In St. Albert, homes come in all shapes and sizes, which allows families to find a practical living space that meets their needs. With a little bit of planning and initiative, however, this living space can also provide an opportunity for creative expression.

According to local designer and founder of Distinct Interiors Susan Jomha, white is a popular colour this year for a number of uses, especially walls, as it provides a clean, crisp, and timeless appearance that can create a sense of spaciousness and simplicity.

“One of the reasons why white is so popular is that there are so many different shades to choose from,” notes Jomha. “While it may seem like a simple colour, there are actually many variations in tone, hue, and saturation that can affect how the colour appears in different lighting conditions and with different materials.”

Curved pieces are set to be the must-have furniture trend for 2023, with meandering chairs, sofas, and rounded coffee tables being used to give off a sense of elegance and sophistication. 

“The smooth, flowing lines create a soft and welcoming atmosphere, while also making a bold design statement,” Jomha points out. “A benefit of curved furniture is that it’s versatile and adaptable. It can work in a range of different interior design styles, from minimalist and modern to bohemian and eclectic.”

Feature walls with wooden slats and a mix of large format tile are also gaining popularity in the world of home decor. The use of wooden slats has the ability to add texture and warmth to a living space, while tile can establish a dynamic visual effect. This trend works especially well in modern or minimalist spaces, as it adds a hint of natural warmth to an otherwise sleek and clean aesthetic.

Brass accents for decor, accessories, and home fixtures such as lighting and faucets have also seen a rise in popularity. Jomha notes, however, that when incorporating gold accents into a space, it’s critical to strike a balance without going overboard.

“Too much gold or brass can be overwhelming and take away from the overall aesthetic of the room,” says Jomha.

In terms of lighting, clustered pendants and linear pendants are seeing a surge in interest. The former style is used to create a larger, single fixture, while the latter is used to provide a continuous source of light above a long surface like a dining room table.

Recently, there has been a shift toward lighter shades of hardwood flooring, with popular wood species including white oak and maple, as well as engineered wood flooring that can be stained to a lighter colour. “This is because lighter wood tones can make a room appear larger and more open, as well as providing a more contemporary and modern feel,” says Jomha. Popular wood species for this trend include white oak and maple, as well as engineered wood flooring that can be stained to a lighter colour.

Jomha also suggests that there has been a movement away from smaller floor tile sizes such as 12″x24″ and towards larger tiles such as 36”x36” or 48″x48″. This trend is due in part to the fact that larger tiles can give a room a more streamlined and cohesive look, as well as reducing the number of grout lines and making cleaning and maintenance easier.