Our homes provide comfort and a safe haven in times of uncertainty
12 Apr 2017
Tradition Is Tops
By Amber Erickson Gabbey To a certain degree, external events influence decorating trends. This year’s political climate, for example, is encouraging people to embrace tradition. “Uncertainty, which our world has a lot of right now, makes people go back to tradition,” says interior designer Barbee James, owner of Boulder’s Details Design Studio. “When you’re feeling secure, you’re more willing to branch out.” That said, rich fabrics, comforting spaces and warm colors are very “in” in 2017, she notes. But the good thing about trends is you can choose which to adopt and which to ignore. “Most people don’t go all-in on trends; they’re too short-lived,” says Laura Hodgson, senior designer at Design Studio Interior Solutions in Niwot. James calls the 2017 trend “traditional,” but Hodgson labels it “escapism”—people getting into nesting and creating spaces that enhance their experience, whether it’s reading, entertaining or simply chilling out. If you follow what’s hot or not, changing up a few things can refresh your psyche. “If you like a trend, jump on board,” Hodgson says. “If you don’t, just surround yourself with things that bring you joy” (always sound advice).What’s Hot
As you’ll see in the trends listed here, most of the “in” ones revolve around creating comfortable, homey spaces.Handcrafted artisan pieces
Comfortable furniture
Green
Mixed patterns
Textures
Taupe
Warm metals
What's Not Hot
These trends are past their prime.
Gray
“Gray became popular during the bad economy,” James says. Now people want something fresh, that’s still neutral, like taupe-y and muted grays.Shiny/polished metals
“People don’t want bright, shiny metals anymore; everything is shifting to warmer tones,” Hodgson says. This trend reveals itself in light fixtures, appliances and hardware.Graphic patterns
Geometrics are still in, but graphic patterns are taking a hit, Hodgson says. “Graphic patterns are still around in wallpaper, but this style is becoming less popular in bedding,” she says. Instead, people are going for fringed throws and knit blankets.
