1.
Color: Though Pantone’s color of the year,
Emerald, is elegant, Graphite is my color pick for 2013, an earthy black with far richer and
deeper qualities than the stoney gem. Like the rough textured strokes of a pencil, graphite is
equal part color and texture. From smooth as glass to rough as crushed stone,
graphite is actually a warm and welcoming color.
2.
Counter Tops: Quartz is replacing granite as the
versatile choice for counter tops. It has a clean, contemporary look, and
is available in a wide range of solid colors, patterns, and visual effects.
Like granite, quartz requires little maintenance and is virtually indestructible.
3.
Flooring: Shag area rugs aren’t your
grandmother’s long-haired dirt magnets of the past. The new shag rugs have a modern interpretation. The pile is shorter and neater. A single rug may have more than one
pattern and texture. They work on top of any flooring material.
4.
Wall Surfaces: Wallpaper is making a comeback,
but not for every room in the home decades past. The more contemporary
application is to install it in select rooms – powder rooms, entry halls,
dining rooms, bedrooms. Three-dimensional surfaces, available in a variety of
materials and patterns give a wall depth, texture, and a feeling of motion. I'm replacing traditional tile backsplashes, entire walls in residential bathrooms, and commercial and hospitality
installations with these new materials.
5.
Lighting: LED used as ambient or as accent
lighting added to bathroom mirrors, to highlight entries, subtly illuminate hallways,
under kitchen cabinets and wall unit shelving. Low cost, highly effective, these little lights impact design in a big way.
6.
Kitchens: Whether contemporary, traditional, or
transitional, modern open concept kitchen design remains the number one preference
of home owners. The number one challenge for designers and architects is developing
a solution to the area of transition from the kitchen to whatever room it opens
to, living room, dining area, etc. Loss of storage space is another obstacle to resolve.
7.
Wall Units: Sculptural minimalism is key for
today’s wall units. Fewer shelves and cabinets and less clutter results in a
more open feeling. Whatever extends from the wall surface seems to float
without support. In their subtly is a seemingly effortless complexity.
8.
Teak: The wood of choice, teak has long been
treasured for the beauty of its grain, color, and durability. In contemporary
homes, the tendency towards starkness is tempered by incorporating the organic grain
colorations and uneven texture of teak. I try to incorporate at least two
pieces of teak in a design scheme for balance and proportion. I also like the
idea that it blurs the transition from indoors to out when teak is the material
of choice
for outdoor furniture.
9.
Bedrooms: Bedrooms are going soft. Upholstered headboards,
from leather to silk button-tufted in every shape conceivable are showing up in
every bedroom. With bedrooms multi-tasking as spaces for more than just sleeping,
other upholstered pieces are also finding their way there. Cozy chairs for
reading, ottomans, chaises, benches, daybeds and settees for lounging or tea
time with girlfriends.
10. Movement:
Texture and shimmer adds life, light, and sparkle to any design scheme, and can
be easy and relatively inexpensive upgrades. Mica wall coverings, metallic
accessories, Swarovski crystals, glass lamp bases and table tops, and mirrored
case pieces add dazzle to every room in your home, and can make a room appear
larger.
I welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can best meet your needs
and incorporate some of these beautiful trends into your home.
Email now with questions or to set up a consultation: robin@robinlechnerdesigns.com
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