From multi-functional designs and elements to mixing metal finishes, we had some of the top designers and professionals weigh in on the hottest trends you’ll be seeing in 2017.

Liz Toombs, C.I.D, Owner, Polka Dots & Rosebuds Interiors & Out of the Box Room Design

Wallcoverings have matured since your grandmother had bold floral prints adorning her walls. I personally love grass cloth. The key to choosing the right paper is to make sure the busyness of the pattern is appropriate for the space where it will hang. I advise clients to avoid a busy print in a large, regularly used space like their living room, as they will likely tire of it quickly. Contrary to that, a powder bath is a small space where not much time is spent, so it’s safe to be bold on those walls! If you’re afraid to commit to a wallpaper, try it out in a small area of your home such as the back of a bookcase or china cabinet. If you like how it turns out, consider adding some pattern and texture to other areas of your home. Be careful not to paper everything, choosing strategic placement for wallpaper gives you maximum impact.

Mixing finishes – Tastefully mixing metal finishes in your home is very chic. We are mixing our metals in jewelry, and the look is stunning. Why would home fashion be any different? Homeowners often feel they have to choose one metal finish and stick to it throughout their entire house – not true. Don’t get pigeonholed into one finish. Mix things up and you’ll be surprised how naturally things work together. Antique brass and oil rubbed bronze are my personal favorite combination.

Sacha Ferrandi, Founder, Source Capital Funding, Inc.

One of the biggest trends in 2017 will be the rise of ‘Smart Everything’. As appliances and amenities that connect with the internet (such as Nest, smart fridges, heated driveways, etc.) become more affordable, we will see a rise in this type of ‘custom’ design in new homes and renovations.

These smart appliances are part of a general trend of customization in the home design world. This is especially true for Millennials that are entering the home industry, as they want to purchase homes that are built around their interest and desires.

Matthew Goodwin, Founder and President, Ver-Tex Construction Specialties, Inc.

One of the biggest trends we see continuing to increase is daylight harvesting. Daylight harvesting maximizes natural light, helping to enhance efficiency and productivity, while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your space.

Motorized shades can be a tremendous aid to maximizing how you use (and conserve) daylight, especially when those shades or blinds are integrated into a smart home automation system. On a sunny day, the space uses less artificial light. On a cloudy day, the interior lights will brighten to create the ideal work environment.

These shading systems also protect furniture, fine art, rugs, and even wood surfaces, from the sun’s damaging UV rays. As more families move towards creating a smart home, motorized shade control with iPad apps and new

remote controls are increasing in popularity.

Doug Hopeman, CEO, Artificial Plants and Trees



The use of multi-purpose furniture will be a huge design trend we see next year. Many homeowners are looking for furniture that is versatile and weather-proof but still modern and luxurious.

Lilian H Weinreich, Owner, Lilian H Weinreich Architects

Elegant room dividers: full height sliding partitions are multi-functional and multi-user friendly.

No matter the ceiling height, full height partitions elongate a space. They can also be used as folding screens to provide privacy, in the image below, a folding screen shields the view from the front door. Partitions can also create flexibility by dividing spaces. Glazed screens allow daylighting while still providing privacy.

image of mixed metal kitchen by Houzz