Source:  New Home Guide, Sept. 13 – Oct 11, 2013 Volume 16 Issue 10 Page 10

Question:

What are some of the new trends in home decor this fall?

Answer:

“What we’re seeing for a design trend this fall is a move toward bringing natural elements into the home,” says Kal Macdonald, interior design supervisor for Shane Homes and Creations by Shane Homes.  “So we’re seeing a lot more stone and wood, and metals – copper and bronze – that can add warmth to the home.”

With hardwood floors people are choosing more medium tones and woods such as oak that have more grain, as well as a distressed look.

“We’re starting to sell more laminate floors and manufacturers are focusing on design so they look a lot like hardwood, but offer a more affordable price point and added durability,” Macdonald says.  “Laminates featuring a barn board look also transfer well from the floor to the wall.  I don’t recommend using them on the floor and wall in the same room, but you can get a really nice look by using the laminate on walls, like on the back wall in a family room.

“Tile manufacturers are also creating tile that looks like wood and it’s a great look for around a fireplace,” he says.  “The only downside to tile is that it’s colder underfoot than laminate and hardwood.”

Stone pebbles pre-mounted on sheets that can be applied to the wall are great for backsplashes and around a fireplace and because they are typically slightly rounded and polished they go nicely on shower floors.

“We’re also seeing a lot of stone tiles such as slate and Travertine used on walls in the bathroom and in showers,” Macdonald says.  “We are also seeing marble make a big comeback with marble mosaic tiles for backsplashes in the kitchen;  they add a clean, timeless look.

“We’re getting a lot of requests for marble,” however since it’s more porous, Macdonald recommends people use it on bathroom vanities and not for kitchen countertops.

As for metals, he says, a number of tile manufacturers are “coming out with linear mosaic tiles with glass, stone and metal – either copper or stainless steel.  Brass and gold are also making a comeback with lamps and accessory accents.”