Pantone’s Hottest Home Trends

Pantone predicts the hottest home trends that will be coming for 2018.

Wondering what stylish homes will look like next year? According to Pantone, the color authority turned trend forecaster, homeowners in the know will be flashing some fringe and going geometric and iridescent in 2018.

At the International Home and Housewares Show in Chicago, Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, introduced the home decor fads that will be all the rage next year.

And we’re inclined to listen up, because the folks at Pantone—which used to predict only the Color of the Year, then branched out into seasonal color forecasts and now more general home design trends—seem to know what they’re talking about.

Case in point? They hit it on the nose with at least one of their two predictions for 2016’s Colors of the Year, Rose Quartz, a ubiquitous light pink shade whose iterations nicknamed “Tumblr pink” or “millennial pink” have invaded fashion, interiors, and graphic design. Recently New York Magazine reported on “Why Millennial Pink Refuses to Go Away.”

So what’s the next big thing, Pantone? Here are the six home trends that it predicts will rise to the top, and the shades that are sure to be hot in the coming year. A variety of experts also share tips on how to incorporate these trends into your home.

Geometric patterns

There are so many ways you can incorporate geometry into your decor; it’s one of the most approachable trends of the bunch.

“We’ll see geometrics in everything from tile on backsplashes to wallpaper to wall art,” says interior designer Larina Kase of Philadelphia. Focus on a single accent wall, or really go for it by wallpapering your entire dining room or bathroom. You can also start small with pillows or throws in geometric prints.

Typography

Pillows with words, framed art saying “EAT” … the typography trend is still around and going strong.

“Messaging on home goods has been popular for some time now,” says Homepolish interior designer Michelle Gage. “It’ll become increasingly popular, given the way we all communicate on social media. It will remain more of a complement to a room’s story and live on in smaller finishing touches like pillows and art.”

Wood treatments

The presence of technology, especially a year from now, will have us craving natural elements like wood more than ever. Kase expects to see wood in unexpected places like ceilings and as accent walls.

“Utilitarian pieces such as lamps and pots for plants are great places for natural wood. Hand-carved wood bowls offer a natural, simple yet powerful element,” she adds.

Fringe

“Fringe is going to be a hot home trend,” says Gage. We’re currently seeing it in decorative throw pillows and blankets, but Gage says to keep your eye out for this trend on small furniture pieces like footstools and ottomans.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if we started to see it on curtains. I could also get behind some fringe light fixtures!” she says.

Metallics

Another trend that’s ramping up now and is destined to carry over until next year is that of metallics anchoring a room. Kase says metallics may take a more dominant role, with furnishings like coffee tables and dining tables. Try offsetting a traditional upholstered sofa with an all-metal side table.

“Hand-painted metallic elements on fabrics and art will add an artistic flair,” says Kase.

Interior designer Annie Elliot also adds that metallic fabrics are no longer risky.

“Most rooms need a bit of sparkle, and a pillow laced with gold thread can be just the way to achieve it,” she says. “We’re seeing shine via metallic and pearlescent accessories such as pillows, lamps, and even small side tables.”

Iridescent accents

This is by far the most futuristic look of the group.

“The iridescent trend is one of our favorites,” says Lizzie Grover, creative director of Hutch, an interior design resource for millennials. “We love to admire all of the iridescent tables and decorative pieces.”

“Unfortunately this trend is still pretty under the radar and expensive,” she adds. “Wait for this trend to get more affordable before you indulge.”

For now, fill a bathroom wall or backsplash with iridescent tile, or let smaller accessories like a side table, clock, or pillow shine.

“There won’t be any escaping this trend,” says Gage. “It’ll be the new take on Lucite, which had its moment.” She sees this updated look showing up in coffee and side tables.

Intense colors

Of course, the authority on color had something to say about the shades that are sure to be hot in the coming year.

“Intense colors seem to be a natural application of our intense lifestyles and thought processes these days,” says Eiseman. She distilled the color trends into eight groups, one of which is called TECH-nique, a palette that supposedly pays homage to technology. Colors include bright blue, green, fuchsia, and purple, which are complemented by iridescent tones of turquoise and hot pink, white, and frosted almond.