If you’ve been to my home, you know I am not one to follow the latest design
trends. I’m more of a traditionalist. I prefer timeless over popular, both because I like
how it looks and because it does not require constant updating. So, unless one of my
children or grandchildren gives me something to display, my décor doesn’t change
much. However, it can be fun to know what’s in style. As we kick off the new year, here
are some of the trends to note.

Bold Color and Lots of It
     Rather than choosing bold color for a single accent wall, the trend is to go all in
on color. Drench the room—the walls, the ceiling, the floor. Don’t be shy. You can
choose a color you love out of a hat, or you can do some research about how various
colors affect mood. Warm colors like red or orange are said to be stimulating, energizing
and uplifting. Cool colors like blue and green are said to be calming and relaxing.
Neutrals create a grounding, calming effect.

Coordinating Over Matching
     Another trend we’re seeing is the idea of coordinating rather than matching. Do
you remember the 1980s when family portraits required everyone to wear white oxford
shirts with khaki pants (I may be dating myself here)? Well, these days if you talk to a
portrait photographer, they’re likely to give you a color palette for everyone’s outfits
rather than a uniform. The same goes for home décor. All of the wood finishes don’t
have to match. Create a natural palette that incorporates many different wood finishes
so they can all blend together. The same goes for kitchen knobs and pulls. Use the style
that works best for the cabinet or drawer. Think blend and complement as opposed to
matching.

Art With Meaning
     When it comes to art, ditch the big, box-store art, even if the colors match your
throw pillows perfectly. Box store art may as well have the store logo printed on it.
Choose art you love, art that makes you feel good, art that reminds you of good times.
In my office, I have a large black-and-white photo printed on canvas taken by a local photographer. It reflects my fondness for our beautiful community and it’s lovely to look
at. At home, I am lucky enough to enjoy art created by my daughter who is an
accomplished artist. I also proudly display anything I get from my grandkids, regardless
of how “accomplished” it may be.

Bathrooms With Pizzazz
     You can bring colorful and creative décor to your bathroom, too. Bathrooms are
often decorated in safe neutrals, when unique, one-of-a-kind fixtures and wall coverings
could make you happy. Choose art you love. Replace your standard fixtures with
something funky, if that fits your aesthetic.

Kitchens To Hang Out In
     If you enjoy entertaining, you probably know that no matter how many times you
invite people to enjoy the appetizers in the living room, they’ll congregate in the kitchen
until you’re no longer in there. So, you might as well plan on the kitchen being more
than simply a utilitarian room. If you can add seating, do so. In my case, I had a tiny
1950s kitchen that felt cramped and cut off from the rest of the house. So, I had a
contractor make a big hole in the wall between the kitchen and the dining room that
allows people in the rest of the house to interact with whomever was in the kitchen.

Collected Treasures and Works in Progress
     While there’s no need to cover every surface with collected treasures, it’s nice to
be reminded of happy memories, accomplishments that make you proud, and ideas that
bring you joy. I have an antique barometer and a DaVinci-inspired thermometer. I have a
model of the airplane my dad flew in WWII. I have art projects from my kids and
grandkids. These are my treasures; what are yours?
     One of the most satisfying things about home ownership is having a place you
love to be, one that reflects your style and brings up happy memories. The very things
that make your home feel like a beautiful reflection of you may distract prospective
buyers, so if you plan to sell, consider neutrals that allow prospective buyers to see
themselves in your home.

     If you have questions about property management or real estate, please contact
me at [email protected] or call (707) 462-4000. If you have an idea for a future
column, share it with me and if I use it, I’ll send you a $25 gift certificate to Schat’s
Bakery.

     Dick Selzer is a real estate broker who has been in the business for more than
50 years. The opinions expressed here are his and do not necessarily represent his
affiliated organizations.