If you were in the market for a remodel in the 1980’s, you would no doubt have been exposed to Shabby Chic. This design style made it okay to choose comfort over styling, and encouraged you to go flea market hopping instead of frequenting expensive furniture stores. While its roots were inspired by French and rural English cottages, Rachel Ashwood was the face of Shabby Chic in the States. California became the guinea pig for this style explosion, and to this day, it’s not uncommon to spot worn painted furniture, soft and comfortable furnishings, and granny’s old teaspoons as part of a curated design palette. Design elements from across the States commonly put their own stamp on these palettes, including the following trends from various regions and on their website.
Rustic Farmhouse In The Rocky Mountains
States such as Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming are known to make the most of epic summers and snow-covered winters. Tell-tale styles that remind you that you’re in the Rocky Mountains include copious amounts of sleeper wood, rough-hewn stone and slate, and a great big fireplace as the focal point of the room. You’ll often find some textiles that promote snuggling up in front of this fireplace but can still weather the rough-and-tumble nature of these regions, such as tweed and felt. It’s not unusual to have interiors and exteriors all decked out in wood. Large windows let in plenty of light and allow you to take in the breathtaking view.
Mid-Atlantic Shiplap Style
There are whispers in the design world that shiplap might be going the same way as popcorn ceiling and wooden paneling. However, the mid-Atlantic region is entirely excluded from this heresy. Here, it’s still completely acceptable to have shiplap both inside and out, as it forms the staple of the region’s design style. That being said, according to a home builder in Delaware, design trends are also embracing minimalist design principles in the mid-Atlantic. This includes introducing materials such as concrete, hemp, and sustainable timber. Expect to see plenty of minimalist homes with little maintenance, exposed storage, and very little opportunity for clutter. It’s also
New England French Connection
Thank the likes of Martha Stewart for using lavender and herbs as part of your home decor. Martha’s design style is pretty much New England summed up, with carefully curated nautical inspiration that may seem tacky anywhere else. Plenty of white and light, breezy colors come into play along with natural light woods. The climate and communities have brought in a number of French elements, from floral arrangements right through to that stylishly placed baguette on the breakfast nook. It’s unlikely to spot dark accents such as deep wood paneling and dark fabrics in New England-inspired homes unless it’s accompanied by crisp white to cut through the drama.
While the different regions have their own design styles, it’s important to find a style that allows the homeowner to feel at home. That could mean combining a few similar styles or allowing for overlap, in order for it to age well.