THIS IS THE BIGGEST DESIGN STYLE FOR 2019

Scrolling through your Instagram and Pinterest feeds could leave you feeling confused about what exactly the "look” will be for the new year. Are Eames chairs over? Should you take cue from the fashion world and work the ‘90s into your decor? Are we still doing the Millennial Pink thing?

We tapped two design experts — Andrea Haraldsen of Harlow & Thistle and Colleen McGill, principal at McGill Design Group — to learn about the biggest design trend of 2019.

Their answer? The new year is all about chintz — strong colours, loud extras and a maximalist feel — which seems like a tribute to the late designer Mario Buatta, known as the Prince of Chintz. 

No more muted tones and overly-curated rooms — 2019 will be all about fun patterns, curved lines and flexible spaces. “Embracing diversity in form and function and allowing for a mix of styles and eras will inject personality and warmth back into our spaces,” says Andrea. 

Here's how to achieve the look.

1. EMBRACE BOLD COLOURS

Photography: Tracey Ayton | Story: A Glam Vancouver Condo Fit for an Old Hollywood Starlet

Go with bold colours, and don’t hold back. “When using jewel tones in our clients’ homes, we tend to choose one dramatic colour (particularly dark emerald greens and blues) and envelop the entire room – walls, ceiling, trim, drapery, and upholstery,” says Colleen. If you’re still apprehensive, try pulling one jewel tone out of a favourite pattern and use it to tie a room together in an accent chair or bookcase.

2. OPT FOR ANTIQUES AND VICTORIAN MOTIVES

Photography: Tracey Ayton | Story: A Glam Vancouver Condo Fit for an Old Hollywood Starlet

Victorian sofas and tables will add eclectic charm to a space. If you don't want to go the full antique route, consider pairing a Victorian-inspired painting with Art Deco accents. But the item making a real comeback next year? Canopy beds — they've become an unexpected micro-trend. Either fully enclosed or with a crown canopy, a bed adorned with passementerie and patterned curtains will definitely turn heads. 

3. INCORPORATE BOUCLÉ

Photography: Robin Stubbert | Story: A Pink-Speckled Home That Mixes Modern and Vintage-Looking Decor

“Bouclé will have its moment,” says Colleen. She recalls seeing it in Gwenyth Paltrow’s GOOP line for CB2, and Haraldsen sees it as a riff on the cozy teddy coats favoured by fashionistas this year. Bouclé can add interest and contrast to a space, particularly one that’s mostly neutral. 

4. THINK CHAOS

Photography: Donna Griffith | Story: Interior: Feminine Glam Home

That ‘90s all-beige look is still out. “While I love a monochromatic room, saturating an entire space in one dramatic hue is much more satisfying,” says Colleen. If you really want to call on the ‘90s, Andrea suggests taking a maximalist approach instead. “We’re talking Hollywood lighting, brass accents, deep veined marble, chunky valences and puddled curtains – it’s all headed our way.”

Source: Styleathome