Our homes are art that we live in. As with all forms of art, trends and patterns of popularity follow shifting design sensibilities, developments in technology, and more.
Flooring options evolve with the times to create the best living experience, from styles and materials for carpet to new hard floor varieties. Similarly, the way a home is lit is critical. Light determines how we perceive the world and creates a mood and environment. With seemingly infinite options to choose from, it can be hard to decide the best way to decorate your home. We spoke with a few owners of home decor businesses in the Farmington Valley for some insight into current styles and trends.
At the Avon Lighting Showroom in Riverdale Farms, they have numerous styles of lighting fixtures, from chandeliers to floor lamps to wall sconces and more. All of it is hand-selected by business owner, Dan Ostheimer, who constantly goes to trade shows throughout the country and picks out pieces he thinks will sell well in the local area. He and his family have run the business for decades and have a keen sense of what types of pieces are trending and popular in Connecticut.
Antique-style warm brass and dark bronze are timeless classics, according to his wife and store manager, Kelly Ostheimer. Earth tones that feel bright and inviting and black fixtures are also a consistent staple. Currently, "transitional” styles are very popular right now, as they combine a traditional look with a contemporary flair. Swooping white armatures on a chandelier, for example, combine classical and modern design.
Popular contemporary pieces are “fandeliers,” hanging light fixtures with ceiling fans in them; the fixtures are available in stunning modern styles like wicker with LED rings, or in minimalist styles featuring clean black framing.
Another lighting trend is less interest in seeing bulbs in their fixtures. Avon Lighting has many examples of this trend with frosted glass and unique glass shapes and textures. From simple pendant lights to large statement pieces, such as molded shells wrapped around light sockets or stunning translucent flowers arranged into a massive butterfly ball, hidden and obfuscated bulbs are the style these days.
As much as sellers and manufacturers define trends, there is always room for personal taste. “You can have fun with it,” Ostheimer says.
When it comes to a home’s comfort and functionality, flooring is just as important as lighting. Durability, design, even temperature all factor in.
Trends in carpet and flooring “move faster than fashion,” according to Jake Largay of Action Carpet & Flooring in Simsbury. He sees new patterns and interests change every four to six months. In the summer, many homeowners are preparing their houses for selling, so Largay has a carpet color in stock called dawn beige, which is somewhat "boring" but practical. It is a simple yet charming off-white base speckled with browns and greys to keep rroms feeling feeling open and inviting, yet the speckles help to hide the dirt of day-to-day life.
Carpet is always popular in bedrooms in Connecticut as it helps keep feet warm in the winter. Twisted loops are a beloved style to create a wonderfully soft texture, overtaking cut pile as the popular choice for home carpets.
Outside of bedrooms, wall-to-wall carpeting seems to be on a downward trend. Largay noted that hardwood in hallways and stairs with patterned runners is a common choice these days.
The popularity of luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP) has made hardwood styles more accessible than ever. The material is quick to install and easy to replace, scratch resistant and waterproof. In the Action Carpet & Flooring showroom, there are rows of samples to admire. Light oak is a popular choice, but there are also rich mahoganies and warm walnuts. 2¼ - 3¼ inch panels remain standard, but the classical New England home style of wider 5-inch panels are plentiful.
Both businesses are owned and operated by kind, helpful experts. Visitors enjoy a personalized experience unavailable anywhere else, especially compared to big box stores.
Dan at Avon Lighting even visits people’s homes to consult on design and options. He lets them borrow pieces to hold up to their walls and really get a sense of how they will look in their space. Action Carpet also lets customers borrow samples. Both showrooms offer the impression that staff want you to have the best experience possible, and will go above and beyond to help.
Design trends come and go, but personal taste will always be the most important factor. Just because leopard print carpet or stained-glass lampshades aren't the current trend, doesn't mean it's a bad idea to use them, if you love them.
Local experts reminded us at length that customer interests and preferences are what drive home design. Market trends are a reflection of what real people are choosing to do; so be a trend setter. At the end of the day, you are the one living in your home, and the best design is the one that makes you happiest.
At the end of the day, you are the one living in your home, and the best design is the one that makes you happiest.