Home Decor Colour Trends: Brass is back as a big trend for 2014

Karl Lohnes, Canada AM design expert

Published Thursday, January 23, 2014 8:47AM EST

Last Updated Thursday, January 23, 2014 9:26AM EST

THE BIG HOME TRENDS FOR 2014 AND BEYOND: 2014 brings big changes to the home decor front. We'll say goodbye to dark (espresso) wood and cool grey wall colours while welcoming lighter woods, warmer walls and coloured, artful rugs. Whether you are ready to make changes to your space or not, these are trends that will hold strong for a few years; so keep them in mind for future decorating projects. Here are the 4 big decor trends worth investing over the next year and onward.

1. WARMER PAINT COLOURS: The new neutral is platinum; think grey with a dollop of brown to help warm it up.  Looks great with many other colours and adds drama to a room.

Then: Cool grey or golden taupe. Now: The new Platinum colour; a bit richer/darker and more sophisticated looking.

What other colours does Platinum go best with? A: This new neutral will look great with terra-cotta, burgundy, purple, and yellow; all warm colours.

Products shown: Cooler grey: Para Paints 'Straight Goods' P5205-34,  Warmer Grey: Para Paints 'Powder Horn' P2107-02, Colour of the year: Para Paints 'Decorative Manner' P5145-41

2. GOLDEN METAL FINISHES: Go for gold- or brass; metal tones are warming up with polished gold for a luxe vibe or tarnished brass for a casual, industrial look.

Then: Brushed nickel lamp. Now: gold tones metals update home accessories.  

Q: Do all the metal finishes around the house have to match? A: all built-in/permanently attached items like faucets and door knobs- yes. Home accessories can be mixed with other metal tones.

Products shown: Side table, lamp, picture frame all from MarshallsCanada.ca

3. LIGHTER WOOD TONES: Goodbye dark espresso wood tones and say hello to a lighter, natural oak floor. No, not the honey/golden oak from the 1980's -think grainy raw oak with a simple coat of wax.

Then: Espresso wood toned flooring and furniture has been everywhere in decor. Now: Wood tones are going natural, unstained for a relaxed look.

Q: Are light wood floors suitable for all styles/eras of homes? A: Traditional homes usually have a richer, darker wood tones while more casual or contemporary homes can have light.

Products shown: Chair and all neutral-colored home accessory items: MarshallsCanada.ca

4. BOLD, ARTFUL RUGS: Go bold or don't bring it home; art and rugs are going big and bold.Its time to wake up our spaces so think of colourful rugs as artwork for the floor.

Then: Seagrass and taupe area rugs. Now: bright, colourful rugs that act as art for the floors.

Q: What is the easiest way to integrate a colourful rug into your home? A: Look at the artwork in the room and gravitate to the style/colours that you already have.

Products shown: Area rugs: MarshallsCanada.ca

From:Canada AM