Moving into your new home is liberating, a landmark in your life and passage into adulthood.  As you sell your college room futon, rid yourself of your rummage sale version of fine art, it is time to draw up some plans to turn your empty shell of a house into an inviting home.  Decorating your home from scratch can seem daunting, but it’s easier than you think. First, figure out your decorating style. Collect this idea and transform it room over room, always starting with the largest piece of furniture in each room.   

To help you get started, below are some of the current trends you may want to consider when choosing your decorating style.  Pick an option that can easily be updated or converted through the years but more importantly, a style that is conducive and pleasing to your lifestyle.  

Black and White Décor

The use of black and white can create a stunning and dramatic décor.  There is a rule in décor that says that every room can use a touch of black.  Using the color black adds a focal point of color that grounds the room and adds a sophisticated look to a room.  But, you want real drama and spark, pair black with white. The use of black and white gives a fresh, clean look, and adds sophistication and elegance to any room.  

When decorating with black and white, make sure to use a mixture of large, small and medium scale patterns along with solid black and white to create depth and visual interest.  Think of your black room as you would a little black dress: it is a great foundation, but you need to add accessories to bring it to life. Plan your room as you would an outfit, with a pop of color or an alluring pattern.  

Floral Patterns

There is practically no limit to the number of floral patterns one can find in the interior design.  Traditional, modern, eclectic, contemporary: these are all expressions that can describe a great floral pattern.  The first step in decorating with florals: decide what you want the end result of the feel of the room to be: modern, sophisticated, cozy, unexpected, country…any of these can be achieved with the right floral pattern, whether in small or large amounts.

Florals can still feel cozy and charming while staying updated and fresh.  Test the waters by trying a more significant, bolder floral print on a pillow.  Build the room around the floral print by pulling colors from the pattern throughout the room.  Use soft and understated tones that are a significant contrast to the floral design to create that charm and allure.

Concrete Accents

Most people hear the word concrete and they think basements, garages, and sidewalks.  It is not typically considered of as a material to be brought into the home, but recently that has changed.  The concrete trend, also termed the cement trend, can be seen all over social media feeds.  In addition to concrete proving a sturdy foundation, concrete is now being installed in homes as polished shelving, fixture, and flooring.   Concrete can be polished, characterized by a slick sheen, sealed, a more matte look, and scored, a more textured and grainy finish. The custom concrete finishes are innumerable.

Although concrete can seem like a cold, dreary material, it actually has an astounding way of creating an indistinct backdrop for most any design style.  Concrete is low maintenance and will stand the test of time. It is unexpected, fresh and not limited to flooring and fixtures. Concrete is not limited to just flooring.  Artisans are using the material to craft remarkable décor pieces from lamps to candlesticks to shelving.

70’s Chic

When you think of the ’70s, you remember rock ‘n’ roll, bold color, shaggy textures, psychedelic nonsense, and letting your hair down.  This uber retro style has made a comeback and why not? ’70s chic is all warm palettes, funky textures, and abstract silhouettes. From playful colors and patterns to indoor plants and wallpaper, these are the trends we are welcoming back into our homes.

The classic ’70s color palette of mustard, burnt orange, and terracotta along with natural finishes like brick, timber, and bamboo, are all making a resurrection as people seek to embrace earthy and ecological finishes in their homes to establish a connection to nature to include the use of indoor plants indicative to the ’70s vibe.  

Creating a ’70s vibe without it feeling to vintage, involves curating a look that incorporates old with new.  If you are considering incorporating actual vintage pieces, make sure they are only hero vintage pieces to be mixed in with modern pieces.  It doesn’t even have to be about an actual vintage piece; it can just be décor pieces that have the textures, shapes, and materials of the ’70s, giving a slight nod to the nostalgic past.