Going into 2016 consumers should expect to see “less is more” color palettes with more neutral color tones and less color. Benjamin Moore’s 2016 color of the year is Simply White while Sherwin Williams named Alabaster, another flattering natural white, its color of the year. What is funny is that we’ve been using Alabaster for years now. Alabaster has been a great classic color for our clients who want to update worn cabinetry and tired brick fireplaces.

With white as a backdrop, the room designs featured here use neutral colors, mixed metals, and natural looking products to create a look that will be very popular this year. Neutral back drops are layered and warmed with natural products including wood furniture, metal accent pieces, natural fiber area rugs, and textiles. There are a variety of resources available for consumers and homeowners to create this look at home. Online resources include Overstock.com, Joss&Main, One Kings Lane, and Wayfair.com. For those who like to touch and feel products before they buy them, we have many local stores here in the Lake Norman area of Charlotte featuring such products including Dutchman’s, Merinos Home Furnishings, Kirkland’s in Birkdale Village, SteinMart, Home Goods, and even Target!

Going into 2016, you may or may not decide to de-color your world and simply go white. There’s nothing wrong with a little bit of color, but this year, neutral tones and white color backdrops are in. You can’t go wrong with this look and while it is the trend, white is a decorating trend that never goes out of style.  Home owners and home buyers alike will appreciate the calming and relaxing environment that a neutral backdrop offers.

Jamie McNeilis is an Accredited Staging Professional and owner of Centerpiece Home Staging. Email Jamie at Jamie.McNeilis@CenterpieceHomeStaging.com for home decorating and improvement topics you would like covered in Home Decor