Transparency: Open Up Your Home in 2018

Every new year we find out what’s in store for the coming year of home interior design. For 2018, the most followed fashion trend currently emerging is known as “Transparency.”

Best described as creating an interior environment that is light, bright and airy, Transparency delivers on the open-floor setting that homeowners and interior design professionals continue to demand.

With Transparency, closed off, heavy or dark spaces are illuminated. Sound good? Here’s how to create Transparency in your home.

Open Spaces

Transparency is openness. So, it should come as no surprise that one of the defining elements of a Transparent home is sparsity – removing clutter or overbearing design elements.

The best, and probably easiest, space in which to start your journey toward a bright, open theme is in your living room or den. Even if these spaces currently have numerous wall hangings, knick knacks or competing pieces of furniture, don’t worry. There are some simple steps you can take in order to visually open up a living room without having to knock down walls.

For instance, lighter colored carpeting (alabasters and beiges) help reflect light rather than absorb light the way dark colors do. This reflection creates a visual perception of volume and depth. Do the same with new paint on walls and even the smallest living room will feel more expansive.

And utilizing lighter colored hardwood, laminate and tile flooring in any area will have the same effect.

Bring the Outdoors In

What’s more wide open than the great outdoors? Bringing the feeling of the outdoors indoors is another way to leverage Transparency.

Start with your floors. In kitchens, dining rooms and bathrooms, layout laminate or resilient plank flooring. One neutral plank color or tile color ill eliminate any sense of ‘patchwork’ on the floor and help to visually unify interconnected spaces. Laminate and resilient flooring are tough as nails and water resistant as well – capable of standing up to the heavy traffic, spills and wear and tear these areas invite.

Moving on to your paints, furniture and decorations, concentrate on using colors found in nature as these continue to inspire and find their way into almost every element of interior design. Think light blues for the brilliant Summer sky. Browns and greens will make wonderful pairings in your spaces as they do the forest.

Let your imagination run wild.

Natural Lighting

Brightness and openness are cornerstone themes of Transparency. One of the best ways to expand any space is with lighting. Above all, not just any lighting will do – natural light sources are the gold standard.

Are you in the midst of planning to build or purchase a home or gearing up for house hunting? Keep windows in mind. If possible, give consideration to homes with large bay windows, plenty of regular windows, in addition to skylights and glass doors.

If you are already settled, you don’t have to knock down walls or remodel to maximize natural lighting. Just make sure to keep your windows clean and keep trees, leaves, and bushes from blocking them. Let light in wherever you can.

Not only does natural lighting help make an area seem bigger, it offers health benefits. For instance, sunlight exposes the body to Vitamin C and helps release serotonin in the brain, therefore helping increase mood and energy.

Need help finding the right flooring that will help to create transparency? Schedule a free, in-home consultation today at 879-TISH (8474) and we will bring carpet, tile, hardwood, laminate or resilient flooring samples to your home.