Our Top Design Trends For Chicago

In our recent blog posts, we’ve touched on the benefits of creating inspo boards before embarking on your newest renovation project. Not only does this help you figure out what you are most drawn to aesthetically, but it’s also a great way to gauge what color palettes and art pieces would be appealing in your space. Sifting through countless hours of photos to find what you like can be a daunting task, but don’t fret! We’ve done the work for you by compiling some of the best design trends at the moment. Take a look at this list and let your imagination run wild!

Display Shelving

display shelving

display shelves

While this trend is far from new, that doesn’t make it any less elegant or appealing. Adding built-in shelving into your space gives you a wide array of options when it comes to decorating your home. Not only is it an extremely versatile design element, but it’s also very functional. Your shelving could serve as a bookcase, a place for your plants to grow, or even a wine rack! The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to this pillar of home architecture.

Bold Bathroom Tile

bold bathroom tiles

There’s no denying that a neutral palate is a staple regarding current trends in home design. Now, more than ever, homeowners are choosing classic wood or marble floors. While it is nearly impossible to go wrong with featuring these tried and true materials in your home, going with interesting patterns in unique places is a refreshing design choice that is sure to set your space apart from the rest. A great example would be adding visual intrigue with your bathroom tile choice. Not only is it a feast for the eyes in terms of aesthetics, but it also adds some much-needed excitement to the room.

Gold Hardware

gold hardware

If you are looking to elevate the look of your kitchen while maintaining a timeless appeal, consider choosing hardware with a bronze/gold finish as opposed to the more common nickel, matte black, chrome, etc. While this color complements almost any palette, it tends to play very well with neutrals, greens, and blues. Feel free to experiment and find out what shade pairs best with your existing or desired kitchen cabinets. This hardware is typically easy to find in both traditional and contemporary styles, which provides you with a vast range of options to choose from!

Patterned Wallpaper

patterned wallpaper

Wallpaper has gotten a bad rap over the years. We can assume that this stems from the majority of people associating it with their grandparent’s outdated wallpaper from the 70s that they refused to get rid of. However, wallpaper is back in style now, and the patterns are more stunning and intricate than ever before! With a little research and determination, it should be super easy to find a wallpaper that suits both your space and your aesthetic. Wallpaper can be used on your accent wall to bring out the colors in your space that you’d like to feature more. It’s also wonderful for adding intrigue and dimension to your smaller spaces such as bedrooms or bathrooms. Don’t let bias make you shy away from all that wallpaper has to offer!

Statement Backsplash

statement backsplash

Backsplashes are a design essential for the modern kitchen. They not only protect your wall from whatever sauce splatters may occur whilst you indulge in culinary excellence, but they also enhance the look of your space. Currently, it is very common to choose either a singularly-patterned backsplash or a solid slab look. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with either, but adding in a hint of texture and detail will elevate your space even more. Consider adding in a few rows of tile with a design. This will create a nice focal piece for your kitchen and add more high-end appeal.

Solid Slab Backsplash

solid slab backsplash

As mentioned above, solid slab backsplashes are a huge design trend of the moment, and for good reason! Not only are they absolutely stunning, but their seamless look adds height to your kitchen by drawing the eye up from the countertop all the way to the ceiling of your space. This design element is one of my personal favorites because of its clean look. It also vibrantly reflects the under-counter lighting which brightens your space overall.

Warm Tones

warm tones

Balancing warm tones with neutrals is the perfect way to create an inviting space. Our designer made use of the stark contrast between the colors in the photo above draw focus to the lovely details in the space, such as the copper pendant accent lighting and matte black hardware. Do not be afraid to play with dramatic color variation within your space. It can pay off in the most gorgeous of ways!

Fluted Cabinetry

fluted cabinetry

This fluted cabinet design serves as both a place for ample storage and a breathtaking art piece. It adds a dramatic element to the bathroom by elevating your everyday vanity into a sure-fire conversation starter. As design enthusiasts, we are always seeking innovative ways to add texture to our spaces. This style of cabinetry, in any color that you may choose, is a creative way to level up any room that it resides in.

Two-Tone Cabinetry

two tone cabinetry

Two-tone kitchen cabinetry seems to be a trend that is here to stay. It is a bold, exciting way to feature an accent color throughout your space. This design element works best when a lighter color is contrasted with a darker hue, or the cabinets feature different textures/materials. If you are seeking a distinctive method to add some color to your kitchen, look no further!

Highlighting Existing Elements

Highlight Existing Elements

One of the most satisfying accomplishments of a remodel/redesign is being able to enhance the existing bones of the space. Many older homes boast beautiful, sturdy architectural marvels that we rarely come across in this day in age. It is imperative that we attempt to preserve these whenever it’s possible. This is a fantastic way to make your space uniquely yours. Maintaining and updating the existing elements that already make your space special will only add to the value of your home.

CONTACT THE EXPERIENCED CHICAGO HOME DESIGNERS AT ARETÉ RENOVATORS

The Areté team is dedicated to fulfilling all of your Chicago home remodeling desires. Whether you want our home designers to come up with plans for your space or a complete remodel of your home, our in-house team of designers and project managers offer fully customizable services to meet your needs on any project. To get started, schedule a consultation with our team today here, or call Areté at 773.610.4551. Let’s collaborate on creating the space that you deserve!