At Shaw Builder + Multifamily, we love talking all things fashion and trends. We have our hands on the pulse of macro and micro trends from the runway to pop culture and everything in between. We are always mindful of having the right flooring at the right time.
However, trends come and go—some last longer than others; some last a lifetime. The disposable trends work well for the paint, clothing and cosmetic industries. But flooring is different. Flooring is an investment in the home, so it is essential to balance timeless flooring with the latest trends. Designing from the ground up and styling trends around timeless flooring are the basis of a well-designed home.
Here’s an overview of the main factors we see influencing design trends:
Duality. Duality is finding beauty in the juxtaposition of light and dark, warm and cool, hard and soft, modern and timeless, matte and polish. This delicate balance is unique to the flooring customer—and leaning into this balance is key in design this year.
There is a strong need to find balance in our homes. Complementing functionality, comfort and everything that makes a house a home, bringing each aspect of our lives together in a space of personal expression.
No one color or style reigns supreme. Inviting duality in for a balanced lifestyle is our inspiration, contrasting textures and colors. Calming tones mixed with eclectic accent pieces are welcome.
Personalization. There is an emphasis on personalization in design, not following the rule book. For instance, the freedom to paint cabinets a favorite color and style around them. Likewise, flooring should be selected based on what speaks to an individual’s personal style. One of the easiest ways to add personalization is in backsplash and bathroom tiles, with many colors, patterns and textures to explore.
Midcentury modern. This trend will not be going away any time soon. Gorgeous, retro geometric shapes in furniture and mirrors are trending. To complement this look, we have breeze block shapes and diamond patterns in carpet that emulate this look seamlessly and elegantly. Tiles also work to tie in geometrics with beautiful shapes in beveled subway, elongated beveled subway and stretch hexagons.
Minimalist vs. maximalist. This is the perfect example of duality inspiration. While minimal reigns with the less-is-more, clutter-free aesthetic, maximalist style is trending. Maximalist is bold, mixing and matching colors and styles to make a statement. This opposes the clean, minimalist design, with straight lines and symmetrical bones. I love this wilder side of design, especially in a hotel setting, but I also love to gently combine these two styles to find the perfect blend.
Modern moody. This subtle, classic design trend is quite the aesthetic—timeless and chic, dramatic and flattering. Modern moody uses accent walls frequently, anchored in saturated jewel tones like navy, emerald and gold, with black decor from accessories, furniture, cabinets, hardware, lighting and flooring. (Anderson Tuftex’s Melodic hardwood in the color Blue Note exemplifies this moody style with its warm tone and hints of blue.)
Tracy Daves has served as the regional design and marketing manager for Shaw Floors Builder division on the East Coast for 18 years. She has showcased Shaw Floors on popular HGTV programs such as “Smart and Green Homes” as well as several episodes of Lifetime’s “Designing Spaces.”
