A new year is always a great time for change – new beginnings…a fresh coat of paint on the walls, those kitchen cupboards you’ve been dying to install or that freestanding bath that would look so perfect in your en suite. Exciting! Except remodelling; it can be such a stress; invasive, expensive and time-consuming, and yet so worth it at the end – right? If you need a little push toward realising your home-owner’s dreams, have a look at these ten top design trends for 2018:

1. Bolder colours around the home

Grey may still be the neutral of choice for many interiors but colour is set to be bolder this year – with navy, violet and emerald key colours for both walls and furniture pieces. Warm greys paired with camel, rust, tobacco and brown-blacks, as well as earthy reds and yellows are also trending, and the classic white typically used in kitchens is likely to be replaced with warm wood tones (mahogany) and neutrals (greys and blues).

2. No more white sinks

The rustic home decor trend that was in vogue last year will continue to flourish – think concrete, stone, copper and granite composite sinks (nothing white or stainless steel) in darker hues of grey, bronze or black. Trough and bucket sinks will also be popular in 2018.

3. Floral, botanical and tropical prints

Small-scale flower and botanical prints (like out of an artist’s sketchbook or forager’s handbook) are trendy this season, as are pineapples (yes, pineapples – in motif and accessory form), palm leaves, lush greens, exotic birds and carnival brights.

4. Vintage lighting

In fact, vintage everything – as well as sconces, lanterns, pendants, chandeliers, other retro-chic fixtures around the house are also hot this season.

5. ‘Less is more’ bedrooms

Modern, minimalist furnishings are trending in bedrooms, with soothing, neutral colour palettes and soft fabrics favoured by homeowners.

6. Metallic accents

Metallic finishes (rose gold, brass and copper, specifically) will add a touch of sophistication as well as an earthy hue to any room in your home.

7. Concrete accents

A versatile, accessible material, concrete is a hit in homes this season. Used on floors and counter tops, concrete is also great on all sorts of hardscaping surfaces and even as an accent on home accessories including pendant lighting and furniture.

8. Dark woods

Dark wood furniture will complement the season’s retro trends.

9. Wallpaper…but not

Forget subway or hexagon tiles in your bathroom; contemporary tiles that look like wood, concrete, resin, fabric or even wallpaper are the must-haves of 2018.

10. 70s chic

The decade to re-emerge in home design this year is the 70s, with its velvet and geometric patterns, warm palettes, funky textures and abstract silhouettes – don’t be shy!

Sources: Independent.co.uk – “TEN HOME DESIGN TRENDS TO EXPECT IN 2018”; Idealhome.co.uk – “Home decor trends 2018 – we predict the key looks for interiors”; Huffingtonpost.com – “18 HOME DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2018”

If you’re thinking about a bathroom or kitchen revamp this year, AACooper will be able to assist with all your plumbing needs. For any questions or information, contact the team on 01689 485007 or info@aacooper.co.uk.