Back by popular demand, and the list continues! I heard from many of you and your voice has been heard. Since my previous post (click here to view) was so popular and sparked such an interesting parade of commentaries, I thought an encore was warranted. Many of you brought up other trends that are indeed really big right now and fit well into this post. So lets delve right in shall we?
WHITE SUBWAY TILES. Whether marble or ceramic, white subways....are big. Real big. They are on one hand classic and understated but on the other hand seemingly everywhere in every kitchen in every magazine. It wouldn't stop me from using them and its very likely that in fact, I will use Calcutta gold subways, may do a big over sized one however they have never been as popular as they are this very minute. What do you think? Are subways on a fast track to extinction or here for the long haul? I think this very popular trend is here to stay.....
LINEN SLIPCOVERS Another very popular trend. Neutral earthy toned linen slipcovered chairs, white linen sofas, white linen drapes, white linen pillows, white linen in outdoor settings, white linen in the bedroom...you get the pictures, its all over the place. Especially in blogland, I feel like on any given day, you can find a few dozen posts posting pictures of white slipcovered chairs and such. I think it must have originally started out in charming French country settings, but have crossed over to more modern rooms, outdoor spaces, its everywhere! What do you think?
GREIGE AND GRAY. Again these colors have been around for hundreds of years but never have they been so widely used as they have in the last few years. I happen to like gray a lot, and its immense popularity wouldn't preclude me from using it just because it happens to be popular but it would be used as just an accent as opposed to an entire color scheme. I must say I am very drawn to the "grayed" woods that have become so hot right now, and do like the combination of beige and gray together in a room, all trends aside. Thoughts?
So what are your thoughts? I always love to know! I tend to not be a trend follower unless I happen to love whats new and exciting. Even if it is a trend, that will not keep me from using it, I go with what I truly love, trend or no trend. I tend to be that way with fashion and how I dress, though I favor more classic styles with a slight twist. Can't wait to hear what your thoughts are.
Enjoy your day!
Gorgy! Gorgy! Gorgy! Love all of these images. I don't care if they are on their way out. They all look fab for now!
ReplyDeletewww.sadieandstella.blogspot.com
Good morning, my dear Tina!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you! I'm aware of the trends, but I stick with what I love. I think it's a waste of money and energy being changing your house, just because the latest issue of your favorite magazine said you should go for certain look next season.
I think that classic materials will ways look good no matter what. Subway tiles will look good for many years to come. It's neutral. But of course, people will eventually think that's too "bare". People will always change their opinion, but if you love the look, why not keep it, right?
Now, all the strong patterns can be fabulous now, but it's easier to get tired of it, because they make such a strong statement. I think that will go out soon, but again... if you love it, keep it! ;-)
Have a great Tuesday!
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
HATE the bold geometric bright patterns, its such a trend and one I cannot wait to see make a fast exit. There is no way to scream "I am a trend follower" more than using one of those!
ReplyDeleteLove subways, slipcovers and gray however:-)
Hi Tina,
ReplyDelete#1-Subway tiles have become popular again, but, they are definitely a timeless design element, and will never appear dated.
#2-White linen slipcovers have never really appealed to me, unless they're part of a shabby chic design scheme. Even when they're perfectly tailored, they wrinkle easily and appear a bit sloppy.
#3-Bold prints and patterns are the direct result of neutrals and solids being popular for so many years. While vibrantly colored patterns will probably have a short lifespan, more subdued patterns are likely to endure for the balance of the decade.
#4-Grey is similar to the once popular brown trend. A home with grey as its primary color will undoubtedly appear dated in ten years.
These are my humble opinions on the current popular trends.
Great post, Tina!
~ Wendi ~
White slip covered furniture has been in beach theme and shabby chic decorating for years. However, now it is branched out everywhere. Even contemporary homes blend in this style. I believe it will always be here, but where it began...beach or shabby chic.
ReplyDeleteSubway tile in 20 years? Will it look dated? I hope not. I used to LOVE slate...slate everywhere..it is still being used, however I don't care for it. DH just talked me into purchasing a breakfast set with a slate border. Can I paint slate? ;)
Gray or Greige...my fav right now, however DH would NOT go for it in our new house. He's a funny guy. Anyway, as you stated, it has been around for a long time. I hope that it will remain popular.
Last, the bold prints...I love looking at pictures of rooms with them. I am not certain that I would ever use them. I don't like test screens on tv that we used to have....blinding. I believe these will last in more contemporary homes.
One trend that I think is very important are open kitchen's and rooms that provide some form of media. We are all so accustomed to being connected. I think that interiors seem to all be "bold" or "beige" and that will be here to stay!
ReplyDeletePretty rooms....and yes to lots of pure white.
pve
I think subway tiles are here to stay and I like some of the updated ones. I am not a fan of the whole slipcovered look unless in a setting like at the beach. And I really am not a fan of the fussy versions. I think there is always a hot color...I remember when beige/kacki was everywhere....grey has taken the place. I don't think either neutral will ever be "out" but I do think there will always be the new hot color. Beautiful images....
ReplyDeleteGood morning Tina,
ReplyDeleteI personally love subway tiles and I don't think they're really trendy, I consider them more like a new classic, as they blend with modern as well as traditional. The only danger is that because they are so versatile, they might be overused.
Slipcovers? Meh, not big on them.
Big, bold patterns are fun and cheerful but definitely trendy and therefore short lived.
As for grey or greige, I'm thinking it's not so much trendy as somewhat cyclical. If I were doing a new room right now, I would not hesitate to use it because it won't probably go out for another ten or twelve years, and by then, it may be time to redo the room.
And that's my two cents, lol!
I am old enough to remember some things being popular and trendy and fading from favor and now back again appearing fresh~it seems hard to escape the fact that most decorating trends that are the darlings end up being the ones tossed aside and suddenly hated and dated! I remember how exciting "pickled" floors and furniture was back in the 80s..and now it is back and is "limed finish" for that belgian look. I think bathrooms should always be white when possible, as white is the only thing that does not seem to go out of style!
ReplyDeleteWhat's old is new today such as the vintage revival. But, from what I have seen over the years as a decorator, what is new today will become old tomorrow. I am not a trend follower. That's why I should never throw out or give away anything. Neutrals never go out of style. I use them a lot. I use punches of color in pillows and or accessories. That way for little expense I can always change those things to reflect trends without redoing the whole room or house.
ReplyDeleteI agree with anonymous! I am a big fan of going with neutrals and then throw in the trend - if you love it, not because a magazine says so - can be added and then taken away. Besides, that's just more fun to change it up once in a while (or often if you're like me ;)). Great post Tina!
ReplyDeleteHi, Tina,
ReplyDeleteI don't tend to follow trends, because I like what I like and I don't overhaul my decor, just tweek it or add layers.
1) Subway tiles: I don't favor the shiny white ones like the ones in subways. I do like the shape, but prefer them in marble where the veining adds some texture.
2) Slipcovers: I did that a decade ago, because my Florida home was also a rental...very practical and good as well for people with small children. I am over the style myself, although I do love the "drapey" skirts a la Pamela Pierce in the kitchen image, but I cannot imagine overcoming the cleaning issue, especially so near a stove. In another application, however, it would look so lovely, especially in that luscious lavender gray linen.
3) Bold pattern: Not a fan.
4) Greige and gray: Love, love, love it. Great as a background with a stone undertone or a blue undertone. Lovely in deeper gray on the furniture -- think mohair club chairs. Very versatile and will not go out of style, in my opinion.
Thanks, Tina, for another thought-provoking column. It is fun to read other readers' reactions.
Good luck with the house this week.
Best...Victoria
The biggest trend right now is definitely bold color - both in fashion and decor. I don't think subway tiles fall into the trend category - they have always and always will be a classic favorite. Same with neutrals - although the whole RH interpretation is a trend that I think is dying off with the re-introduction of all the color.
ReplyDeleteTina, I always enjoy reading your blog. Most blogs I just look at the pictures.
ReplyDeleteI have learned in my own home never by large trendy pieces. Stick with neutrals and items that wont go out of style. Than you can add trendy pieces that you love. That way, when it is out dated you can afford to change it out.. I once had a floral sofa. After 5 years I was so board with it I wanted to scream. My sofa now is off white. A little paint on the walls and new pillows and I have a new look.
I think subway tile and grey are here to say...I'm kind of over the 'geometric' bold prints unless they are done in small doses.
ReplyDeleteAs a kitchen designer for 20 years and going strong I disagree with above person who said subways are not a trend. They very much are, but they are a beautiful trend and its one that has been around a while but in the last 6-8 years we have seen an increase in requests to use subways probably 40%!! It is one of those trends however that I believe will always be around, and it will peak and valley as most classic trends do.
ReplyDeleteI am not a fan of the bold and geometric in any shape or form and think it screams "trend". I don't care for slipcovers unless they are used in a casual beach house.
Really like gray but you have to be careful when using it so as to not appear cold.
Terrific subject that appears to have given a lot of people something to talk about and offer their opinion on.
LP
I too, am old enough to see old trends recreated. I'm an observer, when it comes to most trends. My rule of thumb is to follow trends with accessories. It's a lot easier to buy an izkat pillow for $40 than a $4000 geometric rug.
ReplyDeleteWalls painted in intense colors and graphics will come and go, and will be dated much faster than the classic style of subway tile.
Cheers!
Some trends follow style and some styles follow trends. I am a fan of the former!
ReplyDeleteI cannot look at the new trend of bold geometric patterns without humming the Partridge Family them song in my head....please tell me that polyester leisure suits aren't coming back too?
I still love subway tiles, linen slipcovers and gray. I think I will always love those. I like to look at fun bold patterned rooms, but it's not really my personal aesthetic. That being said, I think it will be around for awhile. It's funny, I was going through my old bookmarked blog posts and inspiration files and I noticed that a couple of years ago I was obsessed with Belgian and Swedish design. I still like it, but now just elements of it and not all together. Maybe Restoration Hardware sort of ruined it for me.
ReplyDeleteI like trends if they meet an end. Slipcovers are wonderful if you have children around-no more children around for me. Even tho I'm into shabby chic, slipcovers are too sloppy for me.
ReplyDeleteI have always loved the look of subway tiles, grays, and neutrals and I think they are classic. Linen is ok in some things, but I think slipcovers look unkept and sloppy. The bold patterns and wallpapers that are so popular now are a throwback to the 70's! They looked bad then, look just as bad now...I think those will not stand the test of time...Becky
ReplyDeleteTina I think all of the above trends will go out of vogue and will come back again. Subway tiles can look classic when used with marble. Grey is big but will soon be considered dull, just like taupe. I think people will get their fill of it. Slip covers, too practical to go totally out, but they won't be the mainstay in design that they are now. Bold colors will always pop in and out especially after a neutral trend, people start craving color.
ReplyDeleteFun post, I love to hear what others think of the TREND TRAIN as I like to call it!!!
Bottom line stay with what you love that makes you smile!! xo Kathysue
I like to decorate my home much like I like to dress. A base of classics and add an 'edge' with the accessories. I am not trendy, I don't flow with whatever wind is blowing at the time. I like elegance with a twist.
ReplyDeleteI think subway tiles are classic, some slipcovers to me are ok, some are way too girlie and too much hassle. Bold geometrics are ok in small doses!
I can't imagine all the details that must run through your brain!
xo
Love subway tiles with an edgea and not so much the shiny style, love slipcovers that are tailored looking not messy! Like Gray but if it is limited not an all over color scheme, like RH, too much distressed finishes, gray walls and gray floors..just too much of a good thing, love warm honeyed floors, creams, greige and accents of colors like blues, greens, salmon, burgundy, gold..etc, these are classic, traditional looks and colors that will never fade. That's how I prefer to decorate my home. My bold accents would be a small dose of animal print in throw pillows or a hide rug.
ReplyDeleteI have to say, I don't really get it with the subway tiles. I think they are fine, and that the tile material matters more than the layout in most cases. But I just don't understand why subway is as popular as it is. The linen slipcover I get - for people who decorate in that style they are a necessity. As for the others - greige and bold pattern-- I personally couldn't decorate without them!
ReplyDeleteStacy
If these are all trendy, I think I must be too! Except for geometric prints and bright colors. Not for me, but can appreciate them. I'm thinking that subway tiles are here to stay. Aren't they are named after the nyc subway tiles that have been around for decades? I do like the trend to go dark with the grout too. Such a fun read Tina!
ReplyDeletei love patterns... they make the whole space so much more interesting!!!
ReplyDeleteThe green living room with zebra - to die for! xx
ReplyDeleteI think most of these styles are here to stay except the bold color trend I'm not a fan of that. Linens I prefer in a different color then white all the time there's some really saturated colored linens coming out of Belgium and France that I love like deep dark chocolate or ocher. I think trends are just that a trend with no lasting ability.
ReplyDeleteWell, I have always loved subway tiles...and remember seeing them in historical homes. I think they fall in and out of favor but are acceptable to most people that are buying (or working on) a home.
ReplyDeleteAs for the slipcovers. I like them if they are well made and fit properly. I think they will always be a staple but that you won't see them in EVERY home and EVERY setting. I think they have always been part of the beach/cottage style and that is where they will return to their roots.
I think the grey is the "new" neutral, and as such, will be around for a while before being replaced by the NEXT new neutral. One of the classiest homes I was ever in featured a medium grey paint AND carpet throughout accented with beautiful artwork and fixtures. The furniture was off white and and black. This was in the 1960's!!! The people were from NYC and moved to our small town to get away from "the race" as they called it.
Bolds? Not for me...not at all...Do I enjoy seeing them in someone else's home? Absolultely~but I am glad to leave them there when I go home.
Another great post, Tina! xo Diana
Subway tile will continue to be popular for quite a while, I think, but as many have said, the marble tiles are becoming more popular. I do not personally get white slipcovers. I cannot see anything practical about sitting on anything that is white. In the part of Texas I live in, even very affluent people live pretty casually and it is just too dirty here to be sitting on white fabric. I do admit they are attractive, but would never consider them practical. I didn't love the gray thing at first, but the fine tuning has happened and I am smitten. I fear it will fade, but I will be sad. Gray is like the "negative space" in art. Not a fan of the ikat stuff. Guess I still have too many hang ups from 9/11, and the whole middle eastern, Persian aesthetic does not appeal to me. I think it will fade. The rest of the trellis type patterns are classically influenced, but are definitely trendy. But, I rebel against saying, always just go with neutrals and accent with color or pattern so that you can change it easily. I say, live in the moment and enjoy it. Don't forgo today's Coconut Creme Pie for peanut butter because you think you may tire of it! It's not rocket science, its decorating and it should thrill you!
ReplyDeleteHi Tina, I believe subway tiles are timeless. I once had slip covered furniture and the wrinkles drove me crazy. Every time someone stood up I was immediately tucking and straightening. I could not live in a house with such bold colors without getting a headache. I think neutrals are here to stay but I do like to add just a pop of color.
ReplyDeleteI am enjoying seeing the progress on your gorgeous home.
Hugs,
Sherry
Hi Tina, I am definitely not a trend follower, I like what I like at the moment. I think you have to go with what makes you happy, because it has to please you and make you feel comfortable.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Sherry
Subway tiles: yes indeed! We just installed them in our new house:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.libbywilkiedesigns.com/2011/03/let-get-down-to-kitchen-business_03.html
I love them! Ours have a bit of a beveled edge which adds depth...
Tina,
ReplyDeleteLove the subway tiles and have for a long time.
Linen slipcover during the summer is an easy way to change your living environments to feel light like summer.
I'm not fond of big bold vivid prints and patterns. Some people feel as though it makes them feel "alive" with color. It's not for me personally and it has it's place in some very modern environments with plenty of light.
Love, love, love, gray and always find a way to incorporate it in most interiors. Love it in clothes, shoes, purses and as a car color too.
Bette
I definitely think subway tiles are a classic that are here to stay! I am very partial to gray, because I am not a big fan of earth tones, and I think gray is a perfect substitute as a neutral. It remains to be seen if this trend will last as an overall color scheme (still relatively new if you compare it to subway tiles), but I think it is here to stay. I am partial since I did jump on the bandwagon with that color. However, I must say that I only go with what I love and if it happens to be on trend that wouldn't stop me anymore than if it was not on trend!
ReplyDeleteGood morning sweet Tina!
ReplyDeleteWell, these photos give me a sense of beauty surrounding me today as I enter into another stressful day at work. Summer was so sweet, and I guess I should be so grateful for the type of job I have to ENJOY such time off! But now I will really soak up the beauty of blogger pals who give such love and beautiful inspiration.....Anita
I actually love all of those trends! Slipcovers are the best I would have to say.
ReplyDeleteAll of these photos are so gorgeous. I always love the look of linen slipcovers especially when mixed into a french country theme! xo
ReplyDeleteIf we look back hundreds of years ago and see the use of elements throughout history then it must be a keeper. European elements that have been used for years have become big here. Most are here to stay. The bold prints and patterns seem to a trendy and will go and come. Love a greige color palette but often colors are trendy. The neutrals including gray will always be timeless.
ReplyDeleteTina,
ReplyDeleteYou have outdone yourself once again! Love the subway tiles, and the image with the gray chair and wallpaper is gorgeous.
I hope that you are TRYING to take it easy.
Teresa
xoxo
Hi I am so enjoying your blog. I just found you about two weeks ago and am addicted! This is the first comment I am leaving. I really enjoyed this post. I am redoing our home right now and working with a designer for 5 of the rooms. She has beautiful taste but I am not sure about a few of the "trends" she was thinking of to give the house a updated feel.
ReplyDeleteOne if a big bold pattern in a rug for my dining room, which I am not really too fond of. I do think this is a trend and I think its one that might go out fast, so I have opted for a sisal rug. I used subways, crackled off white ones in my kitchen and though I do agree its a big trend in kitchens right now, I think this is a real classic and hoepfully will always be around!
I am not fond of the linen/slipcovered all white look, its a bit contrived in my opinion. Gray can look beautiful if in the right home, and it depends on lighting in the room. I tried to paint my bedroom gray and it was very gloomy, we don't get a lot of natural light in there so we went lighter and more neutral to keep it a little warmer.
Thank you for this wonderful post.
i don't have to tell you that i love the blk & white striped wall with the zebra staircase.
ReplyDeletethanks xxx
I'm going to give you a key to my house, leave for a long holiday, and not return until you've finished it. Love love love....
ReplyDeleteI love those subway tiles, its such an American look, if I was doing a kitchen I think I'd opt for them, they're unusual here.
ReplyDeleteOh and grey/greige white has always been my thing, I'm pretty boring.
I'm with you on the subway tile - always classic and clean. Not sure about linen slipcovers or the color greige as I got pretty tired of the look browsing through Restoration Hardware's new catalog (now a doortstop!) and I'm all for pops of color and pattern - with some restraint!
ReplyDeletexxoo
I am not at all a trend follower. If I love it, I love it no matter how popular or not popular it might be. But it is interesting to see whats "in".
ReplyDeleteI am so over the slipcovers, the white and all the washed out neutral linens, boring!
Subways, are a classic which I think is here to stay.
Bolds in bright colors, cannot stand either hope it goes away soon. Tired of all my design magazines featuring homes with it. Makes me not want to open another design magazine!
Its fun to see what comes and goes but classics are really the only thing that stands the test of time.
I really do not know if they are a trend or here to stay - I have NO decorating talent.
ReplyDeleteBut I LOVE seeing the pic's on all of the blogs!
Have a pretty day!
Kristin
Of the things you mentioned I'd say the "statement patterns" will be the trend that we chuckle at in years to come. IMO, the simplest presentation will be the least likely to appear dated. For example, a simple slipcover on a clean lined sofa will look less 2011 than one with ruffles on the bottom. Just my predictions. Hope you hold on to our comments and check back in a few years to see if any of us had it right.
ReplyDeleteI'm going with subway tiles in our wet areas and the laundry as they are classic, simple and inexpensive. Bit over greige when they are so many lovely shades of colour to choose from, and I prefer to keep my colours softer, although love looking at others who are bold enough to use strong, bright colours. I don't do slipcovers, too messy looking for me.
ReplyDeleteI tend to use what I love whether it's a bit trendy or not. Neutrals are a favorite of mine and with the change of a few accessories, a room can look completely different. I have subway tiles in my kitchen and I love the clean, simple look!!
ReplyDeleteI have missed your wonderful posts! I got up extra extra early to visit and I am so happy I did! I love reading about what is here to stay and what is not! I have to do some catching up, I have to click over to your previous post!
ReplyDeleteLove you site! I need some advice. I am designing my French kitchen. The cabinets are white, Bianco Romano granite, white subway tile, very dark taupe floors. (Stainless steel appliances/white cast iron sink) What color should I do the grout in? I chose taupe/grey.. the tiles will be very close together. Obsessing about my decision. Thoughts?
ReplyDelete