Here are the trending ideas and decors for 2019. Sharp minded Designers at Western Living have forecasted emerging styles, spotlight up-and-coming materials and reveal their wish list for a well-designed future.

 

Trend #1: Next-Gen Tile

At the annual Cersaie expo in Bologna, Italy, ceramic tile manufacturers and designers from all over the world descend to showcase the latest in technology and design. And it’s pretty astounding just how far the simple ceramic tile has come. New rolling presses mean that the size of a piece can be just about limitless, and printing advancements mean that almost any colour is doable. 

 

Trend #2: Rich New Paint Hues

Paint brands consider their trends and respective colours of the year with the same earnest sense of responsibility the federal government reserves for raising interest rates. There are investigative teams, discussion panels, colour experts and more that come together on global market research to make sure the colour of the year is informed, substantive and revelatory. There’s no crystal ball: this is what’s coming to shelves, walls and furniture near you.

 

Trend #3: Handmade Ceramics

There’s something powerful about a bowl or vase that’s been formed by human hands. Each vessel is thoughtfully laboured over and tended to from concept to execution and through rounds of firings and glazes. And it’s that handcrafted care and connection that make these pieces—uneven edges, imperfect shapes—precious experiments all. Here are a few designers’ favourites for 2019.

 

Trend #4: Warming Up to Wood

We’re so spoiled in Western Canada with our forests and national parks—it should be no surprise that we crave familiar natural materials inside our homes as well. For 2019, woods move to a decidedly darker palette and designs are thicker, even a bit—dare we say—“chunky.” In millwork, we’re seeing texture, delicate lines and expertly crafted detail.

 

Trend #5: High-Drama Lighting

No more installing a standard-issue corner lamp and calling it a day. The new wave of lighting design is filled with drama, risk-taking and bright spots on the horizon that illuminate outside the box.