Try On the Classic Refresh Trend

Pattern trends can come and go, but certain styles never seem to get old. Classic Jacobean floral prints, avian-inspired designs, chinoiserie motifs and block prints feel as timely now as they ever have. Don’t get intimidated by using patterns in your space. Find a unifying element, like a color that repeats, to help tie it all together. When coupling multiple patterns together be aware of their scale. Keeping it consistent with a large print pattern is a dramatic statement. If you want something softer, incorporate a mix of small, medium and large print patterns together.

One of the most universally beloved colors, blue in all its various shades never fails to look put together. Whether it’s a powdery blue green, a rich navy or classic denim, there’s a shade that appeals to everyone. Combining blue and white together gives any room instant polish thanks to its nautical origins. To keep this color scheme from feeling too chilly, add warm accents like gold or even a marigold yellow for balance.

A metal that never seems to waver in the design community, polished nickel has always and will always be a timeless finish. It adds a cool sophistication to lighting, bathroom hardware and kitchen finishes. Opting for the polished version adds shine and brightness, if you want to downplay your metals try a brushed version instead. Unlike chrome, polished nickel tends to be more forgiving and is easier to keep clean. 

Stone surfaces in dramatic hues like black, brown or blue wax and wane in popularity. Light color stone surfaces for vanity tops, countertops and tabletops on the other hand always feel in style. Natural or manufactured, surfaces in bright white, cream or light gray make a room feel cleaner and brighter. Experiment with different stone textures too. Instead of a polished marble, a rougher slate surface adds texture. To ensure these surfaces last, read the care instructions carefully and follow their cleaning guidelines.

Skip straight-lined furniture in favor of pieces with more details and curvature. Not only do they offer more interesting silhouettes, details like ornate molding and millwork, faceted glass and nail head trim make a room feel layered and luxurious.  Plus, it creates visual interest in a room. To keep it from feeling too old-fashioned, create balance by choosing specific traditional-style pieces to act as standouts in a room—then let them shine. 

Natural wood styles come and go and what’s considered in style varies greatly. Wood types and colors are all big commitments. Painted wood offers more longevity. Wood furniture in black, blue, white or gray gives your eye a neutral space to rest in a room. It allows other things like finishes and patterns a chance to be the star. From a practical angle, painted furniture is usually more durable and easier to clean.