The color experts say brown-based finishes are out. They were, after all, of the "brown" decade, which has passed it's prime. Now we are into greys and other deep neutrals. Is it better for the client to be happy with their nice-looking, but outdated style or do you strive to educate them about current trends? Should you change their mind? How hard to you chase the hottest trend?
Brown is Out!
Many times, I've found that people are firm and want what they want. When this happens, it's difficult to to change their mind and in these circumstances they will be most comfortable with the look they have in mind, whether they are on trend or not. In the end, the client has to live in their space - design is not only about aesthetics, but it's also about comfort and the client needs to feel comfortable in their own home. Design can be very expensive too: it's not like changing out a few pieces of your wardrobe to change your clothing style! When you redesign your kitchen for $20,000 to $50,000, you want your choices to last and if you follow the trends too closely, you risk going out of style in 5+ years.
So what do you do? What do you decide when a designer is telling you what's current and en vogue, you have your mind set on another look, or you just don't know?
Here are my recommendations when making design decisions that you want to last:
- Find a designer, have them tell you about the current trends and the previous trends, and make sure you're inspiration pictures or ideas aren't solely-based on the identifying charactericstic of a past trend.
- Surround yourself with colors you love. Trends come and go, enjoy what you can about the current trends, but stay true to yourself and what makes you happy.
- When in doubt, go classic. There are classic elements in every line of design: Classic-Contemporary, Classic-Traditional, and Classic-Transitional designs are intended to have elements that will be enduring and appreciated for a long time. Here is a link to examples of classic, timeless designs.
Classic Design
