Spring has sprung and that means it’s time to give your home design a refresh. With many of us stuck inside for the next few weeks, there has never been a better time to get ahead of some spring cleaning and focus on DIY projects around the home. We asked our resident interior design expert, Jennifer Thomas, what her favorite home design trends are this season and what she’d recommend avoiding if you’re looking to sell in the next few years.
Warm Neutrals | In recent years cool tone grays and stark whites have ruled the design scene. This spring we’re seeing a move away from that and instead designers are embracing warmer neutrals and earth tones. If gray is your color of choice, try a shade with a brown undertone instead of blue. Using neutrals with undertones on the red side of the color spectrum will help “make your home feel less cold and more inviting”. Jennifer’s go to warm neutral palette is from Miller Paint’s Magnolia Collection, One Horn White and Gatherings.
Colorful Kitchens | Jennifer is “excited to say adios to the all white kitchens!” White on white is being left in the 10’s and color in the kitchen is making a comeback. This easiest and most inexpensive way to freshen up your kitchen’s look is by adding some color to your cabinets. Adding bold and vibrant colors to your cabinets or kitchen island creates the perfect contrast against white walls and backsplash. Looking for inspiration? Jennifer loves this season’s Pantone color trends Chive and Ash.
Raw Materials | Organic materials and raw woods are still going strong this spring. Jennifer suggests incorporating live edge wood tables into your living areas for an artistic statement piece. Displaying the tones, grooves, and imperfections of raw wood in wall art is another great way to incorporate this trend in your space.
Muted Pastels | Inspired by the colors of the season, muted pastels are having a moment in accent decor. For a fresh look, Jennifer recommends incorporating muted shades of Faded Denim, Coral Pink, and Sunlight in with your living room neutrals for a calmer feel that’s “pleasing to the eyes”.
Trends to Avoid If You're Planning to Sell
If you’re thinking about selling your home in the next few years, you may want to play it safe when it comes to home design upgrades. Jennifer recommends staying away from the mixed metal trend because “it’s open to interpretation of what looks good together and what doesn’t”. The last thing you want to add to your to-do list when selling is replacing your new kitchen hardware or lighting because it’s distracting to buyers. A safer way to incorporate the trend is through accessories in your home. Do you have iron sink hardware? Try adding a brass utensil holder, paper towel holder, and/or some removable wall art to give you the effect without the long-term commitment.
Another trend Jennifer recommends being cautious with is wallpaper. Although simplistic geometric and floral wallpaper can add a refreshing twist to a home, it all comes down to personal preference. If you want to add some pattern to your walls but don’t want to commit to the longevity of wallpaper, try framing prints and creating a gallery wall instead. This is a breeze to take down if you decide to sell and gives you more flexibility to change up if you want to redesign.
Bottom line, Jennifer says “if you’re staying put, renovate how you want your home to look but always keep in mind the style and character of your home when choosing fun materials”. For more spring design inspiration check out local Portland design studios Jessica Helgerson Interior Design and Amy Trout Inspired Interior Design. Follow us on Instagram for weekly design inspiration and tips!
Jennifer Valencia is a Licensed Oregon Broker on the Dennison Capen Group. Prior to joining the team, Jennifer worked at California Design Center as Assistant Designer to the Principal Designer.
