Custom window treatments add the finishing touch to a well-designed interior home décor. Treated windows are extremely versatile. They can create a seamless backdrop or become the focal point of a room. High quality window treatments are a worthwhile investment.

Consulting a window professional will ensure you find the perfect solution for each room in your home. Today’s window treatments come in an endless variety of styles and materials. Plantation window shutters offer a traditional, clean look while fabric draperies create an elegant appearance. Shades and valances are simple treatments that can dramatically change the look of a room too. Trust an expert’s knowledge in choosing the best unique window options for your family’s home.

Each space requires consideration of a few items. First, consider function. How will the room be used? What type of outdoor exposure will the window receive? Next, calculate height and depth. Which types of treatments might work best in the space? And finally, think of how the treatments will complement the room’s furnishings, style, and mood. Will the treatments seamlessly coordinate with the overall home design? Take these questions with you when planning. 

Window treatments are a valuable investment in many ways. They can protect furniture and floors from sunlight exposure. Many window treatments offer complete UV protection, eliminating harmful light that can damage your home’s interior. They also increase energy efficiency year round. With the proper choices and installation, less heat will escape in colder months and sunshine can be blocked in warmer months. Privacy is another advantage of treated windows. They are a simple, additional layer to securing your home that is often overlooked. Draperies, blinds, and shutters can block outside noise as well. Use them to create a quiet, darkened bedroom for a perfect night’s sleep. Each room in a home can benefit from carefully chosen window treatments.

When choosing a window treatment expert, look for one with many years of experience. They should have a diverse portfolio of quality work that demonstrates mastery of both window design and functionality across a wide range of spaces and home remodeling projects. Hire someone who strives to understand your needs and works with you to create a vision for each room of your home. A competent window treatment expert will be able to handle all the details including fit, style, material choice and installation. Use a professional’s knowledge to update your existing home decor or create an entirely new look for any room. 

For your window treatment needs, depend on Elite Draperies and Blinds. Elite has been the industry leader more than two decades, and they are the premier choice for all of your window treatment design and installation needs. Elite takes pride in caring for customers, and is able to accommodate your busy schedule or unique needs. For a free, in-home consultation call 610-459-0679 today to schedule. Also, visit them online at Elite-Draperies.com to view their impressive portfolio and learn more.

Upholstered headboards are amazing to have in your bedroom. These headboards not only look amazing, but they are more comfortable than a wooden one, or just having the wall behind your head. There are many different styles to choose from, but if you find the right one that fits the decor in your room, it’s a whole new world! Check out these upholstered headboards and find some inspiration for your new upholstered headboard! Upholstered headboards are amazing to have in your bedroom. These headboards not only look amazing, but they are more comfortable than a wooden one or just having the wall behind your head. There are many different styles to choose from, but if you find the right one that fits the decor in your room, it’s a whole new world! Check out these upholstered headboards and find some inspiration for your new upholstered headboard!

Now that you know your desired type and material, you can narrow the style to pick that perfect headboard. Styles run the gamut from sleek to intricate, and common categories include mid-century, Scandinavian, traditional, industrial, rustic and contemporary.
Headboards have always been statement pieces, but headboard trends can shape the look and feel of the whole room. Common trends for headboards include:
• Colorful upholstery
We start off with a spotlight on the most colorful bed frames and headboards and this is a series that you simply do not want to miss! From bold and sunny yellow to daring scarlet and majestic purple, this is a collection of the most brilliant and beautiful beds drenched in plenty of color. And the best part of it all is that each of these beds feels perfectly at home in modern bedrooms thanks to the use of simple, straight lines, uncomplicated form and minimal aesthetics. Add to it fabulous, tufted headboards in matching hue and you have a comfortable bed that is also a delightful visual treat.


• Intricate geometric patterns
Headboard pattern doesn’t have to come from the print or weave of upholstery. Here, horizontally stitched padding maximizes comfort and introduces a motif. If you want to make a bedroom feel sumptuous, be inspired by the tactile fabric and width of this design, which gives the room five-star-hotel style. A neat geometric pattern for the headboard echoes the symmetrical chests of drawers, bedside lamps and mirrors in this quietly luxurious bedroom. For a design that’s equally tailored, opt to finish a patterned headboard with studs like these.


• Tufted velvet or cashmere
Tufted headboards add elegance to any space. Furthermore, pair it with modern wallpaper and large open windows with floor length curtains to create a charming, intimate bedroom. Small decor pieces such as a simple wall mirror, succulents, table clocks and candlesticks add to the rooms’s cozy aesthetic.


• Reclaimed wood
A wooden headboard adds warmth, is easy to clean and long lasting. The best part about wood is that it can easily blend with a traditional, modern or transitional bedroom decor. A colourful and asymmetrical bedroom headboard wall design acts as an eye-catching focal point, especially in compact bedrooms. It adds a playful, eclectic vibe, particularly when combined with large, open windows with a long, cosy seat underneath and a gorgeous wooden false ceiling.


• Gold detailing
Our panels add a dramatic effect to any wall size, yet still keeping your space clean and classy. Vant upholstered headboard wall panels will not only upgrade your headboard. The decorative panels will cover any space in your room, ultimately creating an accent wall to suit your style and budget. We offer a variety of durable fabric choices and rich colors, so you can transform your space from boring to bold, accented by your own unique taste.


• Nailheads
Upholstered headboards with nail head trim have a timeless quality that can go with many styles from contemporary to traditional. But they can be really expensive in stores, and if you have the DIY bug, you probably have looked at one and thought you could make one yourself. So, if you want this high end look for you bedroom, I’ll show you how to make an upholstered headboard for a fraction of the price of retailers.


• French and Victorian-inspired
One thing you cannot say about Victorian-era design and its inimitable style is that it is mundane. Nothing is ever understated in these settings, with ornate patterns, decorative ceilings and intricate designs becoming very much the staple of the style. Of course, Victorian style is neither constant nor is it a homogenous, standardized style across the globe. Different regions of the world, architects and local eccentricities have shaped its various versions over time. And in the modern world, it still finds a place alongside the sleek, contemporary styles as it adapts and evolves. We take a look at opulent, elegant and at times astounding Victorian bedrooms that combine form and functionality with a dash of enduring, old world charm. Some of them are seemingly more modern than classic, while others dazzle you with their ‘over the top’ design.

Stock up on contemporary pieces with Victorian-inspired silhouettes. Look for plush, majestic headboards, upholstered bedroom benches, and other pieces that allude to the Victorian era without directly mimicking it. One instantly notices the Venetian plastered walls that add textural beauty and depth to most of these bedrooms, and it is often the bed that is the undoubted focal point with its custom design and additional drapery (we will dig into this deeper in the next section). The ceiling with hand-painted murals and motifs is another remarkable aspect of these bedrooms that leaves you spellbound.


• Monochrome and minimalist
A monochromatic color scheme is one of the easiest decorating palettes to execute, yet it can also be one of the most difficult to get right. Done skillfully, a monochromatic room uses varying tints and shades of a single color to great effect, while mixing various textures to keep things interesting. Done poorly, monochrome might as well be monotonous—it’s a boring room with no variety or interest. The focal point in your bedroom is likely your bed frame, the biggest piece of furniture in the space that the rest of the room revolves around. Therefore, it better live up to that attention—or more specifically, the headboard should live up to it. There are plenty of quietly handsome wood designs and simple upholstered pieces to be found, but the most memorable headboards are the ones that push the envelope. Think oversize, asymmetrical, and three-dimensional.

For those who are all about a "less is more" aesthetic, minimalist decor and furniture can be a great way of introducing serenity and simplicity into your home — and what better place than the bedroom? By being selective with your bed — it must be functional and not excessive — and opting for headboards and frames with clean lines, low-slung silhouettes, natural changes in the grain of the wood, and pared-down designs, you can create a space that's comfortable to retire to each night and wake up in each morning.

1. Decorate with plants

One trend that will be at the forefront of home interior design is integrating plants in your interior. They not only create a fresh, harmonious atmosphere but also add texture and life to a room. In today’s technology-driven world, we continuously seek connection to human-centric and natural elements and adding greenery to your space brings a beautiful touch of nature indoors. A mixture of small and large plants can complement the living room and bedroom and add a serene ambiance to the whole space

2. Bright and bold colour combinations

Bold colours are here to stay. The perfect way to infuse some bold and bright colours into your home design is to consider placing a statement piece or small accents - like splashes of bold colour. One of the easiest ways to incorporate this is to do it through draperies, window blinds and shades. Some of the shades that bring some excitement into the room are navy blue, hunter green, raspberry, deep red and burnt orange

3. Less is more

Pouf+Storage, Smart-Stools

2019 will say hello to furnishings that are smart, multi-functional, petite yet stylish and can adapt to different spaces and needs. We are predicting a huge demand for modernized versions of multi-purpose furniture and furnishings such as Foldable beds, ottomans, etc. The key here is to think out of the box and incorporate items that are great conversation starters, practical and simplify your home and interiors.

4. Geometric patterns

Geometric Pattern, Calligaris, Specchi, Volume

Geometric patterns are becoming increasingly popular. Oversized patterns combined with bold colours add interest and contemporary flair to any interior space. Even the most minimal of rooms can boast of this pattern. A chic and easy way to incorporate this trend into your space is by adding throw pillows, rugs, cylindrical vases, mirrors, wall hangings and a lot more.

5. Dress up your floor

A sure way to set the home apart and add a sense of whimsical character is by taking advantage of the fifth wall – the floor. Area rugs available in all sorts of shapes and sizes are just the perfect thing you need to dress up your floor. To highlight a specific area on the floor, place an illuminating floor lamp which also acts as a decorative element, or add some decorative floor seating options such as floor cushions, poufs which are available in a range of patterns and colours to let the look of your floor speak for itself.

Perhaps the most fun of all home-improvement projects, interior decorating and design is a wonderful way to personalize your home, truly make it your own and showcase your unique style. While the golden rule is to follow your own tastes, following trends can give you insight into ideas and technology that you may never have thought up, but which fit your style perfectly.

Decorating and Design

Going green these days is huge. Environmentally friendly, healthy design trends are one of the hottest...if not the very hottest...trends around. In addition to being lovely to look at, the trendiest green designs have been engineered with careful attention to the health of your home and family.

Studies have shown that the air inside our homes is often much more polluted than the air outside. As much as we worry about smog and other environmental pollutants, we may be more at risk once we get home than we are when sitting in traffic! The newest design elements, from carpet to paint to furniture, have recognized this disturbing reality and set out to make our homes healthier.

When shopping, look for products which are specifically labeled as being healthier. These products are manufactured without the use of harmful chemicals. In years past, it was believed that these chemicals were simply a means to an end. However, we now know that a carpet, for example, which has been manufactured with hazardous chemicals, can leech those chemicals into our homes for years after installation. Purchasing products manufactured in a cleaner manner is a huge step toward making your home as healthy as possible for every household member, as well as reducing your impact on the environment.

Another popular decorating trend is the use of natural fabrics. Hemp, bamboo, wicker and other natural materials which are grown and harvested in an earth-friendly manner reduce your impact on the environment, and add a light and airy look to any room in your home. If you don't love the look of these materials in their raw states, research different products...you'll be surprised at just how many different finishes a single material can have. Hemp, which has a reputation as being rough to the touch, can be processed to mimic other fabrics in appearance and softness.

The use of fabrics and patterns inspired by classic menswear are one of the newest trends in the world of interior design. You can go bold with rich purples and gold, or play it subtle with tweed fabrics or prints. Small accent pieces are as trendy as patterning an entire room in hounds-tooth check, so shop around and see what fits your style. This trend is extremely easy and beautiful to live with, lending a sophisticated edge to your living space that still feels very warm and cozy.

Technology Design

Technology is literally exploding these days. The past few years have seen technological and electronic advances that would have seemed like science fiction less than 10 years ago! All this advancement has paved the way for some truly amazing home design innovations. We tend to think of technology in terms of laptops and smart phones, but the reality is that technology can be implemented to make our homes more beautiful, more enjoyable to live in and much more convenient!

Architectural speakers are a wonderful example of technological design. These speakers can be found in colors and shapes which match nearly any decor, eliminating the unsightly appearance of more traditional flush-mounted speakers. If your budget doesn't allow for a whole-house speaker system, consider these nearly invisible speakers in a family room or home theater.

Televisions which masquerade as mirrors are another great way to bring technology into the home in an attractive and useful way. If you dislike the appearance of a large, wall-mounted television, you can now purchase a television which looks and functions as a mirror when the power is turned off. Instead of a large dark rectangle taking up space on your wall, you can have a stylish framed mirror to visually enlarge the room and add function.

Home automation touch panels can be hand held devices, but they can also be flush-mounted into the wall for a sleek and stylish touch. Flush-mounting eliminates the need for rows of lighting switches, as well as the need for separate controls for lighting, sound, security, and any other home systems. The newest trends in home automation allow you to control security, sound, video, lighting, climate and many other home systems from centrally located, easy to use touch-screen. Many homeowners find it most convenient to install one panel on the main floor, in a kitchen or living area, and another in the master bedroom for extra security.

Painting Trends

Painting is one of the very easiest ways to change the appearance of your living space, giving a room a facelift in less than a day. Whether you tackle the job yourself or invest in professional expertise, a fresh coat of paint can give your home new life at a very low relative cost.

Color is very personal, and you should never follow trends that you don't love. After all, you have to live with these colors every day! However, some of the hottest current painting trends are truly stunning, and offer inspiration for every taste and budget.

Green isn't just a method of manufacturing. While lighter shades are more popular, don't hesitate to add a touch of bold emerald to a smaller space.

Following the trend of natural colors, violet and blue are also extremely hot right now. These soothing, relaxing hues add a welcome dose of peace to busy lives. While they're great in bedrooms for easing the transition into sleep, they're also gorgeous in living rooms or dining areas for a relaxing atmosphere. These families are universally popular, from the very deepest shades to the very lightest.

Stencils and decals or murals are a popular addition to, or alternative to, painting. Stencils allow you to really personalize your space. Wall-sized stencils, which are a more permanent alternative to decals, are available, as are very small stencils for creating borders and accent pieces.

Decals and murals are great for testing out a look before you commit, although they're equally useful for long-term decorating. These high-quality decals and specially designed posters are intended for long term use; don't worry about purchasing a cheap “sticker.” Websites are dedicated to this new decorating trend, and feature decals and murals of the highest quality. Application can be tricky, depending on the size of the mural, so don't be afraid to enlist the help of a handyman for proper installation. When applied properly, murals create a gorgeous effect that almost mimics an optical illusion. However, when applied improperly, they can easily look cheap and tacky. If you tackle a large mural as a DIY project, be sure to enlist at least one helper to ensure smooth, even application.

Home sellers are facing stiff competition to sell their home to would-be buyers. You have to stand out from the crowd if you want to sell your house quickly. If you can make your home hit the right notes with buyers, then you increase the odds of your home selling for more than your list price. However, this doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Here are six easy things you can do to make your home more attractive to buyers.

Fix the Little Frustrations

Every little thing wrong with your house is a strike against you. It will hurt you even if they love the open floor plan and the location. This means you have to fix the broken door handles, the sticking doors, the dead spots in the lawn and other minor problems. This is the time to go through the house and fix every little thing that’s wrong and could frustrate a home buyer. Moreover, if the issue is part of a home inspection, you must fix it now so that it doesn’t come off the list price of the property.

Clear the Clutter
Make it easy for home buyers to imagine themselves living in the house. This doesn’t mean you need to remove all the furniture in the house. In fact, you want to leave the beds in the bedrooms and sofa in the living room. This makes it easier for visitors to determine what each room is for. However, you want to minimize your presence in the home. Take down your photos from the walls so it doesn’t feel like they’re intruding into your space. Remove your trophies, plaques and personal mementos from the shelves. If you have children, picking up their toys and keeping them out of sight is essential.

Remember to declutter work surfaces throughout the house. Declutter the kitchen counters of all unnecessary appliances and utensils so that the kitchen looks big. Declutter the garage so that your two-car garage looks like it could hold three vehicles. Pick up the toys in the backyard, too, so that it appears as a large, inviting space.

Deep Clean It, Then Keep It That Way
Regardless of how clean your home normally is, it needs to be thoroughly cleaned before you list it for sale. It isn’t enough to pick up the clutter and wash that dirty table cloth. You need to clean the carpets and tile floors. The bathrooms need to be so clean that people would feel guilty for using them. The kitchens should be as clean as a model home.
All of this will make your home look attractive to home buyers, and you can do it all yourself with nothing but a bucket of cleaning supplies and some hard work. However, that isn’t enough. It needs to stay that way. It is therefore necessary to clean up spills promptly and thoroughly clean the house before any showings.

Make It Low Maintenance
In a busy world, people increasingly value their time. This explains why we pay others to maintain our yard and swimming pool. If you’re fixing the landscaping, make changes so that the yard is low maintenance. If upgrading your floors or counters, choose low-maintenance materials. Look for upgrades that home buyers will see as improvements. For example, update outdated fixtures and put in LED lights. Consider putting in a programmable thermostat and other smart upgrades to make the home more attractive to younger buyers. Clean the gutters so that homeowners don’t feel like that’s something they’ll have to do soon.

Increase Your Curb Appeal
Your home’s exterior provides its first impression for most home buyers. Do everything you can to increase your curb appeal. Cut the grass, trim back the trees, and pull up the weeds. Fix the fence and clean up the debris and toys.Talk with a reputable contractor that does garden or yard waste cleanupsif you don’t have the time to do it yourself. Services  will be able to clean up your front and backyard for a reasonable price. They’ll also be able to do some landscaping touch-ups for you if you have any problem spots.

Wash the exterior of your home to remove dirt from the siding. Make certain that walkways are clear of ice and snow. Do what you can to make the front porch inviting. For example, you could put flower pots by the front door to make it more attractive. In addition, fix your roof, because a leaky roof will scare away interested home buyers.

Get a Home Inspection
Before you list your home, have a home inspector walk through it first. They’ll give you a list of things that need to be fixed before you can sell the home. Fixing these issues up front will ensure that they won’t kill the deal. While you’re at it, ask your realtor for tips and tricks you can do to make your home more attractive to buyers .A home inspection is a limited, non-invasive examination of the condition of a home, often in connection with the sale of that home. Home inspections are usually conducted by a home inspector who has the training and certifications to perform such inspections. The inspector prepares and delivers to the client a written report of findings. The client then uses the knowledge gained to make informed decisions about their pending real estate purchase. The home inspector describes the condition of the home at the time of inspection but does not guarantee future condition, efficiency, or life expectancy of systems or components.

Your home needs to be welcoming, inviting and in good condition for home buyers to be as willing to buy as possible. Follow our tips, and your home could sell faster and maybe even for more money. Thinking of putting your house on the market? Check out our other guides to selling your home, styling your home and making your home appeal to families with children.

If we’re being honest, there’s a lot more to choosing and combining colors than meets the eye. There are so many different shades and hues, it’s no wonder that sometimes people misstep and choose the wrong one. That said, there are a few common color mistakes that designers see over and over again.

Keep reading to see what they are. If you’ve made one of the mistakes below, it’s okay. You’re definitely not alone in it and we’ve provided easy fixes for each one. Once you follow this advice, the rooms in your home will look better and brighter than ever before.

Not considering light
Believe it or not, lighting has a huge impact on the way a color looks and feels in a room. If you don’t consider how a room’s lighting works with a color that you picked, there’s a good chance that you could end up living with a very different shade than you originally intended.Fixing this mistake is all about prep work. Before you choose a paint color – or any type of color, for that matter – get some samples. Then, place the samples in various corners of the room and watch how the light affects them throughout the day.
You may notice that the color turned out to be lighter, darker, or have different undertones than you originally intended. At that point, though, it’s much easier to switch out your sample color for another option than to redo the whole room from scratch.

 

Forgetting about balance
When dealing with multiple colors in a room, finding the proper balance between them is key. There’s a place for bold colors to stand out and there’s a place for neutral colors to provide an opportunity for the eye to rest. However, if you have too much of either one, you run the risk of the room becoming either too overstimulating or too boring. It’s up to you to find the middle ground.
Luckily, there is an easy trick to help you. It’s called the 10/30/60 rule. This rule dictates what percentage of the room should be taken up by each shade in your color scheme. The first 60% is your base color and usually a neutral shade. The next 30% is your secondary color, or a middle ground, and the final 10% is your accent color, which is the boldest shade.

Planning out your spaces can be easy if you understand the principles of applying balance. It is key to making a room look visually stable by the simple placement of furniture, accessories, the use of colour and other elements such as form, and size. Without it you will end up a room that feels, and looks uncomfortable to be in.
There are basically three different types of balance: Symmetry, Asymmetry and Radial.

• So Why Use Balance?
• When planning a new layout to a room, it provides you with the basis of the flow of the room. By going through the planning process you can see whether your space is best suited for a symmetrical layout or one that is more asymmetrical.
• Applying balance to a space can help avoid unnecessary costs when planning as it provides you with an insight into furniture requirements and their sizes.

 

Consider the house as a whole rather than designing room-by-room.

Designing each room separately
At first, it may seem to make sense to decorate each room in your home as its own separate entity. After all, each room has its own individual uses, right? However, it’s actually a much better idea to think of your home – or at least each level – as one cohesive unit and work your design with unity in mind. If you’ve ever wondered why model homes and professionally-designed spaces always seem so put together, it’s because of cohesion. Every room in those spaces shares a similar color palette. As a result, they all flow together seamlessly.
You can do the same thing in your own home. Start by doing your best to make sure that each room works in harmony with the ones adjacent to it. Then, when you’re ready to take things to the next level, consider going for one cohesive look throughout the entire space.

 
Remember to include some contrast so the look isn’t too matchy-matchy. 

 

Foregoing contrast
That said, you also don’t want to go too far in the other direction and have the rooms in your home become too “matchy-matchy.” When the colors you use are too similar to one another, the room runs the risk of becoming boring to the eye. In this case, everything starts to blend together and none of the design elements really stand out.
Luckily, if this is your color mistake, it’s an easy fix. Simply add some contrast to give the room a little more visual interest. You can do this in multiple ways. Try adding an eye-catching accent color through the room’s accessories or throw a bold print or pattern into the mix.

So you have some traditional pieces with muted colors and classic curves and you’re looking to add some modern, sleek flair? While one item would stick out like a sore thumb, a few modern items throughout will create cohesiveness and a deliberate feeling to the style. This is good news for you newlyweds who are trying to combine two interior design styles! Rather than leaving your husband’s one lonely, modern chair to fend for itself, give it a few buddies like a lamp, rug or piece of art. Just keep colors in the same family. Modern and traditional pieces play well together in this contemporary kitchen and living room. The muted colors and classic curves fit seamlessly with the sleek, modern designs because there are a few pieces from each style.

The kitchen and bathroom are the hubs of every home. They’re used multiple times throughout the day by family members and even guests! The more time you spend in these spaces, the more you need them to functional! Because every homeowner’s needs and styles are different, it's safe to say that no two homes are alike. If your cabinets and counter tops seem to stick out like a sore thumb, this might be the year for an upgrade.

Changing your cabinets and counter top can help make a dramatic change to your home. It’s a good idea to know what’s trending before making such a big investment. Here are the top cabinet & counter top trends for 2021.

Cabinet Trends 2021
A great space needs to be both functional and stylish, and you can’t have one without the other. The best place to start is by upgrading or updating your cabinetry. You have plenty of other options, such as refacing or refinishing to bring your cabinets up to date. Here are a few of the latest cabinet trends:

Matte Black
Both elegant and practical, matte black is the hottest trend of 2021. In terms of functionality, matte black cabinetry is very easy to keep clean and is not going to go out of style any time soon. If you think a black kitchen is going to feel too dark in your home, combine it with warm chestnut wood and gold finishes, you have an instant update the eighties classic look.

Stained Wood Cabinetry
If your outdated wood cabinetry is still in good condition, but in need of an update, staining it is an easy and cost-effective alternative to painting or even replacing the cabinets. Gray has been popular for quite some time now, kitchen and bath. Now we’re seeing it not only in painted cabinets, but stained cabinets as well. In that same vein, stained cabinets are making a comeback. Staining allows the natural grain of the wood to still show and comes in a variety of colors besides natural wood.

Two-Tone Cabinetry
While this trend was just finding its footing last year it is hitting its stride in 2021. There are some fun ways to play around with this trend to really make your space stick out from others. You’ll find this most often with the top cabinets in one color and the bottom in another, likely darker, hue. You can either choose two shades of the same color or go bold with a pop of color to create a focal point. Two-toned cabinetry is going to be around, so find your style expression and go with it!

Glass Front Cabinet Doors
Glass front cabinet doors are the grown-up version of open shelving. You can still showcase your dishware, but they’ll stay clean behind the glass. That being said, you can’t just put anything behind the glass doors. Think of this trend as another version of home décor. Only worthy dishes and glassware should be shown. That means no Tupperware or chipped dishes. If you’re not tidy, but love this trend, mix and match your glass door cabinets with some that are full doors.

Counter top Trends 2021
Once you have your cabinetry in place, you’ll need an equally trendy work surface. Your new counter top should be one that you love as well as one that can stand up to the need of each space. If you’re ready for a new counter top this year, here’s what’s trending:

Quartz
Quartz, the strongest commercial grade stone, is known for its durability and the consistency of its color throughout the entire piece. When it comes to maintenance and upkeep, quartz counters are made from fine quartz crystals, making them completely non-porous. Like granite, hot pots can be placed directly on the counter top, no need to search for a trivet while holding a hot pot again. Quartz is on the higher end when it comes to cost. Remember, this investment comes with zero upkeep, so the price just might be right!

Concrete
Concrete also looks great in a large variety of architectural styles and aligns with contemporary interiors, industrial decor, and rustic looks. There are so many reasons why a homeowner would want to update to concrete counter tops when remodeling. It is a great choice if your space is oddly shaped and other conventional counters just won’t make the cut. It is the easiest way to customize your space because it comes in a variety of colors, textures, and finishes. Does this all sound too good to be true? Well, there are two major downsides to choosing concrete counter tops. The first being that they require regular sealing and the second that they are susceptible to cracking, but are easy to repair!

Reclaimed Wood
As we’ve mentioned before, sustainable and re purposed items are a top trend for 2021. Naturally, reclaimed wood counter tops will be a hot choice for updating a kitchen or bath counter top. Some way to incorporate this trend into both areas of your home is easy. Think a vanity in the bathroom, a counter top or even open shelving in the kitchen. Using wood is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly solution to the sourcing of natural stones such as granite or marble.

Terrazzo
This updated 1970’s flooring trend is really making a big comeback in 2021. Made of a combination of materials, like glass, marble, and granite, into a rough mosaic. You’ll see terrazzo popping up in different variations to be used throughout the home, not just as a counter top or flooring. Not all trends last, so I would tread carefully with this one. That being said, terrazzo is extremely versatile, ranging in a variety of colors, making it one of a kind focal point. If you’re looking for something really unique, terrazzo is perfect for you.

What’s Out In 2021
Updating cabinets and counter tops is an investment back into your home, so you’ll want to be sure that you’re making a sound decision with any changes you’re making to your home. While trends do change, kitchen and bath trends change slowly and overlap throughout the years. These trends might out in 2021, but have no fear, what’s old is always new again.

All-White Kitchens
While a white kitchen will never go out of style, now is the time to update your kitchen with some color. The daily upkeep of an all-white kitchen can be exhausting and time-consuming. By bringing in some colored cabinets or counter tops, you will find that daily upkeep will be much less, so you can actually enjoy your kitchen or bath without your mind wandering to the dirt.

Subway Tile
Once popular subway tile is now becoming less popular. While it will always have a timeless appeal, more homeowners are opting for other tiles as a back splash. Traditional subway tile is not as popular as it once was. While it’s always a classic look, I’m seeing a lot larger format subway style tiles that are more the size of 4 inches by 12 inches or even longer at 16 inches. These sizes require less grout and, in the right application, can make a space feel larger.

Conclusion
Updating your cabinetry and counter tops is a large investment, one that you want to get right the first time and feel timeless year after year. Whether you’re completely remodeling your home or just need an upgrade, consider these current trends to keep your home in style.

Though we’re only half way through the year, we’re already thinking ahead of the game for clients on current projects and as we’ve studied future 2019 interior design trends since the new year to make the most of their spaces for a lifetime and beyond, we thought we’d share our finds with your for inspiration as you wrap-up your own summer projects.

From which materials and finishes feel fresh to a surprising design style comeback we never saw coming, here’s a roster of enviable 2019 interior design trends to consider and give a go for good reason along with helpful tips from our designers.

MATERIALS & FINISHES

Every year we see remarkable progress with uses of materials and how they are produced, light as a feather glass with irregular veins echoing those found in marble.

Her mesmerizing series of oval-shaped tables laid on asymmetrical legs are dynamic and enchanting with the glass top’s vein pattern appearing to be fluid with a shift of viewpoints creating a sensual and dynamic option that tops our list of 2019 interior design trends that go beyond the expected.

THE COLOR OF THE YEAR

Since we couldn’t share the top 2019 interior design trends without taking in the color of the year and our take on it – here goes…

Coined Night watch green, this moodier alternative to hunter and bottle green makes for a nice alternative to today’s on-trend matte black and looks great with high-shine finishes and elements. But if a full room is too much, do consider small yet expressive ways to bring the color in, say a vibrant textile here, or a deep green rug set against a luminous marble floor.

CONVERTIBLE URBAN DWELLINGS

From modern iterations on Murphy beds to movable walls and multi-purpose built-in’s, convertible dwellings are one of the most sensible and intriguing 2019 interior design trends to get our attention.

After all, who wouldn’t want a home brimming with genius, conversation-starting design that makes the best of even the smallest space with practicality, great design, and ease?

COMPACT & MULTIFUNCTIONAL FURNISHINGS

As more and more people gravitate towards urban city dwelling, it makes sense for designers to finally catch on to the need for smart, multi-purpose furnishings that are petite in scale.

Say hello to furnishings that can adapt to different spaces and needs and fit into challenging rooms that aren’t short on style – making this a welcome trend and one of the most popular 2019 interior design trends to make a splash.

BOHO’S BACK

Okay, so boho style really never completely faded away, but its impact on the design world last had its moment about a decade ago and for good reason. That rich, offset layered look just couldn’t keep up with the times decidedly subdued take on expressive design nor did its laid-back approach feel fresh anymore.

And as you can imagine, we were floored when we continued to find it coming back on every list and in every showroom highlighting 2019 interior design trends. For starters, it feels unexpected, is sure to set your home apart, and best of all is quite easy to bring into your home to add a sense of whimsical character that’s been absent for so long in the design scene.

THE RETURN OF TERRAZZO

With the enduring popularity of mid-century modern design showing no signs of slowing down, it comes as no surprise that Terrazzo surfaces and decorative extras made a big impact on design forecasts looking at 2019 interior design trends.

A composite material consisting of chips of marble, quartz, granite, and glass to evoke a playful, confetti-like abstracted spirit, we’ve seen plenty of genius ways to bring the material into your home with Terrazzo covering everything from flooring to lamps to even shower curtains (in print, that is).

STATEMENT CEILINGS

Every year there’s quite a rush of excitement when Pantone announces it’s color of the year and new shades are released to the public, but in all honesty, those new paint shades offer very little change in tone and inspiration as we’ve all seen enough accent walls and clever takes on wallpaper installations to bore us to no end.

But ceilings? Now that’s fresh! In fact, the last time we can note ceilings making such a buzz as they are with 2019 interior design trends harkens way back to the ornate molded tin ceilings of the roaring 20’s.

From expressively painted to lacquered, to wallpapered and molding covered ceilings, there’s much to be said about the enticing visual impact thinking about what we often dismiss has to offer. A reimagined ceiling can make a room appear larger, brighter and best of all, more memorable than any common accent wall could.

INTERESTING SILHOUETTES

When it comes to lighting, ask any interior designer and they’ll instantly suggest that you layer your lighting scheme with various sources to create a warm and inviting feel. Which makes some of the modern lamps we’ve seen of late look all the more compelling.

Take this snake shaped one from Fios for instance. Its mesmerizing silhouette will be sure to charm and create conversations while helping to illuminate a space all the better. Plus, we love its unique color to boot.

KITCHEN BANQUETTES

Since most kitchens are short on ample seating, create a warm communal feeling in one of your homes most frequently used spaces with a chic built-in layer your lighting. It’ll be sure to make for the best solution in even the smallest of kitchens.

Whether you only have a small kitchen breakfast nook to work with or if you’ve got an oversized kitchen, a beautiful kitchen banquette will be sure to encourage conversation while potentially boosting the resale value of your home as long as you go for a well-built, classic style. And a kitchen banquette will also help you use the space you do have to work with all the better so you can seat as many people in your kitchen as possible without having to bring in extra seating. Even better if you can build concealed storage under your kitchen banquette seating.

CURVED FURNISHINGS

Popular in the 60’s and ridiculed from then on, curved soft furnishings made quite an impact at recent design shows as rigid lines have had several decades in the spotlight and feel a tad routine and expected.

Note how the crimson velveteen sofa above lends this otherwise masculine room a much-needed sense of sensuality and subtle play that’ll save it from being an of-the-moment fad soon to fade away. We’ve seen curved lines take hold on tabletops and even rugs as of late, but their return to sofas and seating make it one of the most intriguing and even covetable 2019 interior design trends to consider bringing into your home – even if it’s in the form of a simple side chair or utility bench.

GEOMETRIC AND TRIBAL PATTERNS

While geometric patterns almost never go out of style thanks to their symmetrical harmony, ethnic and tribal-inspired prints seem to come and go about every 10-15 years or so as times and tastes change.

But what makes them feel so right when considering 2019 interior design trends is the warmth, familiarity, and offset pattern they can easily introduce to even the most minimal of rooms. And though warm minimalism has had its moment for quite some time now, there’s something to be said about bringing more life into a room as a direct reaction to the today’s somewhat strict, limiting, and straightforward approach to interior design.

That said, if a full-on heavy-handed ethnic inspired look like above is not for you, think about small ways to bring in the moment with fresh linens, go-to decorative pillows and throws, and miniature framed prints that you can easily switch out once the design scene moves on.

ECO-FRIENDLY

With the environment suffering major crisis after major crisis, we’re always happy to see new takes on production and décor that are easy on the eye while leaving little to no impact on the planet and its resources.

From leftover materials like marble being recomposed in smart ways to energy-saving appliances, to live plant walls, whatever you bring into your home from now on ( if you haven’t been doing so already) needs to follow suit and take less and give back to the planet as much as it can.

Discover the latest interior color trends 2020 on Italian bark: be inspired today by mustard yellow interiors and design

Choosing my first color to share here at ITALIAN BARK… well that’s a tricky one! When it comes to the World of Color there is an infinite source of inspiration. However after a little ponder over palettes; I thought of no better way to start our colorful  journey, than with color of the moment ‘must have’ mustard yellow!
A versatile smart, sassy hue with both retro and modern appeal. Car of choice for this venture, well it just has to be a ‘vintage fiat 500’ suitably in a shade of Milano Mustard (see below). That sorted-vehicle in mind, let’s begin by heading off to the fast-paced metropolis- Milan -city of the future; global capital of Fashion and Design. Milano Mustard is dynamic and can vary from subdued saffron to a dirtier hue of yellow edging towards Mustard Yellow. The earthier more muted mustard works well in contemporary and classic settings.