Pinterest’s top 10 home trends for 2016: Global decor

Forget about going around the world in 80 days — instead, transport yourself in a few steps with chic decor that pays homage to various cultures, spanning from the snowy plains of Scandinavia to the hot sands of the Sahara.

According to Lonny, a website for designers, these ethnic designs paired with modern touches, such as metallic wallpaper and bold graphics, are all the top trends on Pinterest, where more than 100 million users find their decor inspiration.

So if a seller’s home is in need of some staging to liven things up, this is the first place to look for ideas.

Check out the top 10 home design trends on Pinterest:

Geometric tiles

Hearken to your middle school days and choose geometric tiles to spice up a foyer, bathroom or kitchen floor.

Don’t be afraid to deviate from basic triangles and squares and go for more graphic shapes such as octagons, rhombuses and diamonds. Add some extra pizzaz with complementary colors for major design appeal.

Scandinavian-inspired design

Winter is coming, and with that comes cooler palettes of white, gray, muted blues, and sleek wood finishes that are reminiscent of a forest on a winter day.

If you’re yearning to bring the outdoors indoors, jump into the trend of Scandinavian-inspired design.

Shades of gray 

You may not want to use 50 shades of gray, but choosing a few variations of the hue, such as dove gray, charcoal gray or slate gray, will add an unexpected touch to any room.

The designers at Lonny suggest pairing the color with jewel-tones, such as plum, sapphire or topaz, to create a warmer atmosphere.

Graphic throw pillows

Looking for an easy (and affordable) way to add pizzaz to a room?

Grab some graphic throw pillows to spice up otherwise bland couches, chairs and bedrooms.

Go for a super-artsy feel with pillows that have pop-art doodles, cheeky sayings or bold colors. Like a worldly look? Choose pillows with ethnic prints and patterns.

Hidden wires

Exposed computer, TV and speaker wires can make an otherwise chic room look messy.

Hide wires by wrapping them in natural fibers or making them into an art piece by placing the wires into an interesting design on the wall.

Black, white and organic shades

Neutrals get a bad rap for being bland and boring. But if done right, a mix of neutral shades can turn any room into an oasis from the chaotic world outside.

Add bursts of color with plants and flowers to make a room come alive.

Woven wall decor and hangings

Take grandma’s handmade crochet and woven rugs out of the attic and place them on your walls for a vintage feel.

Not feeling the vintage look? Go for pieces that have monochromatic colors or simpler patterns for a modern look.

DIY space-saving hacks

In bigger cities that boast apartments and houses with little to no space, it becomes important to everything multi-functional.

Use an ottoman or skirted tables for extra hidden storage space.

Artisan goods

Get a worn-in and well-traveled look with artisan goods from various countries and ethnic groups.

You can find these pieces at stores such as Ten Thousand Villages, where a portion of the sales go back to the artisans.

Metallic wallpaper

As seen in our 2017 kitchen trends article, metallic and mixed-metal pieces are all the rage.

Most weave this trend into their designs with accessories such as lamps, door knobs and metal art, but you can also try the unexpected with metallic wallpaper.

Go for a white and gold marble design for a luxurious look for a fraction of the price of a remodel!

Email Marian McPherson