Photos by Hillary Ehlen, J. Alan Paul Photography, Madison Christianson, Dan Francis Photography and Lauren K. Photography
We all know that trends come and go…and come…and go. One decade, your wood paneling is in, but the next it’s out. If you are patient enough, it will eventually become “cool” again. With that being said, we reached out to local experts to find out which trends from 2018 are going to stick around and which trends they’d like to see varnish into thin air. We for one can’t wait to start seeing these 2019 trends in upcoming home tours!
Donna Wigger
of T.L. Stroh Architects & Interiors
Photo by Hillary Ehlen
Q. What were your favorite interior design trends of 2018?
A. “Real and faux marble, felted wool, gold, colored appliances, wall coverings, handmade encaustic cement tiles, graffiti, bohemian, antiques, white walls, black walls, Scandinavian influences.”
Q. What were your LEAST favorite interior design trends of 2018?
A. “Anything farmhouse that isn’t in an actual farmhouse.”
Q. What interior design trends (from any era) would you like to see make a comeback in 2019?
A. “Most trends ARE a comeback!”
Q. What interior design trends do you think will be BIG in 2019?
A. “Warm, earthy colors; more use of black; curved shapes; velvet; dark wood; large scale patterned wall coverings; mixed metals; recycled and handmade items; folk art; vintage pieces; natural materials; light wood.”
Kari Rasmus
of designingwomen2
Photo by Madison Christianson
Q. What were your favorite interior design trends of 2018?
A. “The use of natural elements in the home continues to bring me joy. Mother Nature is the consummate artist. Why not use her inspired design in the home? The use of natural elements makes design accessible to all. I also am an unabashed fan of velvet. What’s not to love? It is sensuous, wears well, comes in beautiful, saturated colors and provides sheen and texture. However, the best trend of all is calling your own shots, so you can combine the luxury of velvet with earthy natural elements or whatever else speaks to you!”
Q. What were your LEAST favorite interior design trends of 2018?
A. “I will be mocked for this…because it is everywhere…and I follow bloggers that do it…but I’m kind of tired of all white rooms. There, I said it.”
Q. What interior design trends (from any era) would you like to see make a comeback in 2019?
A. “It is already here, but I hope it takes off in Fargo. I’d love to see people embrace a modern twist on Mid-Century modern. The architecture of these pieces are so creative! The forms are comfortable and the lines are stunning.”
Q. What interior design trends do you think will be BIG in 2019?
A. “The use of brushed gold and burnished brass will continue to grow. These warm metals are showing up in lamps, furniture and fixtures.”
Lindsey Christie
of Lindsey Grace Interiors
Photo by Hillary Ehlen
Q. What were your favorite interior design trends of 2018?
A. “I loved seeing the trends change from an all white aesthetic to tying in beautiful stained features, but in a fresh way. Clients are also really gravitating to natural and lighter finishes such as marble, but we’re executing them in ways that are still extremely durable and will hold up to busy families. The same can be said when it comes to furniture. Gone are the days that we have to be afraid of white sofas because we use durable and resistant fabrics.”
Q. What were your LEAST favorite interior design trends of 2018?
A. “That’s a tough one. I’m usually really open to new and fresh trends. I would say accent walls and mud-cloth fabrics. I’m loving the more updated classic feel in interiors and tend to lean away from the boho style.”
Q. What interior design trends (from any era) would you like to see make a comeback in 2019?
A. “Light hardwoods—they are not only beautiful, but are also extremely functional and easy to maintain. I’m also loving the floral wallpapers and fabric accents that are making a comeback.”
Q. What interior design trends do you think will be BIG in 2019?
A. “This is totally out of my comfort zone, but I love that animal prints are making a come back—in neutrals.”
Trever Hill
of Trever Hill Design
Photo by Hillary Ehlen
Q. What were your favorite interior design trends of 2018?
A. “I’ve really been enjoying the global trend. It’s fun mixing boho with world travels and a tribal flare into peoples’ everyday lives. Many of my clients have treasures from their travels, so getting those pieces incorporated into their design is at the top of my list. A house is a home because it’s personal and should reflect the person living in it.”
Q. What were your LEAST favorite interior design trends of 2018?
A. “Bright and bold colors made a come back in 2018. Bright colors along with many patterns. I love to incorporate splashes of color, but feel there is a fine line. You don’t want the space to start to feel like a circus or outdated.”
Q. What interior design trends (from any era) would you like to see make a comeback in 2019?
A. “The use of more natural, organic materials. This is something that never went out of style, but specific materials have swings on the trend pendulum. Nearly any trend can intermix with it such as a more neutral earthy boho look. Even the farmhouse look that was trending the past few years can lean into this trend and transform the space.”
Q. What interior design trends do you think will be BIG in 2019?
A. “Large floral patterns and velvet have been gaining popularity again. It’s no longer outdated or old fashioned. It’s being put on different unexpected items in unique ways. The sky is the limit with creativity on material use. Also, the use of large format finishes such as tile will continue to rise in 2019.”
Linda Birmingham
of designingwomen2
Photo by Dan Francis Photography
Q. What were your favorite interior design trends of 2018?
A. “Mixing up the metals. I’m loving the brushed golds in lighting and fixtures. The marriage between gold, silver, bronze and even black allows us to repurpose items and still get a brand new look. The new quality laminates are beautiful and practical. Last year, we saw so many more options. It was easier to find just the right product for our clients. Performance fabrics on furniture are also making life much easier for those families with pets, children and clumsy adults. The selection is becoming larger every year. We saw color coming back in furniture and art. I might be more excited about that than anything.”
Q. What were your LEAST favorite interior design trends of 2018?
A. “Statement floors in large spaces. Geometric designs in large kitchens make my eyes dance and can fight with whatever else is going on. Leave the bold patterns to powder rooms or smaller bathrooms, in my opinion.”
Q. What interior design trends (from any era) would you like to see make a comeback in 2019?
A. “Post modern…1980s and 90s. We saw it starting last year with whimsical elements…light fixtures, wallpaper, wall art and furniture. One must always remember a little goes a long way, though.”
Q. What interior design trends do you think will be BIG in 2019?
A. “Curves and color in upholstered pieces and also more and more wallpaper. Don’t be scared. If using wallpaper sparingly, tastefully and prepped properly, it can be a beautiful element in your design. I love using wallpaper on ceilings. It’s an unexpected element that creates a ‘WOW’ reaction.”
Kris Carlson
of designingwomen2
Photo by Hillary Ehlen
Q. What were your favorite interior design trends of 2018?
A. “I liked the blending of different metals. Whether it is silver or gold or copper or bronze, mixing the metals together helps design stay in style longer and adds interest. I also like the additional use of acrylic furniture, accent pieces and hardware. Use of acrylic pieces add ‘invisible,’ yet highly visible elements of design.”
Q. What were your LEAST favorite interior design trends of 2018?
A. “Seeing the same design look in too many places. I like tone-on-tone as much as the next person; however, there needs to be something that makes a home or office unique, interesting, welcoming and personal.”
Q. What interior design trends (from any era) would you like to see make a comeback in 2019?
A. “I would like to see a blending of today’s wide open floor plans coupled with some rooms that have been separated. I’m still a fan of a separate dining room and a quiet small room for reading, visiting or meditating.”
Q. What interior design trends do you think will be BIG in 2019?
A. “I think gold will continue to make a strong comeback, but it won’t ace out the other metals. I see gray fading out, black becoming more prominent and walls going to a soft shade of white or cream. Color will be brought out with accessories, while furniture will most likely remain in the neutral category. Minimalism will also be strong. People are busy and want less clutter to look at and clean. This minimalistic trend will naturally bring about a more modern and sophisticated, yet comfortable look and feel.”
Sara Bekkerus
of Skapa Design & Consulting
Photo by Lauren K. Photography
Q. What were your favorite interior design trends of 2018?
A. “In 2018, I loved the continued use of deep blues in home decor and furnishing. This color is an easy one to work with, pairing well with many other colors—and it works well through all seasons. I also love that wallpaper continues to grow in popularity as well as use of sustainable and reclaimed materials. Use of mixed metals has also been a fun trend to work with.”
Q. What were your LEAST favorite interior design trends of 2018?
A. “I have a hard time with homes that are styled to perfectly reflect a home seen in a magazine or on HGTV—homes that are located in another state and styled for another family. Your home should be styled for you and where you live. A wise woman once said, “Grow where you are planted.” While I love certain elements of the rustic chic/ modern farmhouse look that has been trendy for a while now, I think trying to incorporate this look into any and every home does not work.”
Q. What interior design trends (from any era) would you like to see make a comeback in 2019?
A. “Although it has been making a comeback for a while now, I still love the use of mid-century modern decor and would like to see that trend continue. Also, for a long time, open floor plans have been considered ideal. I would like to see more incorporation of intimate and cozy spaces in home plans. I have always had a love for the book-lined and wood paneled walls of old dens and libraries—rooms with deep furniture and rich color that are the perfect hideaway on a cold winter day.”
Q. What interior design trends do you think will be BIG in 2019?
A. “I see a continued trend toward eclectic design with the mixing of metals, materials and trends from different decades. As far as color, I see more use of lush jewel-toned greens, as well as more incorporation of black and blush. All of these colors pair well with gold tones, which we will continue to see. I believe we will also notice more sightings of medium to light wood tones in floors, vanities, and furniture pieces. Along with this will be the incorporation of heavier, more textured fabrics such as tweeds and velvets that balance well with more simplistic styles in furniture. Meanwhile, wallpaper designs are getting evermore daring with use of florals and bold designs. Finally, I see the popularity of Scandinavian design continuing to grow, which of course, I love. As a society, we are gravitating toward the need to create spaces in our homes that feel warm and inviting—rooms that incorporate art and decor that reflect our interests, our travels and our memories instead of items that just looked good on the store shelf.
Bree Duval
of McNeal & Friends
Photo by Dan Francis Photography
Q. What were your favorite interior design trends of 2018?
A. “We adored a nice geometric brushed brass finish this year…in light fixtures, hardware and accessories!”
Q. What were your LEAST favorite interior design trends of 2018?
A. “The perfect amount of accessorizing is tough, no doubt; however, the time has come and gone for lackluster accents.”
Q. What interior design trends (from any era) would you like to see make a comeback in 2019?
A. “Depending on which of our designers you ask, one says: ‘French Country Chic please! Ooh la la!’ and another says ‘Give me Modern Art Deco everyday!'”
Q. What interior design trends do you think will be BIG in 2019?
A. “I think people will continue layering textures and color and pay special attention to unexpected details. Imagine all of the intricacies of historical European design with a modern twist.”
