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1stdibs Survey Reveals the Biggest Interior Design Trends of the New Year

Furniture World News Desk on 1/30/2018


1stdibs, the global marketplace for collectors and dealers of beautiful things, recently revealed the findings of its first Interior Designer Trends Survey, which focused on interior trends that will dominate in 2018, 2017 trends that will fade and common mistakes clients make when redesigning a space. Research firm Surveys & Forecasts, LLC, sampled the opinions of top designers from around the world who are part of the 1stdibs Trade Program. This program provides exclusive benefits, such as discounted trade pricing and complimentary concierge services, to interior designers and architects.

The commissioned survey looked at changes in home design that designers will be watching for this year, as well as top fads from 2017 that are losing steam. Among the most surprising findings was the turn away from minimalist styles and washed-out, mostly white interiors, which had been among the most popular looks.

“1stdibs is fortunate to have 40,000 of the most talented interior designers take part in our trade program,” said Sarah Liebel, GM of the 1stdibs Trade Program. “This group is responsible for putting together some of the most beautiful spaces throughout the world, and we are thrilled that we are able to share their predictions for interior design in 2018.”

Biggest Style Trends of 2018
When asked about trends in color, materials and finishes, purchasing patterns (pre-owned versus new), furniture styles, patterns and motifs from the past year, the surveyed designers had the following to say:

  • A return to color: 26% of designers indicated that more color, warmer tones and brighter shades are on tap for 2018, as gray begins to show its age and fade along with 2017. Jewel tones top the list, with designers predicting shades of teal, eggplant and emerald green as prime choices for 2018.

  • Contemporary projects dominate: Designers preferred contemporary projects for the new year (65%), with vintage coming in second (35%). Modern dominated four of the top five styles designers report planning to use in 2018. Art Deco was also a popular choice, coming at the fifth spot.

  • Velvet and stone on the rise: Brushed metals (for example, bronze and copper) appear to be waning in popularity this year, while velvet (12%) and stone (11%) will rise.

  • Geometric patterns and florals: Geometric patterns (mentioned by 24%) and nature motifs, such as florals (32%) are expected to remain strong in 2018.

  • Boutique furniture artisans favored: Although many were mentioned, no one furniture designer dominated. Interior designers seek individuality in pieces they source, with 46% reporting that they will buy more from artisans craftsmen in 2018.

 

"This year we anticipate clients taking more chances by focusing on composition," said Charles Fletcher, Principal, De Choix. Design. "Exploring unexpected connections between furniture and other design elements will give your space stunning results."

2017 Trends That Will Not Carry Over into the New Year
Looking back, interior designers identified once-dominant trends that are on the way out.

Top findings include:

  • Complexity v. Minimalism: While modern design maintains popularity, designers report expecting to see more complexity in both color and details come into vogue versus the minimalist style (down 3% from 2017) we’ve seen recently.

  • Millennial Pink: The once-loved Millennial Pink dropped in popularity, with only 14% of designers planning to integrate it into their color schemes this year, compared to 23% in 2017.

  • Metal finishes: Brass, nickel and other metals, such as chrome, were materials most designers reported they expect to see fall out of favor.

Designers were also asked about working with clients. Respondents reported that one of the biggest mistakes clients can make is not listening to or trusting their designers (44%). Other mistakes include:

  • Quantity over quality: Purchasing poor-quality furniture can compromise an entire project, as can being unwilling to spend to achieve quality or buying either too much or everything at once.

  • Too trendy: Respondents reported that clients often follow fads too closely, rather than pursuing their own individual styles.

  • Budget: Most mistakes that designers reported had to do with not being honest about the budget or not having a budget at all.

  • Investment pieces: Most designers said that if asked to advise a client about investing in one thing, it would be a quality sofa, followed by a dining table and art. Mirrors, sideboards and sculptures were mentioned least.


Methodology
Between December 19, 2017, and January 2, 2018, researchers with Surveys & Forecasts, LLC, a full-service strategic research consultancy based in South Norwalk, CT, conducted more than 630 online interviews with interior designers who are part of the 1stdibs Trade Program, which consists of 40,000 registered designers.

More about 1stdibs: 1stdibs is the world's leading online marketplace for rare and desirable objects. Founded in 2001 to bring the Paris flea markets online, the website today is the go-to source for those who have a passion for the most beautiful things on earth. By bringing together the best furniture, fine art, jewelry and watch dealers from more than 600 cities around the world, 1stdibs offers an exclusive inventory not available anywhere else online.