Fading Trends
When hot becomes not
Coppertone appliances, wallpaper borders and Hollywood mirror lights were once so popular that stores couldn’t keep them in stock. Today, they rest on the dust pile of home décor trends that have come and gone. The latest trends that may have worn out their welcome?
We asked four designers to weigh in.
Michael Mariotti, ASID, CID, NCIDQ | Michael Mariotti Interior Design
Haworth, NJ | 201-384-1294 | MichaelMariotti.com
Everything gray. “Gray is a great neutral but very cool. People are wanting warmer palettes and more opportunities to express themselves.” Mariotti foresees a movement to warmer neutrals with just accents of gray.
White Kitchens. “They are clean and cool looking, but at the same time they tend to be too stark and institutional. Bringing color into the kitchen and cabinets creates much more personality than a simple white kitchen.”
Shiplap. “Most wood-cladded walls that are trendy look nice for the first few years. A big problem with trendy looks, however, is that they date themselves quickly.”
Sharon Sherman | Thyme & Place Design
Wyckoff, NJ | 201-847-1400 | ThymeAndPlaceDesign.com
Big open floor plans. “These will find some new definition. With so many people working from home and kids doing school from home, the term ‘separation anxiety’ has taken on the new meaning of ‘I need some separation.’ I believe that movable walls that fold away when not in use will become part of the interior landscape.”
Big stainless steel vent hoods. The last three kitchens I worked on all have a wood hood — and not just the old mantle-style hood. The shapes range from a traditional chimney hood to simple box shapes to a box hood with an antique barn-beam front (my twist on Farmhouse style).”
White and gray kitchens. “We are seeing more color. In the upper end, stark white and gray are morphing into softer white and more blue undertones. People are looking to wrap themselves in warm, comforting spaces. Whether comfort says warm natural colors or bright, sunny and bold, people want to feel sheltered and happy in their homes.”
Sherman adds that since the pandemic, people have become more interested in walk-in pantries. “Bulk food storage was not as big a requirement before,” she says. “‘I’ll just run to the store and pick something up’ has given way to ‘let’s be prepared just in case.’”
Susan Strauss | Susan Strauss Design
Lakewood, NJ | 732-482-1155 | SusanStraussDesign.com
“Covid 19 has redefined our lives and the way we live and work,” says Susan Strauss, principal of Susan Strauss Design, with offices in Lakewood as well as Manhattan and Brooklyn. “In the commercial market, interior design has been shifting toward private space from open space for workers’ safety. Before Covid 19, companies preferred open workstations and pantries to encourage camaraderie and collaboration. However, employees these days feel safer in private and separate spaces, keeping a safe recommended distance. Moreover, many companies have asked for limited conference spaces as many meetings are held virtually now.
In residential design, Strauss foresees a decline in the following:
Underused spaces. More clients want to make better use of their rooms by creating homeschooling spaces, home offices and fitness spaces in their home.
Bold colors. “These were popular in the past, however, the current trends are earthy and neutral colors. These colorways not only allow for open and wide spirits and also provide a sense of calm.”
Modern and sharp design tendencies. “These are fading away because people crave the feeling of being cozy and comfortable since they spend more time at home.
Rachael H Grochowski, RA, NCARB | RHG Architecture + Design
Montclair, NJ | 973-707-2081 | RHGDesign.com
Leather. “As awareness of animal rights grows, more people are choosing leather alternatives for their interiors. Major retailers are offering more vegan options than ever, and they’re beautiful, soft, and versatile. The trend has spurred innovation in materials and manufacturing as well.”
Single-sided island seating. “For years, people have looked at island seating as a place for family meals. After a year (plus) of being home together, the family meal is less transactional and more experiential. Communing at a table, or even multisided seating at an island, allows for everyone to be together and be present for each other.”
Excessive stuff. “The past year has been a time to question everything, including ‘what do I actually need?’ People have weeded through rooms, closets and drawers, preserving items that have special meaning and discarding things that are keeping them ‘stuck.’ Once we let go of what we no longer need, we create space for new.’