Like with most things, it can be immensely helpful to bring in a professional for guidance about how to remake spaces in our homes that are both trendy and classic. When it comes to interior designers, Texas boasts some of the best. Far from creating stereotypical all-white, completely unlivable rooms, these designers work tirelessly to create gorgeous custom spaces for their clients to revel in, show off, and enjoy. Some of the best designers in the state have given us a peek at what they foresee as 2019’s top home trends.

Pieces to Part with in 2019

Before we come to the trends, it can be helpful to know what styles and items have had their time to shine and should now be reconsidered as 2018 comes to a close. According to Michelle Thomas of Michelle Thomas Design in Austin, one trend she is ready to less of is the farmhouse style. You need not completely rethink your entire farmhouse-style scheme, but rather add to it. “While I do love some aspects of the farmhouse trend (shiplap, open shelving, and neutral tones), I think we will start seeing more color incorporated into designs to enhance this trend in 2019,” she said.

Traci Connell of Traci Connell Interiors in Dallas had some different thoughts. “Nautical motifs and tufted furniture need to hit the high road,” she said. “We’ve seen one too many wicker pieces and button tufts and are ready to streamline things, simplify design, and straighten out those lines.”

Those who are not quite ready to let go of their 2018 favorites might find comfort in Laura Umansky’s ideas. Umansky, of Laura U Interior Design based in Houston, assured homeowners that nothing in 2019 has made its exit yet. “I never, or rarely, say never, so let’s not count out any of our 2018 trends just yet!” she said.

2019 Interior Design Trends

Curious which trends will replace the stark farmhouse and tufted furniture styles? Here are the designers’ picks for 2019.

Smart Spaces

According to Connell, the smart home is on the rise, even in interior design. “We feel urban spaces with unique design ideas including multifunctional and smart home capabilities are going to be on the rise this next year,” she said. Consider investing in some beautiful, functional, smart home pieces like light bulbs that can be controlled with your smartphone to turn hundreds of different shades, or voice-controlled technology.

Looking for more ways to make your space trendy? Connell suggested incorporating eco-friendly, natural pieces. “From the mid-century furniture feel to natural jute and eco-friendly countertops, if you support the environment, you’ll be on trend!” she said.

Makers and Artisans

Emily Summers, the designer behind the Dallas-based Emily Summers Design Associates, foresees the continued rise of the maker movement to be 2019’s biggest trend. “We’ve seen the emergence of a wonderful selection of individual makers, artists, and ceramicists, allowing clients to commission one-of-a-kind pieces, versus filling the home entirely with mass-produced items,” she said.

To introduce more artisan pieces in your home, search online maker sites like Etsy or Amazon Handmade. Also, consider layering in unique texture to your home by working with a local upholsterer to create custom pillows, accent chairs, or purchase handmade woven rugs.

Of course, a great way to add in more handmade items is to incorporate vintage furnishings, according to Summers, who said, “Consider re-purposing a quality item you already own to weave some history and a story into updated interiors.”

Conversational Dining Rooms

History tends to repeat itself, and in this case, it is for the better, Umansky said. “The idea of comfortable, livable dining rooms is definitely coming back,” she said. “People are reverting back to sitting spaces that encourage conversation and steering further away from the family room or media room.”

Umanksy said she helps her clients achieve this by creating a warm, inviting area that extends past mealtimes; it is a place to gather family and friends and linger. To incorporate this trend, create a relaxed environment for diners to sit. Generous, comfortable chairs are a great place to start. Also, make sure there are several different sources of light that can be used to create an ambiance that fits the meal you serve.

Flexible seating is another great item to add to your seating wish list, according to Umansky. “This is something I think anyone can incorporate. Small stools, tufted ottomans, or structured poofs open up seating options,” she said. Not only will these pieces be functional and usable, but they also serve as decor. “Tuck them away under a console or have them in front of your fireplace,” she said.

Classic Colors

Thomas anticipates the interior color palettes will shift toward a classic scheme in 2019. “I believe we will start to see classic colors make a return to design, jewel tones like navy blue and emerald green with accents of copper or antique gold,” she said.

If adding jewel tones into your home seems a bit daunting, start small. Items like pillows, art, throw blankets, and even fresh flowers can all be purchased in a variety of bold hues. A new rug that anchors your space and has the color scheme you want to build, and an investment piece of furniture, are two other options, Thomas said. “Invest in good furniture pieces that will last,” she said. “Accessories can always be changed out as your style evolves.”

Personalize and Incorporate Trends

When it comes to narrowing down your style and knowing exactly which trends are right for you, each designer has their own process. The first step in building a home that is right for their clients is getting to know them, their needs, and the styles to which they are attracted. “I ask them to research online and pull several photos of what they’d like their space to look like,” Thomas said. “This gives us a great starting point.”

Connell works in a similar fashion. After she takes an inventory of her clients and how they live in day-to-day life, she uses a modern mood board. “We ask them to do homework by pinning images on Pinterest or Houzz that inspire them,” she said. “This helps us get to know them and direct their style.”

According to Umansky, a client’s home will always tell a story. “With our clients, we spend a lot of time getting to know them, their interests, and their vision,” she said. “We want their home to truly be a representation of their family and lifestyle. I find that it is less about pinpointing a style rather than developing their own style. Through the getting-to-know-you process, we are uncovering pieces about them we can incorporate into their home, whether that be heirloom pieces or textiles from world travel. Our end goal is to tell their story, and sometimes that doesn’t mean we pin a specific style on them.”

Most importantly, designers know that your home is meant to be lived in. “We always encourage our clients to live with ease in their home, and the best way we know to make that possible is to incorporate durable products into everyday living,” Connell said. “Beautiful, luxurious finishes that withstand life’s messes.”