“Best of” lists are common this time of year. We see roundups of the best television shows, movies, Facebook posts and photos of 2015.  With the recent announcement of the new Color of the Year by Pantone and the major paint companies, sights are set on the new year in design. But next year’s trends are formulated by this year’s choices. Who better than a paint color consultant to focus a keen eye on what was, to point us towards what will be. Here’s a list of the top color and home design trends of 2015 which promise to evolve in 2016.

The Gray and White Kitchen
The all white kitchen, a strong trend over the past number of years has morphed into a newer look ~ the gray and white kitchen. Cabinets are painted gray, any shade, and walls are still white. The white tile backsplash is still part of the equation but sometimes the cabinets are split, with gray lower and white uppers. It’s a more interesting look than the all white kitchen and a refreshing adjustment.

Deep Wall Color
The trend is growing for deep, dark wall color. Though most of us gravitate towards a light environment the more adventurous are embracing rooms which envelop in saturated dark color. These rooms are not only cosy, they create the ambience of romance and mystery, perfect for some.

The Boho Look
The Bohemian look, influenced by merchandise sold at Anthropologie Home and globalism appeals to a hip set who embrace the mix and match, world aesthetic. Here’s where we continue to see the use of Moroccan rugs, most notably the Beni Ourain. This trend combines patterns with confidence and uses color liberally though often set against a backdrop of white walls.

Black Gains a Foothold
Black’s presence is growing. No longer considered dour, this sophisticated choice is seen everywhere from house exteriors to kitchen cabinets and interior walls.

Concrete Lighting
Polished concrete floors have been part of the modern aesthetic for decades but we’re seeing a growth in the use of concrete in furnishings, accessories and lighting.
Scandinavian Cool
The Scandi look is still here to stay. The cool minimalism of Scandinavian decor has broad appeal promoted by the home decor site Remodelista. This trend for a Gustavian palette is all about whites and pales. It includes bleached wood floors and a spare, minimal use of furnishing. The look is airy, clean and light.
Patterned Tiles
As counterpoint to the reduced, clean aesthetic of Scandinavian design, there’s a growing trend towards decorating with highly colored, patterned tiles. These tiles, which are usually cement, encaustic or ceramic, are often geometric and have been used the world over for centuries.Think of Morocco, Turkey, France, Spain and the Middle East as sources of inspiration. They add a punch of strong color and pattern when they’re used and fit in American homes of many styles.
Unfinished Brass
Antique looking unfinished brass is making a statement in the home. This trend might be a backlash against the sterile coolness of the All White Kitchen. But perhaps it’s related to the larger utilitarian zeitgeist formulated by the confluence of many trends; the rise of “heritage” brands like Filson and Woolrich , the “maker” movement, the shop local, organic farmer, small artisan, Etsy phenomenon. Here in upstate NY the youthful Brooklyn types (think bearded guy, not Barbra Streisand) are moving to the Hudson Valley in droves seeking a more “back to the land” existence which affords them space, a rural landscape and cheap digs not available in our cities. (You’re probably thinking how did she get here from brass faucets? But hey…it’s my blog!)

Rustic Modernism
The last trend I see I call Rustic Modernism. It’s the combination of two distinct design phenotypes. Mix one part modern minimalism, an austere vernacular which employs a monotone palette with glass, metal and concrete with rustic, primitive elements which change the nature of the space, warm it up and make it more accessible. Think aged wood beams, live edge tables, the soft sheepskin throw and plaster finish on the walls. They come together to create a new country look which contains hallmarks of both trends.

Hope you enjoyed this roundup of design trends 2015/2016 by Amy Krane Color. Looking forward to continuing my role as your color guru in 2016!