Inside an HGTV Home!

Welcome guest blogger Katie Shands, my sister! She lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, which also happens to be the home of HGTV. She recently visited the first-ever HGTV HOME Product House, featuring the new line of HGTV flooring, paints, lighting, and furniture. (Lucky her: The home is just down the street from her subdivision!) She snapped lots of photos and learned a few design lessons along the way. 

Style Trend #1: Wallpaper Accent Walls

Wallpaper can be a bit overwhelming when used on all four walls. However, when applied to a single wall, it can become the focal point of a room. It's a simple way to give an instant facelift to any space. Use it to liven up the entryway wall or behind the bed to frame the sleeping space. Large, bold prints seem to be the trend right now, but choose what best suits your tastes. And if you still are opposed to the idea of wallpaper,consider using a stencil to paint a design onto a wall instead.

Style Trend #2: Eclectic Look

It's easy to fall into the trap of furniture sets. Of course, you want your home to feel cohesive, but if everything is too “matchy” or perfect, the look can come off as boring or too planned. Instead, aim for an eclectic look with different finishes and styles. Fill your rooms with items that are complementary instead of identical. Rather than two matching lamps, pair Grandma’s vintage lamp with a unique Goodwill find. Frame a dark wood headboard with two distressed white nightstands. Place an elegant flower arrangement atop a rustic, farmhouse table. Your home should showcase your distinct personality, background, and tastes, so fill it with meaningful items instead of showroom pieces.

Style Trend #3: Unexpected Pops of Color

 

This house was overflowing with bright hues. The designer didn’t limit herself to a single color on the walls of a room. In the bonus room, she used three shades of blue. Bright green bird figurines complemented a punchy green couch. The dining room’s main wall was covered in neutral, pressed leaf wallpaper, while the other two walls were painted in a surprising lime green…and it actually worked. So how can you incorporate bright colors into your décor without transforming your home into a live-in crayon box? Don’t go overboard. Choose varying shades of the same color or limit the bold colors to a few key accents, such as throw pillows or accessories.

Style Trend #4: Layered Patterns

The designer artfully incorporated the pattern-on-top-of-pattern look throughout the home. Layered patterns can add interest and dimension to a room, so don’t be afraid to experiment. However, it’s very easy to go overboard, especially if you’re a beginner. The following tips are by no means hard-and-fast rules, but they will help you get started. You should first consider color. Decide on a main color, and then choose a contrasting hue. Choose colors that are on opposite sides of the color wheel. For example, liven up royal blue with a pop of burnt orange or pair a warm red tone with a cool green.

Limit yourself to three varied patterns in the beginning. You can always add more later.Choose a large print in your main color and then find one or two smaller patterns in complementary colors. And select designs that vary in composition and scale. For example,combine a bold floral design, thin stripes, and a bright solid or combine a large floral,plaid, and a small floral. Just have fun with it!

Style Trend #5: Area Rugs

Nearly every room in this house had an area rug. Area rugs can instantly warm up a space and pull the room together. When choosing a rug, consider the size. (For some rule of thumb measurements, check out this site.) Also, think about what kind of material you want your rug to be made from. Wool and silk rugs tend to last longer and wear more evenly than other types. Sisal, jute, and grass rugs are less costly, but are more difficult to maintain.