It’s one of the most anticipated times of the year for us Calgarians, when we get to throw off those nasty parkas, get out our shorts and flip flops and head out to shop for fresh spring finds for the home. We bring you the definitive list of what is ‘in’ and what is ‘out’ for the new season ahead:
So What’s ‘Out’ For 2017?
Well, dark granite, espresso cabinetry, and grey have had their day. They had a good run, but all were considerably dark and in a badly lit home, were drab. Homes, whether we have just moved in, or are about to move out, should be bright and inviting. We want our guests to enter a brightly lit home, not one that makes them feel like they are entering a darkened space. Dark black granite and grey walls mute the light in a home, and dark cabinets steal light, instead of reflecting light in a kitchen. You want a lot of light in your home so that it feels welcoming, cheerful in winter, full of life. Dark homes make people sleepy, and make them want to go back outside for better light. Dark homes just don’t feel very alive.
What’s In For Spring 2017?
Quartz is the hot ticket item for your home. Just as versatile as granite for counter tops in kitchens and bathrooms, it is often much brighter, catching the light and pooling it across its surface. White cabinets are huge too, and you CAN paint your cabinets in new shades of vanilla, like Benjamin Moore Cloud White, a big designer favourite. Tiles and stone too are trending in off white shades, often with hints of grey marbling, in coffee table and end table tops, or in backsplash tiles. Subway tiles are loosing steam, and the hot look is to now have herringbone backsplash tiles.
Colours Of The Year Spring 2017
Pantone, the world renowned colour trendsetter, have announced ‘Greenery’ and ‘Kale’ to be two of their top picks for spring. They are a lush plant green and darker more intense leafy green and both will add freshness and a natural, organic feel to your home–these colours can be incorporated into cushions, drapery and rugs with ease and will bring your home out of the doldrums of winter! For walls, Benjamin Moore also have a favourite green, ‘Spring Break’, or ‘Wish’–a mushroomy, soft, seductive look that will transition your home from grey to something a little fresher. Sherwin Williams also have a super lush colour called ‘Poised Taupe’–a velvety, sumptuous rich colour that will compliment most walls.
Home Wear Trends If Winter 2016 was the season of the deer, then Spring 2017 will be all about butterflies; and what a great motif for the new season. It is fresh and represents new life after a long period of hibernation. Quartz as we mentioned will replace granite, and faux finishes like faux marble will dominate. Expect to see faux leather countertops, or supple, glistening floor finishes like epoxy will start to become more common. Texture abounds, and velvet is still a hot player in home wear materials, as is faux fur. Linens have been sneaking in for awhile now, and look great on tables or used as sheer drapery, for a billowy, European elegant look.
Kitchen and Bathrooms As mentioned, quartz is dominating these rooms and dark cabinets are out. Gorgeous, gleaming white cabinetery is in, painted in a lovely bright shade of satin white. Dark cupboards are boring and dated; time to freshen those up and a good reputable painter can paint these for you. For taps, the trend is for more organic materials, and some of the newest taps may have a marble, wood or copper look to them. Plants are also big–do not hesitate to use them on sink tops or shelves. Create a living wall with small plants on shelves in your bathroom and ‘bring the outside in’. Hexagon mosaics or herringbone tile liven up these spaces and bring a European glamour to these areas. Organic is in in these spaces!
We hope you have enjoyed discovering how to liven and freshen up your home for the upcoming Spring and Summer seasons in your home. Don’t be afraid to do your research and experiment! Celebrate your home, your personality and create a style of your own. Be happy to come home when you walk through the door. You worked hard to attain your home–let it rise up and greet you at the end of a long day, or upon waking in the morning. Enjoy!
-Monique Shaw
Interior Designer with Homes Sold Beautifully
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