Warmth a touchstone in 2018
In a frenzied, divided world, our homes aren’t just our homes anymore. They’re sanctuaries.

And that’ll continue to be the case in 2018. Given our nonstop lives where nothing happens unless it’s documented on social media, many of us want to create a sense of warmth and peace at home.
No wonder why dark color palettes, warm jewel tones and even large floral patterns will be on trend in 2018.
“Warmth, in general, is a trend,” says Susan Todebush, general manager of the Michigan Design Center in Troy. “People want warmth.”
What we don’t want is more chaos. And 2017 certainly had its share as acrimonious politics reached a near fever pitch with the new Trump administration. One public figure after another, meanwhile, seemed to fall in 2017 as women asserted themselves with the #metoo movement.
As Michigan prepares to choose a new governor in 2018, it’s unlikely that the political divisiveness that marked 2017 will end anytime soon.
Back at home, gray seems to be finally waning in popularity. And so are all-white kitchens. People are integrating more color and texture in their homes, from velvet upholstery to grasscloth case goods.
“Color, color and more color!” predicts designer Jeanine Haith of Grosse Pointe’s ShowHouse Interiors.
And if you’ve walked through a home goods story lately and noticed that the ’80s seem to be back — floral patterns, aqua accents and pastels — take heart. It is back, in a way, but is best used in small doses.
Todebush believes contrived eclecticism — a mishmash of decor — is out, but a perfectly imperfect look is in. Be authentic with whatever you integrate into your decor, she says.
“It just depends on how you live,” said Todebush. “That’s what it boils down to.”
So as we prepare for a new year, take time to make your home what you want it to be. If there’s one place to step back from our crazy world these days, your home is it. Make it exactly what you want it to be.
mfeighan@detroitnews.com
(313) 223-4686
Twitter: @mfeighan
IN
Large-scale floral patterns
Vintage lighting
Deep hues, such as reds and browns
Pantone’s Ultra Violet
Mixed metallics
Trough kitchen sinks
Quartz counters
Grasscloth covered furniture
Tile walls
Brushed brass
Benjamin Moore’s Caliente
Blue or green kitchen cabinets
Vinyl wallpaper
Statement ceilings and floors
Double-duty tile that looks like marble or granite
Sherwin-Williams’ Oceanside (previous page)
Integrated appliances
Smart home apps
Tone-on-tone decor
Woven elements
Vintage color palettes, like dusty rose and sage
Artisan furniture
Warm gold flatware
Black and white decor
Minimalism and Marie Kondo’s TV show
“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”
The “Trading Spaces” reboot
The new “Roseanne”
Augmented reality games
Michigan’s new governor
Detroit’s City Modern Brush Park
Detroit’s Siren Hotel
Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea
Lady Gaga’s “A Star is Born”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markles’ wedding
OUT
Chevron patterns
Recessed lighting
Cold gray interiors
Pantone’s Greenery
Silver only accents
Stainless steel sinks
Granite counters
Mirror covered case goods
One-dimensional tile backsplashes
Marble
Benjamin Moore’s Shadow
All white kitchens
Vinyl furniture
Popcorn ceilings
Bland tile
Sherwin-Williams Poised Taupe
Single function appliances
Manual thermostats
All neutrals
Contrived eclecticism
Rose gold
Mass produced furniture
Silver hardware
Open concept everything
Matchy matchy furniture sets
“Jurassic World”
The old “Trading Spaces”
The original “Roseanne”
Hoverboards
Gov. Rick Snyder
The Palace of Auburn Hills
The dilapidated Wurlitzer Building
Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro
Barbra Streisand’s “A Star is Born”
Prince William and Kate’s wedding