Guest post- Top 5 Chic Living Room Trends for 2014!

This post is provided by Michael Butterfield.



Interior design can be varied, expensive
and incredibly stressful. However, it can also be fun, creative and the amount
you spend is completely up to you –the difficulty lies in finding a trend which
can benefit each individual home without the need to constantly redecorate. 



We have compiled a list of five of the most popular living
room trends taking 2014 by storm that are effective, innovative and long-lasting
– as well as a few tips on saving money.



The Traveler's Lounge



Whether you are a seasoned traveler or not,
a living space inspired by exotic destinations such as Morocco, India and
Australia is a must have this year. Color blocking has been trending in both
fashion and interior design for some time, but why not think a little bigger
with regards to patterns and colors? 



Clashing cultures and contrasting colors
have inspired Wilhelmina McCarroll to design the Digital Nomad color scheme for one of Dulux’s 2014 trends. Travel
overseas in your home and celebrate a collision of color with Moroccan
lanterns, tribal collectives from Australia and gorgeous Indian inspired
fabrics.



Tip: Buy just a couple of brightly colored
tester pots and paint a few patterned stencils onto your living room walls.



Back in Blue



If you are not a fan of the color clashing
technique, find something more suited to you in blue. From luxury in navy to
the fresh feel of turquoise, blue is most definitely in style this year. 



For
most of us, navy appears to be a very daunting color for our living spaces,
but implementing navy furnishings such as cushions or ornaments to a living room
can add a sense of indulgence. Dark navy walls can be a dramatic backdrop for
any color accessories.



A deep and saturated turquoise can brighten
up your living room and can be paired with white and pale woods for a more
tranquil and elegant feel.



Lighter Colored Woods



Lighter colored woods such as oak and
walnut are feeling fresh for 2014, says the Editor in Chief of Elle Décor. This
can be utilized anywhere in your living room – whether it is in storage cabinets
and bookcases or your flooring. A lighter wood can complement a paler color
scheme beautifully as well as create great contrast to darker schemes. Whatever
your color scheme, a lighter wood can add that natural touch to your living
room’s décor.



If you are buying real wood products, it is
always important to stick with a specialist who knows what they are talking
about. For example, UK-based firm Fab Flooring, specialize in all things flooring and have their own range of
real wood flooring. If you are worried about making the right decision, these
specialist retailers will be able to advise you on which woods work well with a
variety of interior design styles. They can also provide you with that
all-important guidance on cleaning and caring for this natural product to
ensure longevity.



Upcycling: Rediscover, Not Remodel



Changing the interior of your home can
sometimes cost a small fortune, but have you thought of re-loving your own
collections? We have all experienced the vintage craze and spent an inordinate
amount of time in charity shops, battling for the cutest antique picture frame!
However, our homes are filled with our own vintage items which could be spruced
up or rearranged to create a whole new look. Trawl through your attic to find
your own antiques and redesign with a lick of paint or a deep clean.



Tip: Repurpose your items, such as painting
an old step-ladder and transforming it into a bookcase or shelves.



Mad on Metallics



Last year saw homeowners rushing to buy
silver and gold shades to fill their homes. However, this year’s trend focuses
a little more on warmer and more sophisticated shades such as brass, copper and
bronze. 



"Warm metallics work particularly well with dark or neutral schemes
where they can look quite Scandinavian, or combined with an industrial
aesthetic to create a contrasting ‘rough luxe’ look," says design blogger Katie Treggiden. Warm metallic
accessories can certainly add a touch of glamour to our home, whilst
maintaining the soft glow of a natural living space.