An important benefit of homeownership is that you can design and decorate the property to your tastes, but sometimes you need a few ideas to get started.  Should you paint or wallpaper? Should you stay safe with neutrals or go wild with color? The answers may lie in trendspotting for 2019.

Color over neutrals. This is the year to embrace color – reds, blues, greens and yellows in tones that look terrific against a backdrop of black and white. Meanwhile, grays as neutrals have had their day.

Patterns. The global look of Ikat, Morrocan Trellis, and Shibori is giving way to large classical florals with a modern edge, including bohemian abstracts. Consider the lush wallpaper and fabric patterns of Timorous Beasties.

Style-mixing. Mid-century modern and minimalistic décor have been hugely popular over the last few years, but now the styles are looking dated. One reason why is that to be most effective, they’re rarely mixed with other styles making a home look more like a museum. Feel free to mix furniture and accessories of compatible eras.

Comfort. While metal, acrylics and wood furniture look great, don’t be afraid to soften the edges. You’ll see sumptuous fabrics overlaying stuffed chairs and sofas.  Make your bedding inviting with plush duvets filled with lightweight down.

Other trends include one-of-a-kind artisan goods such as bronze sculpture, oil, acrylic and mixed media paintings; lighter than darker wood floors, and accents of brass, pewter and chrome.

Whatever you choose, it’s your home, so enjoy!