2019 Design Trends for the Home: Colors of the Year and More

We’re heading into awards season, when celebrities parade down the red carpet and show off their style. Picture those same people strutting their stuff for the annual Color of the Year awards. From subtle earthy tones to vibrant hues, it would be a spectacle. Although there’s no gala for this particular honor, the designers at Cothran Homes watch closely to see what’s coming, what’s going, and what’s here to stay.Spin the color wheelThere isn’t just one winner in this category. Various organizations and companies choose their own. PANTONE, the leader in color trends, announced that “Living Coral” is their 20th annual Color of the Year. Their justification?“Sociable and spirited, the engaging nature of Living Coral welcomes and encourages lighthearted activity. Symbolizing our innate need for optimism and joyful pursuits, Living Coral embodies our desire for playful expression.”Not running to the paint store yet?Benjamin Moore has decided on something far subtler for its Color of the Year, quite the contrast after having named a fiery red as the 2018 winner. The paint company’s 2019 choice is “Metropolitan”, described as “a trendy gray with cool undertones”.Other paint companies have chimed in, too. Behr selected “Blueprint”, which sits somewhere between denim and navy on the color spectrum. Sherwin Williams gives their nod to “Cavern Clay”, an earthy terracotta color. Valspar chose not to choose one, but rather announced 12 select shades. From the rosy neutral called “Blushing Bride” to the eye-popping “Spring Squash”, there’s something for everyone. But there’s still something to be said to committing to one award-winner rather than handing out lots of ribbons.Backsplashes are making wavesEvery year, the kitchen backsplash seems to get more intriguing. With so many colors, patterns, and materials to choose from, it can be dizzying to narrow it down to the perfect pick. This year, designers have raised backsplashes to a new high—literally. The counter to ceiling backsplash is taking shape. It’s a great complement to the other kitchen trend of open shelves. Another trend to soak upThe 2018 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Study showed that 80% of people preparing to remodel their bathroom were planning to upgrade their tubs. The freestanding bathtub is the top choice among 69% of the homeowners surveyed (an increase of 7% over the previous year’s results). Offering both a wide variety of styles and ample space for a long soak, these tubs present a focal point in the bathroom, and some homeowners are asking for nooks to highlight the feature even more.Lighten up on the floorsDesigners are also moving toward lighter colors on the floors. The dark woods are fading into soft shades of light oak, birch, and a weathered shade of white. The lighter color is less dramatic, and feeds the need for airy spaces and lightness.Batten down the exteriorBoard-and-batten exterior siding has become a sought-after look, particularly for those who prefer the continuing design trend of Country Cottage, Craftsman, and Farmhouse architecture. The wide boards are laid with alternating narrow strips (the battens) in between. Also known as “barn siding”, board and batten can be as rustic or contemporary as you want, depending on the color and the materials. Cothran Homes has been using board and batten n the exterior of many of our new construction single-family homes and townhomes, like the Newcastle and the Belmont.It’s certainly much easier to change your wardrobe than your home’s decor, but if you’re looking for a new home, these trending styles can give you a peek into what’s peaking right now. Cothran Homes would love to show you our communities of new homes and townhomes in the Greenville, SC, area. Quality design and craftsmanship is always in style with Cothran Homes. Come and see for yourself!