How to Implement Ever-changing Trends

Pantone just released their 2017 Color of the Year – Greenery. As I’m scrolling through a green-plastered feed on Pinterest it got me thinking about trends, how they come and go and are ever changing. Paint a wall in your home Greenery and in one exact year, the world is on to a new color and you’re stuck with a green wall. Doesn’t seem quite fair, does it?

Trends are fun and exciting, they bring to life new materials and colors as well as resurrect old forgotten ones. While new products excite us it leaves our old products feeling like a waste of resources. Maybe it’s even a product that isn’t easily replaced when the trend takes a turn. It brings me to the conclusion that trending products should not be implemented in more permanent fixtures such as kitchen cabinets, flooring and countertops. Take those trends and apply them in places that are easily replaceable like cabinet hardware, light fixtures and décor. That way when the fad falls out or you’re ready for a change, it won’t be such a burden on your time or budget.

Here are a few ways to stay on top of the ever-changing trends while conserving classic style.

• Hardware – while there are always staple metals like brushed nickel and chrome, trending styles range from rose gold to copper and brass. Knobs are especially easy to replace as there is only ever one hole to cover. Pulls, however, must have the same distance between both holes in order for them to fit properly without having to re-drill.
• Lighting – pendants and chandeliers typically hang by a back plate that is universally sized, making it fairly easy to switch out.
• Décor – wall art, decorative ceramics, vases and dishes as well as furniture like bar stools and area rugs are temporary and rarely a problem to remove or change.

There are a few areas in the home in which it would be wise to stay classic and traditional. These places are more permanent fixtures and require a great deal of time, energy and money to replace. First is the kitchen cabinets, they are far too permeant to try and follow a trend with especially if you plan to be in that home for quite some time. Another is countertops, if going with a stone material these are custom sized and can become very expensive if the kitchen is large – which is not ideal for switching out when you tire of the design. Lastly is backsplash and flooring, both of which could be changed but require work and mess and could be costly depending on the material used.

If you’re really looking for an area in your home to experiment with color and material try a smaller area such as a half bathroom, the laundry room or a mudroom. Use subtle hints and remember to follow trends with materials that are easily replaceable when the fad falls out or you’re ready for change.