Top 10 Design Trends that Defined 2018
In 2018, homeowners embraced comfort, convenience, and greater connectedness. They often opted for bold, colorful design statements to distinguish their spaces and serve as ongoing inspiration. Here are 10 home design trends that helped define the year.
1. Statement Ceilings
Ceilings served as canvasses for creativity to make rooms appear larger, brighter and more memorable. A wide variety of aesthetic approaches—from scenic wallpaper or exposed beams to vibrant paint or tile—elevated the “fifth wall” to a position of prominence in primary living spaces.
2. Cozy Outdoor Spaces
As the distinctions between indoor and outdoor spaces continue to blur, homeowners designed their terraces and decks to be as comfortable as indoor environments. Living room-style furniture, TVs and outdoor fireplaces helped contribute to cozy gathering places for family members to relax and connect.
3. Eco-Friendly Materials
The use of recycled, leftover and reclaimed materials contributed to a rich, natural design aesthetic. Complementing this trend was the growing use of handmade items made of jute, rice paper, clay and other sustainable materials.
4. The Connected Home
Smart home devices—including video doorbells, Wi-Fi thermostats, whole-house lighting control and wireless shades—simplified everyday tasks while improving energy efficiency and enhancing security. Homeowners embraced advanced technology, like VeriLock® security sensors from Andersen Windows. These innovative sensors not only indicate whether your windows and patio doors are open, they even tell you if they are locked or unlocked.* No other sensors can do that.
* When properly configured and maintained with a professionally installed security system and/or self-monitoring system compatible with Honeywell® 5800 controls. See your dealer for more information.
5. More Colorful Kitchens
While white kitchens remained a popular choice, some adventurous homeowners opted for bolder colors. Two-toned kitchens, featuring cabinets in warm shades of navy, gray, hunter green or classic black, offered the best of both worlds.
6. Spa Inspired Bathrooms
Today’s high-end master baths have amenities on par with those at luxurious spas. Popular features included stand-alone steam showers, freestanding soaking tubs, luxury fixtures and radiant-heated floors.
7. Compact Multifunctional Furniture
The latest generation of stylish, multi-purpose furnishings are petite in scale to fit into small spaces and challenging room shapes. Light, movable pieces support a variety of different room configurations.
8. Light Wood Floors
Light-colored hardwood floors staged a major comeback in 2018, challenging the enduring dynasty of dark wood. Highly versatile oak, maple, birch, ash and bamboo species contributed to open, airy environments that effortlessly transition from casual to luxurious.
9. Concrete Accents
Concrete continued its ascent from the domain of unfinished basements to primary living areas. Concrete flooring, fixtures, countertops and shelving added rich dimension and rustic style to a range of spaces.
10. Productive Secondary Spaces
In 2018, no space was ignored or overlooked—from corners and alcoves to under-stair areas. No longer consigned to a life of storage or sheer neglect, these areas were transformed into offices, retreat areas and decorative nooks.
