A new year brings with it the promise of a fresh start and for many, the inspiration to break out of old habits and try something new. Find out what design trends are leading the pack and give your home an update, whether it’s as simple as bringing more of the outdoors in or as full-blown as a bathroom remodel.

1. Incorporating nature into your home

Image: Tracey Ayton

The biggest design trend that designer Jamie Deck, director and interior designer at Shift Interiors is excited about for 2018 is adding nature into our homes. “In 2017, I think we focused more on contrast and hits of colour whereas this upcoming year, I think warm neutrals and off-whites that are warm are coming back,” she says. “We are incorporating natural elements to go with them like concrete, marble and wood.” She loves this look because she says a natural palette is always timeless and flexible. “Nature should be in every room in the home, whether it is a window, a plant, linen drapery, marble table, straw or wicker seat, marble light, or a wood side table,” she says. “Nature heals and neutrals create calm environments in this busy world we live in.”

TREND TIP: Add accessories, layer up your sofa with a textured blanket, get some plants, hang a large image of the mountains or the ocean.

Designer Montana Burnett of Montana Burnett Design agrees. For 2018, “I would say that we’re looking at a return to nature,” she says. I’m seeing lots of hand-printed wallpapers and textiles. We’re seeing lots of organic, fluid shapes and finishes in furniture as well. I love it because it connects the home more to nature which just feels authentic to me.”

TREND TIP: Start with a large statement piece like a raw wood coffee table or a natural finer rug and let the pieces fall from there.

2. The kitchen as a living space

Image by: Janis Nicolay

According to Orsi Panos, designer with Orsi Panos Interiors, more and more clients are asking for kitchens that feel like rooms, wanting this utilitarian space to be personal and unique. “I love it because I am so over the all-white kitchen,” says Orsi. “It’s a really exciting time for us designers because we can now apply a bolder approach to kitchens, not just to powder rooms, dining and living rooms.”

TREND TIP: Use handmade tiles and bespoke fixtures in the kitchen to achieve a truly personal space and to add more meaning to the home. Trade storage space for display space and create a gallery wall in the kitchen to make it more personal.

3. Encaustic tiles

Image: Stephani Buchman

Encaustic tiles will be one of the hottest trends for 2018, says Margie Doyle White of Doyle Design Group. “Handmade cement and encaustic tiles have always been around however 2018 is their year to shine,” she says. “They are new and improved, embracing the contemporary, rustic modern feel of today’s design aesthetics, meaning they fit into all design plans.” Providing lots of opportunity for creative expression, encaustic tiles can be used in a multitude of ways and in an endless variety of colours and patterns. “Encaustic tiles allow you to be creative while adding a pop of colour,” says Margie. “I love to use them as a kitchen backsplash, bathroom floor and wall tile, in front foyers and laundry rooms. They can really be used anywhere in the home, such as a fireplace surround or on a feature wall.”

TREND TIP:  When incorporating encaustic tiles into your design plan, keep everything else neutral. Let the cement tiles do the talking!

4. Matte finishes

Image: Tracey Ayton

In 2018, look for matte finishes in black and white, says Stacy McLennan, principal interior designer at Stacy McLennan Interiors Inc. "You can use this in everything from home accessories, lighting, floor and wall tile, plumbing fixtures, and flatware. It creates a casual, yet sophisticated look and the matte finish also feels great to the touch!

TREND TIP: Depending on your budget, you can start small with accessories and décor items to work this look into your space.

5. Decorating with chrome

Image: Robin Stubbert

"Chrome is making a huge comeback in 2018 and I, personally, am all for it,” says Jacquelyn Clark of Lark & Linen Interior Design. Whether you use it in lighting, hardware, or simple accessories sprinkled throughout your home, it instantly adds a luxe factor that simply can't be beaten."

TREND TIP: Let chrome shine in any room in your home, from kitchen fixtures to bedroom shelving.

6. Soft edges

Image by: Janis Nicolay

Jennifer Ferreira of Ferreira Design says that 2018 will bring soft edges to the forefront of design. “Arches and curves are making their way back into the design world,” she says. “I’m seeing an influx of softer edges — they are everywhere! You name it ... hallways, doors, windows, arched alcoves including furniture!” Jennifer says she loves the soft, feminine structure that these curved edges bring to a space and how they mix together seamlessly with other elements in the home.

TREND TIP: Build a very simple arched alcove and showcase some of your favourite things. 

7. Bold colours 

Image by: Michael Graydon

According to Ami Mckay, principal designer at Pure Design, 2018 is the year to bid adieu to muted neutrals and say hello to bold hues like millennial pink and teal. She says that it’s a great way to bring back a retro feel in a more refined and modern way. “It is a fresh approach to bringing colour back into the home,” she says.

TREND TIP: Paint walls teal and incorporate millennial pink into the sofa fabric. Pair with warm metals and wood to ground the space.

8. Paint it out

Image by: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Karla Amadatsu, principal designer with Kerrisdale Design Inc. says that the hottest trend for 2018 will be painting your walls and trim in the same colour. We are loving the look of wrapping walls and millwork all in the same shade,” she says, suggesting you vary the sheens for interest; eggshell for walls and semigloss for trim. “This creates a stunning envelope of colour that lets the furnishings take centre stage.”

TREND TIP: Use this look in a bedroom for a really serene feel (using lighter tones), or in a den using darker tones for a dramatic, moody effect.