INTERIOR REFRESH
5 Designer Trends That Are Here to Stay
Dried Florals
This design trend is a complete home run—you’ll never have to worry about replacing another beautiful flower arrangement. I often find myself splurging on beautiful fresh blooms only to discard them after a few days. Well-dried floral arrangements may be your answer. They’ve become so popular as of late. Their natural lines, muted shades, and longevity are the reasons why you will fall in love with these beauties. Some of my favorite dried varieties include: Italian ruscus, Lagurus ovatus (bunny tails), craspedia (Billy balls), and Banksia Protea. You can source individual stems or entire arrangements from your local florist or online at Etsy.
Metallic Accessories
My mind goes straight to the track “Shiny” from the original motion picture Moana when I begin discussing this next design trend. I love a little shimmer here and there. Glitter, absolutely not! But little shiny metallics, yes please! Metallic accessories come in a variety of shades: rustic copper, antique gold, polished nickel, et cetera. They reflect light, so their colors are constantly changing. I like to mix different metallic tones, which allows me to achieve great depth and warmth throughout my spaces—don’t be afraid to try mingling whichever metals naturally speak to you.
Pattern
My obsession with pattern began at a very young age when my preschool teacher taught me to draw a zigzag. The way I saw the world was forever changed. Pattern can be a scary concept for many. “A pattern will be too busy in this small space.” “I’ll grow tired of it soon, so I’d rather just stick with something plain.” “I’ll just do a fun pattern on my throw pillows so it isn’t overwhelming.” All of these are excuses to which I say, “Let’s take the leap together.” Done right, pattern can transform your space into a truly remarkable experience. Take risks, have fun, and breathe…ahhh. It’ll be worth it!
Sculptural Accents
In a world of form versus function, this design trend screams the former. Whether you’re into abstract elements or literal figures, sculptures pack the visual punch! It’s a single element that has the power to stand on its own, so let it. Go bold with something that can be styled confidently on its own or start small with a design that can easily be integrated into a well-composed collection of beautiful belongings. Choose sculptures that are interesting to YOU. I like figures that are both masculine and feminine, beautiful yet odd, modern with a hint of nostalgia.
Stair Runners
If you feel like your home is falling flat, or are simply in the mood for a refresh, adding a stair runner (or switching out an existing one) may be just the remedy. This is a quick and affordable way to add major wow to your home. Don’t feel like you are making a ‘til-death-do-you-part commitment—runners can be easily changed. Another wonderful quality of this design trend is that stair runners provide only minimal coverage. Whether you pick a runner with a graphic pattern or one with a bold hue, rest assured, your selection will be a conversation starter and not a complete falter.
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Erin Melkonian
Interiors Editor
Erin runs a collaborative design firm, EMID Design Group, specializing in healthcare, hospitality, and residential interior design, in Fresno, California. Seeing the world through an artistic lens has allowed Erin to experiment in a number of different styles. Everything she does with a space is deliberate. Every piece has a purpose and has been thought about, from color, to position, to scale in order to create the most unique and personal spaces for her clients.
Ellie Koleen
Photographer
Ellie is a lifestyle, wedding, and brand photographer based in Fresno, California. An artist behind the lens, her trademark airy, light-filled style and masterful camera angles make her work easily recognizable. She uses her love for all things design related as inspiration for her work. The Fresno Bee named Ellie Best Photographer for the People’s Choice Awards in 2018 and 2019.