Four Interior Design Trends to Keep an Eye on in 2016

Each year, interior design trends come and go. A handful will stick around for a few years, while others will fade away as quickly as they emerged. Next year won’t be any different. In 2016, you can expect some new trends to show up – and we think you’ll like what you see!

The Evolution of Design Trends

Famous Christian theologian C.S. Lewis once said, “Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back, everything is different?” While there are a handful of moments in each of our lives that have permanent side effects – getting married, having a child, sustaining an illness, landing a job, etc. – most of the things that happen to us on a daily basis don’t appear to change us all that much. However, when you look back at your life 12, 18, or 24 months down the road, you can clearly see how things have changed.

The same is true in fashion and design. Design trends don’t seem to change all that much from week to week, but if you reflect on the trends of decades past, the differences are substantial. In particular, home décor has undergone significant changes in the past 100 years.

From the art deco movement in 1920s and the mid-century modern look in the 1950s to the vibrant colors of the 1960s and floral wallpaper of the 1990s, home décor rapidly changes with the times. And in some cases, it’s even quite cyclical. If you look at today’s décor influences, you’ll notice that many trends are rooted in styles of the past.

Four Interior Design Trends of 2016

So, as we move into 2016, how will home décor change? What new trends do designers expect to see moving forward, and which trends will resurface? Well, let’s take a look at a few of them to get an idea of where the industry is headed.

1. Outdoors Come In

We’ve already seen a little bit of this in 2015, but expect to see even more natural elements infused into interior design in 2016. From incorporating plants and terrariums into the living room to using nature-inspired wall décor and accessories in the kitchen, the line between indoors and outdoors will become further blurred.

Don’t look now, but “glamping” is even becoming a thing. That’s short for glamorous camping, an activity that attempts to combine the good elements of camping with the comfortable elements of the indoors. It’s just a fringe activity at the moment, but goes to show how people are interested in dissolving the divide between the two realms.

2. Modern Storage Solutions

As real estate prices continue to rise – especially in highly concentrated urban areas – a need has developed for functional design, which means design elements that can be used for multiple purposes. In many cases, people are searching for modern storage solutions that aren’t eyesores. Look for more space-maximizing elements to enter the home in 2016.

3. Textures are Popular

Textures are officially in. Faux fur is especially popular and you’ll find a lot of chairs, sofas, rugs, and bedding solutions with similar materials in 2016. Furthermore, burlap, leather, and anything else that has a unique or alternative texture is expected to be popular this year. People are shying away from the traditional fabrics and want to try something new.

4. Multi-Functional Spaces

Much like the demand for functional storage solutions is increasing, so is the desire to have multi-functional spaces. This, too, is the result of rising real estate prices, but also has something to do with a shift in the modern homeowner’s mindset.

No longer are McMansions the gold standard for wealthy homeowners. Instead, people want smaller homes that have more functional, versatile rooms. Instead of having a formal living room, dining room, and family room, people are investing in open floor plans that can accommodate a variety of activities.

According to a survey, 64 percent of designers believe formal living rooms will be extinct by 2020. A hefty 71 percent expect dining rooms to disappear by that time, as well. Furthermore, the belief is that kitchens will become larger, as people will gravitate towards these spaces. This year will play a major role in that transformation from separated rooms to free-flowing layouts, so keep an eye out for these trends.

Modern Design in the 21^st Century

As you can see, there’s a lot of versatility in the design trends of 2016. Whether you want a classic or modern look, there are elements you can use to make your living spaces vibrant and beautiful. However, don’t get too comfortable. Undoubtedly, the trends will change again, just as soon as you figure them out.