Home Decor Style Trends for 2016:

Organic Mystery Infused with Natural Texture and Beauty

Whereas 2015 brought with it senses of the exotic, the refined and the structural, 2016 is set to be a year of combinations and contrasts. In 2016, the historical mixes with the contemporary, (sometimes within the same object!), to provide interesting contrast and unique perspective.

Modern Mingles with Ancient

Modern forms and shapes in furniture and household decorations featuring antique prints, fabrics, patterns and photographs within or on surfaces offer both a timelessness and relevance to objects that reflect a sense of history and context. Artifacts from the past are deconstructed and remixed to delve further into their meaning and/or leverage their weight. Designers such as Fornasetti and Jonathan Adler are paving the way for this trend.

Science and art are both being brought to the forefront, with equal importance and exploration. The abstract creates stellar meta-patterns and imagery that bring impulse and childlike notions to life. The possibilities of the infinite, filtered through the asymmetry of human interposition, provide stimulus that reflects the renaissance of the esoteric amidst the accelerated pace of technological development.

Balance and neutrality, naturalism and minimalism are all key themes, as nature and science are integrated within the path of society’s progress. Think organic sources with clean lines and soft textures with contemporary details.

Colors are Dramatic

In 2016, a number of exciting color trends are taking shape, as some of the muted tones and riotous fiesta shades of 2015 give way to a more sober, deep and/or mystic, atmospheric sensibility, with a hint of the natural and/or floral created by combining dark neutrals with jewel tones and strong accent hues.

Mustard, chartreuse or citron and/or pastel pink or fuchsia as accent colors are making their mark with manufacturers, designers and decorators alike. These bold colors draw the eye’s attention immediately to surprise or showcase pieces and create an air of whimsy or the unexpected to an otherwise conventional or dramatic room.

The use of black and/or grays either as a primary shade or as a contrasting color will provide definition and contrast, especially with jewel tones (see below) and accent colors (see above) that can offset them. When using black on large surfaces such as walls (don’t be afraid to try this in larger spaces), try to use a slightly lighter shade such as a black pearl or very dark gray to avoid overly dramatic or dark overtones. Another strategy is to use contrasting paint finishes of the same color (or even slightly different shades) to break up large surfaces and give them texture. When using black for objects, be aware of usage patterns and the potential for wear or fingerprints to show.

The use of royal blue and sea green or aquamarine jewel tones to offset blacks and dark grays is also on tap for 2016. These bold but consistent colors will further enhance standout art and decorative objects without the drama of a disparity between dark shades and super bright ones.

Carrying over from 2015, gold pieces continue to highlight opulence and richness that can be found framing the organic, with metallics and brass finishes providing structure and formality that plays well with the earthiness of plants and trees (see below).

Finally, navy blue is a consistent color choice among forecasters for 2016. With its ability to provide a dark alternative to black or dark gray, this steadfast standby tone can provide solidity and sobriety to a room or setting.

Material is Organic

An escape from urban living awaits in materials, as inspirations drawn from handicrafts such as needlework, knitting and weaving, block printing and woodworking are expected to bring an organic touch to objects and decor. This continues a trend from 2015, but traditional crafts and homespun folk art as opposed to raw building materials bring the old-fashioned back to life, even in a modern setting. Comfort and natural, ecologically-friendly living are stressed, while the hard edges and synthetic materials of artificial life are swept away. Think cushions, pillows, hand-knotted and/or deep pile rugs, polished (as opposed to raw) natural wood furniture and elements of the outdoors.

Eco-Awareness is Important

Speaking of the outdoors, in 2016, eco-awareness will be greater than ever. One of the aspects of this is an attention to water as a precious resource. Where it is feasible or attractive, the use of artificial trees and plants can enable homeowners to be both eco-friendly and aesthetically conscious, enhancing their home in an environmentally favorable way. Artificial plants have developed in many cases to be both economical and indistinguishable from the real thing, especially when viewed from a distance. In some cases, artificial components combine with the natural, as in cases where a real tree root or stem is used with synthetic (but real-looking) leaves, to fool the viewer into thinking the entire object is real.

Don’t forget that artificial foliage requires occasional attention, too. An intermittent dusting and/or adjustment of leaves can freshen them up as much as a dose of water will for the real thing.

Decorating your home in 2016, involves creativity, resourcefulness and imagination. Many of the finite rules of home decor still apply, however never before has there been so much freedom to express your personality through contrasting colors, textures and accessories.