10 Design Trends You’ll Never Regret, Straight From an HGTV Expert

When someone asks me if I think their tattoo idea is “cool”, I have a physical reaction – my left eyebrow goes up and my right one goes down. First, trends are designed to come and go, so you want to be smart when buying into what’s hip. Second, validation shouldn’t come from others when it comes to your design preferences.

While home decor isn’t as permanent as a tattoo, it’s still a commitment and an investment. If you aren’t the type to renovate every few years, then focus on the classics and incorporate items that have personal value, because a space full of meaning will stand the test of time.

Brian McCourt is a contractor, design expert and co-host of HGTV Canada’s Backyard Builds.

century-old farmhouse with old-meets-new style.

Lauren Miller

1 / 10

Historically Rich Pieces

It’s hard to compete with century-old doors, mouldings or medallions, which were once so intricate and well made. Paired with an updated aesthetic, you’ll end up with a look so unique, special and hard to compete with. Save the old and add the new, because antiques with a story never go out of style.

Need proof? This 1840s Farmhouse Will Make You Dream of Moving to the Country.

Tracey Ayton

2 / 10

Hierlooms

So you have an old furniture piece from the house you grew up in but you’re not sure it matches your current scheme, and it’s just collecting dust in the attic. I think it’s worth a bit of creativity to make it work – just make sure you know its value before you paint it!

On the flip side, here are 15 Design Trends We Loved in the ’80s (but Shudder at Now).

Modern living room with caramel sofa and greenery.

Lauren Kolyn

3 / 10

Plant Life

Mother Nature is always on trend. We’ve been drawn to natural elements in our homes since the beginning of time: marbles, woods, metals, and my personal favourite, greenery. Plants improve our indoor air quality and give us life even in the dead of winter. Design crowd favourites include fiddle-leaf figs and bird-of-paradise plants.

Tracey Ayton

4 / 10

White Kitchens

Even in 2018, it’s hard to argue with white timeless kitchen cabinets. The classic look has gotten some flack for being overdone in the past decade, but it remains the Audrey Hepburn of cabinet colours. However, steer clear of the high-gloss white kitchen as it’s on the brink of feeling dated.

Nature-inspired living room with large tree art piece

Janis Nicolay

5 / 10

Original Art

Similar to interior furnishings, a piece of art should make you feel something – relaxation, comfort, energy, calm or inspiration. If your art makes you feel good when you look at it, then it’s worth the investment.

Black and white photography gallery wall.

Heidi Lau

6 / 10

Black and White Photography

Monochromatic photography carries a historical element. It signifies a time before coloured photos, where less is more. This is why black and white pictures, displayed in black frames, remains one of the most timeless trends over the last century. And if you’re one of those people who hung the frames but never printed the pictures… get on it!

Books placed between stylish stone bookends.

Tracey Ayton

7 / 10

Books You’ve Learned From

Hardcovers that you’ve read (or plan to read) are a great way to add sophistication to a space and balance a grouping of accessories. They’re also a great conversation starter when entertaining. Yes, artsy picture books are okay too!

Interior nook with bold blue striped walls

Janis Nicolay

8 / 10

Stripes

Whether it’s a tile install, throw pillow or rug, stripes remain one of the most classic graphics of all time. They have the power to make a room feel wider or taller, and can also drastically change the mood of a space, from statement-making (contrasting bold patterns) to stylishly subtle (delicate pinstripes).

Glossy white kitchen with stained dark walnut flooring.

Tracey Ayton

9 / 10

Rich Wood Flooring

While I’m a fan of the light wood flooring trend, lighter tones seem to come and go with the wind. Stained dark walnut floors, on the other hand, haven’t always been at the top of the trend list, but that’s exactly why it’s still in style. The rich and classic look complements both a light and dark colour scheme.

HGTV Canada

10 / 10

Sentimental Objects

Sometimes we’re drawn to something because it reminds us of the ocean, represents a happy time or even just signifies where we came from. These items unlock the door to a unique space designed to strum your heart strings. That’s not trendy – that’s home.