Top Home & Garden Trends of 2018

Spring is here, which means it’s time to freshen up your home. Check out some of the popular design trends predicted for 2018 (for both the home and the garden) and start planning your revamp! 
FOR THE HOME:
Organic Elements – In 2018, we’re straying away from tech-obsessed décor and going “au naturel.” Fresh, natural materials such as stone, copper, concrete and granite are stepping onto the scene, bringing a serene feeling into any space. These materials are even making their way into bathrooms, thanks to the popular rustic farmhouse style. Forget about the old boring white sinks!
Metallic Accents – Sticking with the copper craze, copper and other metals such as brass are booting rose gold, stainless steel and polished nickel out. Metallic furniture pieces and accessories can bring warmth into a room in a sophisticated and subtle way.
Trough Sinks – Rustic farmhouse strikes again! A sign that this trend isn’t dying, trough and bucket sinks are making a comeback. Aside from their long, narrow and low maintenance features being ideal for families, trough and bucket sinks can bring a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen or bathroom in a chic way.
Artisanal Pieces – Artisan-made home décor is helping more houses feel like homes. Personalizing your home with handmade pieces can help tell your story, all while supporting local artists. What better place to find handcrafted goods than right here in Cape May County? Here, small businesses flourish!
Vintage Lighting – As the saying goes, “Everything old is new again.” Retro fixtures are fusing with new technology to bring vintage lighting back into homes. Pendants, sconces, lanterns and chandeliers are the new desired lighting elements, pushing exposed lighting out.
Botanical Prints – Florals have always been in fashion, and you should expect to see even more of them in homes this year. Designers predict florals will soon be a popular design element among homeowners, specifically in larger proportions and high contrasting colors. You can’t go wrong with timeless floral patterns!
More Color – Pops of earthy reds, yellows and oranges are expected to make appearances throughout the home, adding diversity and making bold statements. Color is even likely to make its way into the kitchen. While white has been the recently loved kitchen color with a classic, clean feel, homeowners are starting to add richer colors like warm wood tones for cabinets and even a single wall of color to give a warm, fresh feel.
FOR THE GARDEN:
Homegrown Food – Many consumers are adding more greens to their diets as a result of vegetarian preferences or simply wanting to eat better, which means edible plants in the landscape are on the rise. Gardeners are also growing herbs in addition to traditional veggies, likely as a result of the popular farm-to-table movement.
Native Plants – Who doesn’t love something that looks good without the work? Many gardeners are turning toward native plants for low-maintenance designs. Native plants create a hardy landscape with little effort due to the fact that they are well adapted to the region’s climate and weather conditions.
Garden Getaways – Many gardeners now view their garden as a place to relax and unwind. In today’s technological world, the garden is a perfect place to disconnect and take in nature’s tranquil beauty. Simple foliage, shady spots, water features, benches and hammocks are many elements that are making their way into gardens.
Welcoming Wildlife – People are starting to garden in a way which attracts certain wildlife to help preserve nature. Pond plants for frogs, wildflowers for bees and butterflies, and native trees for birds – add these elements and watch your garden come alive!
Succulents – Succulents can easily survive with little care, which is why they’re often a desired plant in today’s fast-paced world. Their thickened and fleshy leaves help them retain water, making them ideal for forgetful gardeners. Available in a wide range of varieties, succulents can brighten any indoor or outdoor space with ease.
Hydroponics – Hydro-what? Hydroponics is the art of growing plants in water. With this type of gardening, soil is not necessary. The plant’s roots sit directly in the water combined with a growing medium such as sand or gravel. This type of growing system is great for small spaces, and also eliminates the need to weed and fertilize. No wonder it’s been gaining popularity!
Upcycled Planters – The eco-friendly mindset of many gardeners has them turning trash into treasure. Gardeners are taking old items such as rain boots, wheelbarrows and apothecary jars and creating unique planters for their homes. If you decide to add this trend to your own garden, just be sure to give the item proper drainage holes.