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Bolder and Brighter
Outdoor living space, more color in new design trends
By Kathy Dean
Atlanta residents have a style all their own and, today, they’re expressing their individuality
through bold designs in their homes. The city’s mild climate, greenspace and beautiful views
allow them to blur the line between indoors and outdoors.
Homeowners are treating the outdoors as part of their living space these days, according
to Tiffany Barcik, Architect at Moon Bros. Inc. Architects & Craftsmen. “Screened-in
living rooms have become extremely popular. They expand the footprint of the house by
incorporating outside space, and they include traditionally interior amenities — stone or brick
fireplaces, large screened TVs, comfortable couches, dining tables, kitchenettes and bars.”
She added that there also has been an increase in the desire for courtyard spaces that create
a private outdoor experience. Considering Atlanta’s weather, screened-in living rooms and
courtyards can be used 10 to 12 months of the year.
Bathrooms have become a focal point in the blending of exteriors and interiors. “A specific
trend in bathrooms is to establish a connection with the outdoors through features like exterior
showers and hot tubs, expansive windows, French doors to outside patios, and transom
windows that lighten and open up a usually bound-in space,” Barcik explained.
Overall, design trends seem to be shifting toward modern and contemporary lines. Barcik
noted that it’s unusual for Atlanta residents to embrace contemporary design, even though there
are more and more modern infill houses.
“While the architecture design may not be moving toward modern, there is more focus on
modern details and materials — less trim and more texture — especially in interior design,” she
said. “Textures are rising in prominence, and architecture is being enhanced by the interplay of
textured materials.”
As far as trending colors, Barcik pointed out that
white is being replaced by subtle, neutral tones with
color accents and accessories. Natural wood is also
making its way into the material palette, not just
on floors, but as accents and design focal points in
architectural spaces.
“Today’s biggest trend in home decor is the bolder
use of materials and color,” said Jessie LaFalce, Design
Director and Lead Designer of Nandina Home
& Design in Atlanta. “Our clients are looking for
furnishings and design elements that are unusual and
make their living spaces unique. They want something
AtlantalNtownPaper.com
that can’t be found online by everyone.”
One of the ways to make an individual statement is to take more of a risk with color,
LaFalce noted. Navy is hot right now, she said, but the tone is brighter, so the color falls
between a navy and ultramarine with almost a blueberry look.
“We’re still seeing a lot of orange and pink, though the pink is now softer, more of a blush,
and it’s often mixed with gold accents,” she added. Gold remains popular for metals, and many
items feature a gold leaf or brass finish. However, the brass is more matted and yellow than the
brass of the 1970s.
LaFalce said that she’s been noticing
interesting applications of wallpaper
to add drama to spaces like hallways,
stairways and powder rooms. While
barnwood and wide planks are still
being used in flooring, they tend
toward a more refined, less rustic
look. “The floors have gotten lighter,
too,” she continued. “We’re seeing
pale blonde and grey washes, more of
a Scandinavian look, as people move
away from the deep dark colors like
espresso.”
Innovative products, like dimmable
LED lighting tape are adding depth to rooms, when installed inside bookshelves or under
cabinets. “Homeowners are starting to layer their lighting,” LaFalce stated. “A large light feature,
like a chandelier, becomes a focal point, a piece of art, and ambient light is added and layered
throughout the room.”
When investing in furnishings, clients are willing to incorporate pieces that are a bit more
unusual into their homes, she said. “For example, a bench made of Lucite and leather. In fact,
there’s a lot of interest in Lucite right now, but it’s always mixed with something — like leather,
hide or sheepskin — to make the
Lucite more comfortable.”
Shagreen, a faux material
made to mimic the texture of
a skate, or stingray, is gaining
interest. The textured, leathery
material is often seen mixed
with other materials, LaFalce
explained.
“A reclaimed wood coffee table may have its sides covered with shagreen. Actually, we see
a lot of fine textures mixed with rough stone or reclaimed wood,” she said. “While there’s still
some interest in the heavy, reclaimed items that have been popular, more refined and luxurious
pieces are being mixed into the farmhouse/industrial interiors to create a unique look.” 03
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February 2017 | | INtOWII 43