By Smarty guest blogger Brooke Cole
Hi Charlotte Smarties! It is such a pleasure to be here on the blog with you today sharing the interior design trends that I see emerging this year. Whether preparing for a renovation or coming up with a creative way to update your home, I am sure you will find some inspiration here.
White cabinetry is waning
While an all white kitchen can be a tried and true classic, in 2018 you will see a movement away from all white kitchens and white cabinetry in general. Instead you will see cabinetry painted in an array of colors from soft blues, greens and even blush tones. Black and grey cabinetry mixed with gold hardware is a look also on the rise. Stained wood cabinetry is also coming back in style in lighter more natural finishes such as cerused oak. All of these cabinetry applications are being used as an interesting change to a white sterile look.
Design by Traci Zeller Interiors | Photo by Brooke Cole
Design by Lisa Mende Designs | Photo by Kelli Boyd Photography
Bringing Outdoor Elements Inside
I think everyone loves a beautiful and inviting outdoor living space and the industry has seen an uptick in consumer outdoor furnishing purchases in the last few years. But in 2018, I see a trend towards using more outdoor elements inside in several different iterations. First up is outdoor fabrics, which have come a long way in design, texture and feel. The stain impermeability and clean-ability are hard to beat, which make these workhorse fabrics, an indoor must have. Outdoor materials such as wicker, woven, teak and metals-which are all durable and cleanable- will be integrated more into interior furnishing elements. Florals and garden motifs are also heavily trending in the world of fabrics and wallpapers.
One of my favorite iterations of this trend that I am seeing is using garden trellises on interior walls. This fall I had the opportunity to visit the Traditional Home show house in Dallas, TX. Amy Berry, a Dallas based interior designer, designed one of my favorite rooms. She used a garden outdoor trellis to encapsulate the fireplace surround and wall. Garden motif floral fabrics and a soft blue and green color palette continue the ‘bringing the outdoors in’ theme.
Design by Amy Berry | Photo by Nathan Schroder Photo
Penny Tile
Although ceramic and stone penny tiles have been around for over a 100 years and were used extensively in residential and commercial areas in the 1930’s, I predict a big resurgence in the use of this charming little round tile in 2018. Typically a ¾” round ceramic tile, available in a myriad of colors, these relatively inexpensive tiles can pack a big personality when arranged in different patterns and designs. Penny tiles are also an ideal choice for slippery surfaces or high traffic areas such as bathrooms and shower floors. Penny tiles are a versatile style-they can be classic and nostalgic or a modern and fresh update. Let’s take a peek at some of my favorite uses of this versatile tile option.
Kitchen designed by Tobi Fairley | Photo by Nancy Nolan Photography
Design by Lori Paranjape of Mrs. Paranjape Design + Interiors | Photo by Kristen Mayfield
Thank you so much Smarties for the opportunity to share some of my favorite design trends for 2018. Be sure to visit me on Instagram for more design inspiration @brooke_tzi
About the writer:
Brooke Cole has been immersed in the home furnishings industry since she was a teenager. Growing up near the home 
furnishings capital of the world, High Point, NC., Brooke worked with several home furnishing manufacturers to pay her way through college. While wanting to spread her wings outside of her furnishing roots, she began her career as a buyer in the fashion industry in New York City, working with high-end retailers Bloomingdales and Saks 5th Avenue. After starting a family, she returned to her roots in North Carolina and reignited her passion for the all things home furnishings and interior design related. She is currently the project manager at Traci Zeller Interiors, a luxury boutique interior design studio based in Charlotte, NC and maintains her interest in fashion through her Instagram account @brooke_tzi
