to reimagining the space you call home. If you’re considering designing or refreshing your dream closet, contact us. We’d love to discuss how we can bring our expertise to work for you and your whole home. Reach us at kbcpgh.com, and get social with us on Facebook @KitchenBathConceptsofPittsburgh and on Instagram @kbcpittsburgh.
To give you further guidance, we consulted industry insider Andrea Bernstein Rodarte. Andrea has extensive experience writing about the trends that shape interior design.
SMALL STEPS FOR SMART RESULTS
– By Andrea Bernstein Rodarte
Many of us want to incorporate a trend but aren’t sure where to begin. The good news is that you don’t have to tear down walls or renovate entire rooms. Below are three simple tips for keeping your home contemporary, classy, and fuss-free.
Maintain an adaptable backdrop: By working with a muted color palette (think grays, soft whites, and other neutrals), you make room for what’s fashionable. You can install a piece of colorful artwork or a bold light fixture and still retain an overall look of refinement. If you do make changes to your backdrop, make sure that they allow for flexibility and fun.
Invest in plates and pillows: One year, the hot color is tangerine. The next year, tangerine is out and lime green is in. We know that you want to explore and incorporate some of the latest color palettes; that’s why we recommend a “plates and pillows” strategy. Instead of reinventing your breakfast nook so that it reflects the tangerine trend, invest in festive plates that bring the color to life at your next dinner party. Rather than ordering a custom-made couch in an attention-grabbing color like hot pink, opt instead to purchase a few colorful pillows. Take it one step further with pillows of various textures and sizes.
Keep a conversation going among each room: If you live in a restored Victorian home, each room in the house calls for a certain style. Whether it’s the type of furniture, the rugs, or the cabinetry, every detail should flow from one room to the next. Stepping from a Country French kitchen into a modern, sleek Great room would make a home feel mismatched and at odds with itself. Whenever you’re considering a trend, ask yourself how it will fit with the rest of your home. If the trend stands too far out from the rest of the house, it’s best to re-evaluate. But, if the trend can easily be incorporated so that the flow is maintained from one room to the next, you’re on the right track.
Andrea Bernstein Rodarte is an executive editor and author for national publications including home design publications. She has written extensively about topics ranging from luxurious kitchens and baths to gourmet outdoor kitchens, exterior living spaces, sophisticated child-proof pool fencing, and high tech home security systems. With her extensive history in kitchen and bath products and trends, Andrea brings a knowledgeable and unique perspective to her work.
