What is the best scale for a home, and the furnishings inside of it? The bigger-versus-smaller debate is always in the air because there is support for both points of view. For example, the size of an average US household has shrunk to 2.5, yet the size of people inside of them keeps growing. Tiny-house building has declined as wealthier buyers drive new-home construction, yet ultra-small residential apartments are the newest phenomenon in big U.S. cities like New York and San Francisco. Ingenious innovations that go beyond under-bed storage to foldaway counter space for the kitchen, or beds that double as desks make these micro-apartments really work.
One size has never fit all, and we don’t expect to see a rush to any one scale in the future. But we do see smaller spaces looking more attractive at both ends of the age spectrum.
The Trend Curve Colors™ 2016
Recent college graduates, who do not yet have incomes to support sprawling spaces, or have too much college debt to afford them, still want a place they can call their own. And an increasing number of empty-nester, down-sizing retirees are discovering that the bigger-is-better motto is no longer driving their definition of a comfortable home.
For both groups, the art and science of packing amenities into multiple levels, and taking full advantage of vertical space in a room, are factors that place a halo of innovation on small-space living.
Going smaller doesn’t mean you have to skimp on style, color or directional design. Select trends accompanying the 38 new colors in The Trend Curve Colors™ 2016 show you how this less-is-more approach integrates seamlessly into future styles.
Suggested materials and motifs in our 20-Somethings trend, for instance, tap into the optimism of youth. This look caters to micro-apartment and dormitory living with its space-saving, multi-functional direction. You’ll love its energetic palette of colors, too!
Our Nordic Simplicity trend updates and revives the Danish Modern design sensibility that gave the 60’s and 70’s slender, contemporary furnishings that make even the smallest spaces feel like they have more breathing room. Boomers and young adults share a love of this design. Mirror, Mirror focuses on the newest trend material—one that can make spaces look larger.
No matter the size of someone’s home, they will still care about the décor. The 11 styles and 38 colors in The Trend Curve Colors 2016 give consumers in every home size options for staying on-trend.