New Trends in Home Decorating Hit the BVI
We are always inspired by our trips away in search of new trends and ideas for decorating the home. This year, on our buying trips, we are seeing lots of interesting new trends and twists and, although some looks are not applicable to island living, we’ve included a few ideas that might help lively up your living space.
The weathered garden look has returned in a big way. We have seen a lot of crackled ceramics, big stoneware pieces, and even the gnome. Stone figurines are now being brought inside the home and large retro bulb string lights are being used year-round. Distressed painted wood pieces in creams and greens echo 1940s garden chic.
In the furniture world, we’ve noticed a combination of both the modern and industrial. Glossy lacquered or mirrored pieces are being interspersed with large, recycled furniture. Tin accents and furniture finishes are also common. However, it’s almost impossible to use tin here as it corrodes almost immediately due to our incessant humidity. But if you like this trend, we suggest picking up smaller, cheaper pieces such as lanterns and candleholders, which can be used just for this season. Mercury glass in decorative accessories remains popular and incorporates well with any look.
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For the fashionable, the military look is reemerging in home décor. Flags and bunting are huge, and a great way to liven up a space, especially kids rooms. Retro, iron signs are prominent. With the Diamond Jubilee and Olympics this year, the Union Jack continues to be is very popular, not just in the UK—it’s now being updated to different colourways. Large letters and characters can be used to decorate and are a great way to customize a space.
In the home, the colour pallet is leaning towards darker, richer shades, including lots of chocolate browns, soft greys and taupes. This does not always work here in the tropics, as these colours can be very warm and dark shades can attract mosquitoes. We suggest using a dark colour for an accent wall instead of a whole room. We love a white or soft blue room (check out Benjamin Moore Jamaican Aqua) with an accent wall in a modern colour (such as Benjamin Moore Northwood Brown). Brights such as citrus oranges and shiny whites can make these colours pop.
We are seeing less of the coastal look, although it is still very prevalent in the design world and is a trend that always translates well to our Caribbean lifestyle. Coral prints, sun bleached fabrics and recycled glass filled with shells and starfish are prominent. Try spraying driftwood branches in a coral red (such as Benjamin Moore Habanero Pepper) for a statement centrepiece.
Lamps are featuring more prominently in decorating. Rather than being used solely for ambient light, they are now becoming statement pieces in their own right. We have seen trends in oversized lamps with stone figurines or sea life sculptures for bases and large burlap or linen shades.
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Enjoy experimenting with this season’s new trends. We are always inspired how even updating one small item can update a desired look.
