With a chill in the air and the days getting shorter, it’s clear that 2019 is coming to a close. But before we say goodbye to the year, let’s take a look at some of the top design trends we’ve seen throughout Chicago and the North Shore this year. Here are four luxury home design trends that will keep going strong into 2020.
Mesmerizing Agate Wallpaper
Long admired for their incredible beauty, agate stones are a translucent variety of crystalline quartz. Formed when groundwater silica is deposited into the cavities of igneous rocks, the stone builds in layers around the cavities walls or in horizontal layers, giving them their distinct banded patterns. Available in a variety of bold colors—from more neutral browns and blacks to stunning reds and purples—agate stones are a popular stone for jewelry.
But we aren’t just seeing agates in jewelry; their amazing colors and patterns have been creating amazing statement walls in luxury homes here in Chicago and across the country. Agate wallpaper creates an amazing focal point for a room, setting the tone for the space and providing a natural palette from which to choose accent shades. Its variances in color and interesting lines add a natural yet modern touch to any room. If you’re looking for an on-trend way to make a big statement, consider agate wallpaper for one of the walls in your master bedroom or living room.
Velvet Anything
Few fabrics say “luxury” more than velvet; its sumptuous texture and subtle sheen bring a touch of glamour to any room. And while velvet can feel buttoned-up and formal, we’re also seeing it work well to add luxury to more casual environments.
High-style velvet can be used in a number of different interior design applications. Many people opt for velvet as their fabric of choice for drapery due to the way its luxurious properties are highlighted in the curves and folds of curtains. However, we’ve also seen velvet upholstered beds, velvet sofas, and velvet throw pillows in homes, each complementing the other materials in the room while providing a pop of richness to the space. No matter how you decide to use velvet in your home, it’s bound to add a hint of opulence to any environment.
In terms of median rent price, the price in Brickell is $2,548, which is higher than the Miami median price of $2,450. Miami’s condo sales jumped 24.0% and condo dollar volume rose by 40.8% year-by-year. The sudden increase in Miami condo sales can be attributed to sales that were paid for in cash and ultimately had lower price ranges.
Industrial Elements
While you may not choose to expose the ductwork in your home, you can still enjoy the industrial design trend by taking a visual cue from warehouses and factories. From stained concrete countertops to exposed brick and stainless steel surfaces, industrial design puts an emphasis on function and form. And adding a single industrial piece to your room—like shelving created from piping and rough-hewn wood shelves—can be a great way to try out the trend without needing to tear down sheetrock.
Metals and woods are some of the hallmark materials of the industrial design movement. And many people opt to accent their industrial design with vintage or vintage-inspired furniture, including pieces that likely would’ve felt at home in a factory or warehouse back in their day. If you’re interested in an attractive, highly functional way to add style to your home, take a closer look at industrial design pieces; you may be surprised at the kind of character they’re able to bring to your space.
A Mix of Antique and Modern
One hot design trend we love—and one we think will continue into 2020 and beyond—is of literally mixing the old and the new to create a unique style. Getting pieces that create the right sense of balance and proportion is the key to the design looking intentional versus feeling like a mashup of found objects.
To achieve the right mix, many homeowners start by choosing their preferred style or theme. For example, do you want to add modern touches to an antique room, or antique touches to a room with a more contemporary look-and-feel? Once you’ve decided on which path you want to take, identify a few key pieces that will set the tone for the room and let them be your guide. And don’t feel like you need to rush to create the “perfect” room all at once; the most beautiful homes that mix modern and antique are those where each piece is carefully chosen, over time, for its ability to enhance the room’s appearance.
A Great Year for Design
Certainly, 2019 has been a great year for design, and we think many of the trends this year will remain popular in high-end custom homes into 2020. Agate wallpaper can create a statement wall that combines the natural and the modern, while velvet fabric is guaranteed to “up” the luxury factor. And consider adding industrial design elements or mixing your modern and antique furniture to create a style all your own. Try one or several of these trends to add visual interest and beauty to your home.
Author Bio
Founded by Orren Pickell nearly five decades ago, Orren Pickell Building Group is a Chicago-based design/build firm known for its unparalleled luxury and attention to detail. As a full-service firm, Pickell Building Group’s team of experts handle the entire design/build process, from creating the vision to bringing your dream home to life. Orren Pickell Building Group has received numerous awards, including the “Best Home Builder” and “Best Custom Builder for Traditional Home” awards in 2019. They raise the bar for what the luxury custom home building experience should be—exciting, stress-free and enjoyable.
