9 Home Design Trends in 2014

Top brass 

"Brass. It seemed to start in fall 2012 at High Point Furniture Market and was in full swing for both markets last year. It was everywhere - brass as the metal finish on cocktail tables and dressers, and as a nail-head trim on upholstered pieces for every room in the home. I'm seeing warm, hand-rubbed brass details as well as bright, lacquer-sealed finishes on lighting, too."

Scot Meacham Wood, interior designer, SMW Design (www.smwdesign.com) Photo: Nicolas Smith  

Palette pairings 

"I'm seeing interesting color combinations right now that combine dark, inky blue, green or purple colors with bursts of clear exciting hues like hot pink, mango orange or highlighter yellow. This is the palette that excites me most right now, because these pairings are so dynamic and in such stark contrast to the pallid blush tones and cool white walls we've been seeing these past few years. What's most surprising to me is how versatile once-limited colors - like pink, aqua, and lime green - have become. Teaming these fresh, optimistic colors with these deep, weighty shades feels exciting and even empowering."

Shannon Kaye, artist and color/design specialist (www.shannonkaye.com) Photo: Shannon Kaye  

Knotty woods

"The sleek, modern style will continue to warm up. The popular - and pricey - fine- grained woods like white oak and walnut that have become standard for cabinetry will find some competition in the less expensive knotty variety. They have a little more personality and strip some of the seriousness from the structure as a whole. This stunning example is from the Peters House by Craig Steely Architecture and features kitchen cabinets in reclaimed knotty cypress (sourced from the Presidio)."

Erin Feher, editor in chief, California Home + Design (www.californiahomedesign.com) Photo: Bruce Damonte, Photo: Bruce Damonte  

Holistic design

"Typically trends aren't made to last, but a specific design trend that has been emerging is a movement toward making things better and last longer. More and more household items are being designed, manufactured and promoted with a more considered and holistic approach. Take, for example, Nest. Like so many other items, thermostats and smoke detectors have been overlooked for decades. Thanks to a smart wireless system with a very intuitive interface and a beautifully simple design made mostly from materials other than plastic, products like Nest will outlast and overtake many old-fashioned competitors and will invisibly find their entry into consumers' minds because of their intuitive simplicity and sustainability."

Markus Diebe, founder, Moreless (www.moreless.com) Photo: Courtesy Nest  

Serenity now

In 2014, we'll see warm woods, serene blues and refined textures integrated into private spaces designed to restore body and soul. Whether a spa-inspired relaxation lounge or a quiet niche within a master bedroom, natural materials referencing earth, sea and sky introduce tranquillity and balance. In Portola Valley, BAMO created a sanctuary within a master suite with reclaimed oak floors; a hand-tufted silk area rug; carved African table; and pair of linen slipcovered armchairs with accent pillows of antique kitenge."

Michael Booth, interior designer, BAMO (www.bamo.com) Photo: Courtesy BAMO  

Katherine Jacobus, decorative painter:

In the last year, I've had designers and clients bring me wonderful modern vintage pieces as well as flea market pieces. We've transformed them with malachite, tortoise, lapis, faux bois and gilding, making them something new and special -- art pieces -- and they work in both modern minimalist homes and in homes rich with antiques. I believe 2014 is going to be a continuation of this renaissance of the reinvention of the classic - "always referencing antiquity but putting a twist on it to make it modern and, most importantly, make it personal and meaningful for the client."  (www.katherinejacobus.com)
Photo: Craig Lee, Special To The Chronicle 

High value on versatility

 A trend that has started in the past few years and is looking to be strong is design schemes that offer a sense of versatility. Clients are not as interested in picture-perfect rooms where if you move something around or add in a new purchase it would interrupt the flow. People see value in a room that can grow over the years with them. A neutral scheme as your base - whether it's black and white or taupe - offers this versatility. Then the layering of textures - like soft billowy drapery in a large-scale pattern; iron-and-glass accent tables; a lush silk wool rug; anything mirrored, antiqued silver or gold in table lamps and vases - becomes more important to add visual interest."

Anastasia Faiella, interior designer, Faiella Design (www.faiella-design.com)

 Bespoke accessories

"After the eclectic vintage-inspired decor trend really had its heyday in 2013, I see a more modern, streamlined aesthetic gaining traction this year. That doesn't mean a space needs to feel cold or uninteresting. There are so many artful yet functional pieces coming onto the design scene now - including an array of great choices from smaller, bespoke makers. I particularly love pieces with interesting shapes, like the dramatic candelabra I spied at the Future Perfect. The streamlined composition is modern yet filled with warmth and personality."

Erin Hiemstra, founder, Apartment 34 (www.apartment34.com) 

Decadent details

 Luxe. Think pieces with subtle bling or luxe details - inlays, great hardware, metal accents."

Alison Davin, interior designer, Jute (www.jutehome.com) Photo: Courtesy Jute