2019 Living Room Trends – Endless Inspiration!

2019 Living Room Trends – Endless Inspiration!

Interior Decorating, Interior Design, Living Room

Design Trends for 2019

If you’ve been following along with my favorite Home Design Trends for 2019 Series you know I’ve already taken an in-depth look at the latest kitchen and bathroom trends. This month I’ll complete the series by educating you on this year’s hottest living room design trends. My hope is you’ll find some ideas and inspiration to make your living room the talk of the town!

I often tell my clients that if they could only pick one room in the house to pour their heart and soul into, it should be the living room.

It’s the one room that sets the tone for the rest of the house. If this is the year that your living room is getting a makeover, there are many new options.   Whether you’ve decided to go more modern or revert back to traditional, keep reading to learn what’s new in living room style!

“I always put in one controversial item. It makes people talk.” – Dorthy Draper

Spanish Style

 

For those who miss traditional décor…it’s back with a vengeance! The trend started with designers adding Moroccan and Mexican paver tiles in kitchens and bathrooms. However, we are just at the forefront of this latest style trend.   When you think of a Spanish style living room, you may envision earthy tones, bright patterns, and Moroccan colors.  However, implementing a Spanish-inspired style also includes white plaster walls, linen upholstery and natural wood elements with touches of wrought iron. This style is a reproduction of old Hollywood and incorporates some modern elements as well. So, it’s very easy to mix in some transitional pieces. In the picture above, the drum shades, lamps, and Moroccan style metal tables add just a hint of modern in this 2019 Spanish style living room.

Mix and Match it Up!


Designers are tired of the tried and true neutral palate, so they’re kicking it up a notch!  Instead of playing it safe, they are mixing it up by incorporating various patterns and textures and adding pops of color. The key to pulling off this style is to start with a large-scaled colorful fabric. This is the jumping off point…the place you will begin to build your color and design scheme. Once this is established, the next step is to incorporate a second color with accessories.  Use a smaller scale pattern (like stripes or florals) in the pillows for a cohesive and balanced look.  The final step is to add a variety of textures like leather and linen. This creates depth and sophistication.  Remember everything does not have to match perfectly… that is what makes “mix and match” living rooms so hot this year!

Wood Accent Walls


When you think of wood walls, you may think of your grandparent’s den with its outdated judges paneling. But this year wood walls are all the rage. It all began with shiplap when Joanna Gaines introduced us to the farmhouse trend. However, today wood paneled accent walls are showing up everywhere and transcending all decorating styles.  Designers are specifying all types of wood species in various patterns such as Chevron, brick, and houndstooth.  The natural element of wood is such a spectacular show stopper and is a great way to update your living room this year without breaking the budget.

Divide, Open and Beautify Your Space


The open floor plan in home construction and renovation is the new norm in home design.  Adding contemporary room dividers made of glass and steel is the ultimate compliment to this trend. These sleek and classic walls allow light to pass between the rooms while still providing some privacy and noise control. What a stylish and elegant contrast to an otherwise typical floor plan.  I think this trend is here to stay for a while and we will be seeing a lot more of these wonderful movable walls in home décor.

Go for the Bold and Unexpected


Interior design has come a long way from the white walls and the beige carpet of yesteryear. Today designers are going for bold statements that take a turn toward the darker, deeper and moodier shades of navy, black and jewel tones. If you’re looking to change your living room décor this year, paint the room in a darker hue.   Step out of our comfort zone and paint the walls and trim the same color. When painting a room all one color, select an eggshell finish for the walls, and a semigloss finish for the trim. This will create a uniformed look while adding depth and sophistication.  For more drama, select a value or two lighter on the ceiling or just stay with white.

Melanie Serra, Interior Designer & Home Stager
Melanie Serra, Interior Decorator, Certified Color, Redesign and Staging Instructor

Award-winning decorator and stylist Melanie Serra has been reviving interiors for over 17 years and has worked with clients in Dallas, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. Melanie Serra’s approach to interior design is fresh and innovative transforming residential and commercial interiors from Now to WOW!

Melanie Serra Interiors - 770-714-3430

Contact me today

Kitchen Trends for 2019 -Part 2

Kitchen Trends for 2019 -Part 2

Interior Decorating, Interior Design, Kitchen

Part 2 – Kitchen Trends for 2019

tile backsplash

A Fresh Look to Something Old

Subway tile is still very popular. However, pattern and installation are key. We are seeing kitchen backsplashes (and shower stalls) in herringbone, stacked, crosshatched and chevron patterns.  Darker grout in gray, navy and black make the pattern more pronounced.

Indoor/Outdoor Kitchens…

are creating a buzz! Designers are finding new ways to expand the kitchen to the outdoors.  Instead of the typical single door, they are creating disappearing walls with large sliding and collapsible doors to increase living space. Homeowners love this blurring of inside and out.

Corner countertop cabinets

Dead space, and hard to reach kitchen cabinets are being revived and transformed.  Now ceiling to countertop cabinets are being designed and anchored with a bottom drawer. These new corner cabinets create the perfect storage for those quick-grab items that were hard to find or reach.

Black is Back!

For years designers and color consultants have been confident that black can turn any room into an elegant and luxurious showpiece. Homeowners are finally embracing the dramatic color in their kitchen. Black cabinets, paired with white walls, countertops, and backsplashes are adding a high-end, sophisticated look to new kitchen designs.

What’s Your Angle?

Typically, most kitchen islands are rectangular in shape.  New kitchen layouts are being created to modify the shape of the room and to include more work and storage space.  Good design means throwing away convention and stepping out of the square …or in this case, the rectangle box.

Moroccan Tile

For the floor or backlash, Moroccan tile is the newest take on tile. Whether your style is traditional, eclectic, or contemporary, there’s a way to incorporate Moroccan inspiration into your kitchen. This timeless tile adds color, pattern a, d versatility.

A kitchen makeover does wonders to increase the value of your home, but more importantly, it’s the place where families and friends gather to do life together.

I hope you have enjoyed this month’s blog.

If your needing help with a kitchen redo or remodel. I’m here to help!

Stay tuned for my next blog where I’ll discuss the latest bathroom trends for 2019! 

Melanie Serra, Interior Designer & Home Stager
Melanie Serra, Interior Decorator, Certified Color, Redesign and Staging Instructor

Award-winning decorator and stylist Melanie Serra has been reviving interiors for over 17 years and has worked with clients in Dallas, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. Melanie Serra’s approach to interior design is fresh and innovative transforming residential and commercial interiors from Now to WOW!

Melanie Serra Interiors - 770-714-3430

Contact me today

Kitchen Trends for 2019 – Part 1

Kitchen Trends for 2019 – Part 1

Interior Decorating, Interior Design, Kitchen

Kitchen Trends for 2019 – Part 1

Whether your home is a simple ranch or an elegant Georgian, one thing remains true, transitional style still rules. This style is a balance between traditional and modern. While it incorporates many trends, it also freshens interiors without straying too far from the familiar. It’s timeless and ages well! Transitional kitchens are all the rage in 2019. With so many new collections of materials, colors and innovative cabinetry, this trend is here to stay.

 

Window Walls

Homeowners across Atlanta are opting to remove upper cabinets for windows walls to bring in natural light and accentuate the outdoors.  Thus, kitchen designers are creating deep drawers on the perimeter and base cabinets for extra storage.

 

Full Tiled Focal Walls

A full tiled backsplash becomes a feature wall that draws the eye.  Anything goes, from Moroccan patterns to stacked subway tile. Buying a few extra square feet vs. purchasing a group of upper cabinets, is so much more cost effective and looks very high end.

 

Go Against the Grain

Wood on wood is becoming more and more popular, thanks to the farmhouse trend of the last years. Medium wood tones are making a comeback. Wood adds charm and warmth to a kitchen and pairs well with gray and white cabinets and walls.

 

No Two Whites are the Same

There is no denying that light colored cabinets are a favorite choice in kitchen design.  Instead of bright white, opt for an off-white or cream cabinetry to create impact. In the kitchen above, the cream cabinets pair perfectly to its crisp white walls, while the wood floors warm up the space.

 

No End in Sight for Quartz

The timeless look of quartz continues to be the #1 choice in countertops. Mimicking the look of more expensive countertops like marble and slate, quartz is still the most requested material in kitchen remodels.

 

 

Bold Color Reins

Darker jewel tones such as teal and emerald are bold and beautiful!  Adding a deep pop of color will anchor the island and create a more subdued color palette.
No matter how we look at it, from want-to-be chefs, too busy families, the kitchen is the center of everything that speaks HOME. It’s the room where function and beauty go hand in hand.
Melanie Serra, Interior Designer & Home Stager
Melanie Serra, Interior Decorator, Certified Color, Redesign and Staging Instructor

Award-winning decorator and stylist Melanie Serra has been reviving interiors for over 17 years and has worked with clients in Dallas, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. Melanie Serra’s approach to interior design is fresh and innovative transforming residential and commercial interiors from Now to WOW!

Melanie Serra Interiors - 770-714-3430

Contact me today

Blush for the holidays? Tis’ the Season to Break Tradition

Blush for the holidays? Tis’ the Season to Break Tradition

Holiday Decorating, Interior Decorating, Interior Design, Interior Redesign

Blush …Barely there but oh-so-lovely!

This delicate pink is my pick for this year’s Inaugural Holiday Home Tour Fundraising Event hosted by the Roswell Woman’s Club.

I’m honored to be selected as one of eight interior designers from the Roswell area to participate in this year’s event.  Five Beautiful Homes in the heart of Historic Roswell will be featured and decorated with Holiday décor.

For one day only on November 4th, you’ll get to see first hand these beautifully selected historical homes transformed into holiday masterpieces.

inspiration pieces found at Tuesday MorningInspiration pieces found at Tuesday Morning.

And the story goes …

An unexpected invitation, a cup of coffee with a friend, and a trip to Tuesday Mornings was all the inspiration I needed to choose a color and a theme for this year’s event.  Who would have thought a little pink reindeer would give me the idea to go blush?

Blush can be a challenging color to decorate with since its primarily a feminine shade. But, I have paired it with copper and brought in a touch of nature to create a blush themed holiday display sure to appeal to men and women alike.

Blush, Pantone’s Color of the Year in 2016, was the perfect choice for the Historic Ranch Home converted to Farmhouse Style to which I was assigned. And it is the ideal backdrop for my nature inspired holiday theme.

historic Roswell home

Fireplace surround was taken from a historical site.  The scale is tall and a challenge to decorate.

After meeting with the homeowner, I was permitted to choose the room that inspired me the most.  Selecting the living room, with its neutral furniture and traditional design I took notes, lots of pictures and went to work setting in motion a holiday theme. My goal was to highlight the character of the room by adding a more modern twist. I let everything sit for a couple days while relying on my intuitive impulses to work on the final layout.  Without buying a thing, I visited a few of my favorite stores taking in all they had to offer in my color choice and theme. The real find was when I visited Taylor Kinzel Gallery in downtown Roswell.  The minute I walked in the door, I was drawn to a  contemporary art piece that was reminiscent of birch trees illuminated in pearlescent hues …it fit my vision entirely.  While the piece measuring 60”x60” was too big for space, I knew I could redesign the room to make it work!

room redesignAfter rearranging the room the large-scale art will be perfect on this wall anchored by a large tree adorned in copper and blush.

After that, everything started to fall into place, and I was convinced I was on the right track.  I began to incorporate earthy elements into the mix,  adding various textures such as fur, feathers, bark, metals, and glass to enhance the theme.   However, I felt that there was still one thing missing …a certain item that would bring it all together. But I didn’t quite know what that was yet.

Rudy“Rudy”

Then out of nowhere in the middle of the night, it came to me.  “Rudy” was the answer!

Rudy was a ten-point buck mount.  I found him years ago hidden behind a sofa in a dark and dingy thrift store.  He was dirty and torn, and his nose had been replaced with a ping pong ball. Being the animal rights activist that  I am, I couldn’t leave him hidden in the shadows, so I  rescued him that day. To preserve his essence, I took him home, cleaned him up and hired someone to give him a nose job. Dignity restored, he now resides at my lake home where he greets my guests.

Rudy was the missing link to my holiday room. He is the perfect guy to anchor the antique fireplace and serve as a second focal point in the room. He will be adorned in greenery and blush Christmas décor and will represent nature at its best!

Blush inspirationOf course, a lot of fur goes a long way!

plan comes togetherI love it when a plan comes together.

It is wonderful when my vision, intuition, and creativity all come together. The room has taken shape, and I am honored and excited to be showcasing my work at Roswell’s first Holiday Tour of Homes. Both Rudy and I hope that you will join us at the Inaugural Holiday Home Tour on November 4th.  You can purchase tickets at www.holidayhometour.org.  All the proceeds go to charity, and the accessories and decorations (except for Rudy) will be for sale at the event.

If you’re looking to decorate your home for the holidays, give your favorite Atlanta Interior Designer, (me) a call and let me show you all the ways you can add classic holiday beauty to your home.

Melanie Serra, Interior Designer & Home Stager
Melanie Serra, Interior Decorator, Certified Color, Redesign and Staging Instructor

Award-winning decorator and stylist Melanie Serra has been reviving interiors for over 17 years and has worked with clients in Dallas, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. Melanie Serra’s approach to interior design is fresh and innovative transforming residential and commercial interiors from Now to WOW!

Melanie Serra Interiors - 770-714-3430

Contact me today

Exterior Home Trends for 2017

Exterior Home Trends for 2017

Interior Decorating, Interior Design, Outdoor Living

If you’re one of those trendsetters who love to keep your home showcasing the latest design trends, you’ll love our list of the most popular home exterior design trends for 2017.

This year’s highlights are elegant, stylish and the perfect way to let your personal style shine through while improving your home’s curb appeal and increasing its market value.
While many of our clients are most comfortable applying the latest and most fashionable colors, materials, and styles to the inside of their homes, this year we’re challenging them to explore the many options to enhance the outside of their home as well.

Let’s explore what’s hot this year…

Painted Brick
Are you tired of your house blending in with all the other brick homes in your neighborhood? Overtime brick can look dated and tired and in need of a facelift. An affordable way to give your home an updated and cleaner look is to add character with a fresh coat of paint.

Dark Windows & Gutters
Over the years light trim and gutters have been the norm, but lately, we see darker accent colors add personality and charm to a home. Darker trim around windows will give them a framed effect which looks like pictures hanging on a wall. Some of our favorite colors for 2017 include black, dark blues, red and browns.

Timber Portico Entrance
What is portico? It’s a fancy word that means covered porch, and it’s taking the exterior design world by storm. If you’re looking for a beautiful way to replace those ugly concrete steps and boost your home’s curb appeal try adding a small porch protected by a column-supported roof.

Faux Columns
Stone or brick wrapped columns are an ideal way to add sophisticated style to the exterior of your home. Some of the most recognizable characteristics of a home are the elements that support it like columns and posts. Take an ordinary post and turn it into a beautiful stone column and see how one small change can transform the entire look and feel of a home.

Wood? No, it’s Vinyl!
Vinyl siding companies are going out of their way to produce a broad range of realistic looking clapboard panels, half-rounded shingles, and cedar shingles. The results are low-maintenance, durable and absolutely beautiful.

Reclaimed Wood
The HGTV show Fixer Upper has made traditional wood shakes, shingles and shiplap a must have for any homeowner looking to update the exterior of their home. These simple reclaimed wood boards and modern farmhouse style has made shiplap very popular. Using wood siding in place of vinyl siding can add a rustic look to your home. Some people say that wood siding isn’t as effective at keeping the elements lock out and the heat locked in your home. However with the right wood treatment, wood sidings can be even more effective than their vinyl counterparts! Check out the Siding Contractor Atlanta for infomation on how to get yours!

Board and Batten Shutters
These simple shutters are adding style to window opening from Stucco Farmhouses to Colonials across the country. Originally these shutters were a cheap way to add shutters to a barn and used as a decorative piece on cottage styled homes. But recently their timeless beauty is becoming a charming addition to any home.

And don’t forget your entertaining areas…

The rustic, old-fashioned look is becoming more popular and is replacing the clean, modern lines of contemporary design …even in our outside entertaining areas. If you think porch swings, fire pits and countryside gardens you’ll be your neighborhood’s favorite hangout spot.

Outdoor Fire Pits
There is no better way to enjoy a chilly evening than sitting around the warm glow of a fire pit. They make the perfect focal point to any outdoor space and are a wonderful way to make a gathering come alive.

Rock Gardens
With outdoor living and neighborhood gatherings becoming more and more popular a rock garden made up of organic and natural materials is sure to transform your yard into a relaxing oasis. An example of this are these Outdoor Living Walls by phs Greenleaf, which incorporate nature onto the walls of your home!

Curb appeal is becoming huge …there’s no way around it.

The exterior of your home should highlight your personality and compliment your natural surroundings. Consider a few of these design trends when updating your home and make your home a beautiful place your family will love to come back to.

Melanie Serra, Interior Designer & Home Stager
Melanie Serra, Interior Decorator, Certified Color, Redesign and Staging Instructor

Award-winning decorator and stylist Melanie Serra has been reviving interiors for over 17 years and has worked with clients in Dallas, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. Melanie Serra’s approach to interior design is fresh and innovative transforming residential and commercial interiors from Now to WOW!

Melanie Serra Interiors - 770-714-3430

Contact me today

Telemundo TV Studio Design

Telemundo TV Studio Design

Interior Design, Renovations

New Space

The Telemundo Atlanta Studio needed to be spruced up when it moved to a new space, and they engaged Interior Revivals to handle the job!  This project was such a fun experience, and the staff was amazing!

Telemundo is an American Spanish-language broadcast television network.  It is seen in 25 Spanish speaking countries and is the second-largest provider of Spanish-language content worldwide.  With such an outstanding presence, the WKTB Atlanta studio must exhibit professionalism and cutting edge design. (more…)