∼ by Melissa Davis ∼
The money-making renovation continue to be kitchens and washrooms. Here’s what’s happening in this year’s design trends.
Kitchen Trends
Our love affair with all things shiny stainless seems to have run its course. As a designer it’s long been a pet peeve. As kitchen designs became more open-concept we naturally wanted the utility of the space to become more integrated. To do a lovely white kitchen and then add shiny silver appliances only worked to counteract what otherwise could a more visually subtle space.
This year the trend towards integrated appliances with panel-fronts or new
colour options continues to gain in popularity. Samsung’s new Black Stainless finish offers the glam of stainless, with a depth that works beautifully with wood tones and the still popular grey cabinetry.
Even the kitchen sink can now be fully integrated. The latest products from Blanco show a white resin sink in a contemporary style that blends beautifully with the still popular white composite counters.
Say goodbye to the streaky stainless and hello to bright white everything!
We’re also seeing a lot of mixing of materials and elements in kitchen design. Combinations of open and closed storage, wood shelves on natural stone backsplashes, opting for one material on the island and another on the perimeter and two-toned cabinets are just a few of the ways homeowners are getting creative.
Washroom Trends
Most trends are born of necessity. I think the bathroom trends this year speak to our need to disconnect if only for a short time each day to pamper ourselves. Home washroom design is all about relaxation. A distinctively spa style from the gentle natural hued material choices to the addition of small perks like heated floors, heated towel racks and steam showers. The growing accessibility of these once luxury items has also worked to grow this trend. 
If you’re embarking on a washroom renovation this year consider Nuheat heated floors as an option. The customizable electric pads are so incredibly easy to install and it eliminates the need for additional heaters or vents which in a tight space can make a big difference for planning.
Opt for natural stones or one of the maintenance free porcelains that perfectly emulate the real thing.
If you’re considering a home update now is the time to research all the latest options out there. Remember your home is your personal haven so look to the trends, but follow your style!
Style Themes for 2016
Home décor style trends are often closely tied to fashion and this year is no different. We’re seeing a lot of specific prints and colours like the infusion of Victorian patterns and florals used in both traditional and contemporary spaces. All-white walls are back in more popularity than ever. Akin to an art gallery it really does offer the best backdrop to showcase our art and artful furnishings.
The trend I’m most excited about this year is something called Urban Organic. A more livable approach to contemporary design, we’re seeing clean orderly spaces with the visual simplicity of a modern space but with a layering of more natural materials and textures. Working within the same muted colour palette knits, linens, leathers, varied woods and stones all play together offering far more warmth and approachability than previous incarnations of contemporary design.
Other Styles
Craftsman:
The maker’s movement has reignited our love of all things hand crafted. Well-made products, built to last. Celebrating the process behind the finished product.
Scandinavian Farmhouse:
Rustic unrefined materials married with simple shapes, reinvented traditional furniture and a clean colour palette with white walls.
UK Living
An infusion of bright colours, patterns and textiles. Florals and prints on traditional furniture, happily mixed with contemporary elements. A balanced mix of ‘be brave’ choices curated in an otherwise traditional approach.
About Melissa Davis
Toronto-based celebrity designer and contractor Melissa Davis, is known for her appearances, creative design and reno work produced for various HGTV shows. Her work has been profiled nationally, monthly columnist for the Toronto Sun paper contributor for Reno & Décor & Viva magazine.
Her firm Melissa Davis Design is a multi disciplinary design firm offering diverse services for residential, corporate, and retail spaces. With almost two decades of experience in design, architecture and construction Melissa has worked on several TV shows and held the position Head of The Art Dept and Series Designer on the award winning lifestyle television series Income Property, on HGTV for 8 seasons.
www.melissadavis.com @melissadavis
Photographs from melissadavis.com and the spaces shown in these images were designed by Melissa Davis.