Design Trends We’re Loving (and Leaving) This Year (2017)

Each year brings a fresh wave of ideas, materials, and aesthetics into the world of interior design. At Pacific Zebra, we are constantly exploring what inspires us, what challenges us, and what truly resonates with the homes and lives of our clients. Some trends feel like old friends returning with a twist, while others feel like strangers we are not quite ready to invite in.

In this post, we’re sharing the trends we are embracing right now and the ones we are gently saying goodbye to. Think of it as a seasonal pulse check with a little Pacific Zebra perspective woven in.

What We’re Loving

Rich Textures Everywhere

Let’s start with a classic. Texture has always been a Pacific Zebra favorite. Whether it is a nubby wool rug, a mohair accent chair, or a matte limewash wall, rich textures make spaces feel alive. Texture adds visual interest and tactile depth. It invites you to touch, to pause, to sink in.

We are seeing a surge in clients asking for texture on texture and we love the challenge. Think boucle next to sleek travertine. Think velvet paired with brushed metal. It is not just about contrast. It is about creating a sensory experience that unfolds over time.

Earthy and Neutral Palettes

While bold color always has a place, we are seeing a consistent desire for calming, grounded palettes. Natural hues are having a major moment, and for good reason. They reflect the outside world, they evolve with the light throughout the day, and they provide the perfect canvas for statement pieces.

Clay tones, sage greens, warm grays, and creamy ivories are some of our go-to shades. When layered well, they feel luxurious, not flat. And unlike trend-driven color pops, these neutrals have staying power. They are here to stay.

Organic Forms

Goodbye rigid lines, hello gentle curves. From soft-edged sofas to rounded coffee tables and scalloped lighting, we are fully embracing the shift toward organic forms. These shapes create movement within a room and offer a softness that feels comforting.

There is something effortlessly elegant about a room full of flow. You do not need to fill every corner or edge. Sometimes it is the space around a curve that allows a room to breathe.

Statement Lighting

Lighting is no longer just functional. It is focal. Sculptural pendants, artisan-crafted sconces, and oversized chandeliers are becoming the centerpiece in more rooms than ever before.

We especially love natural materials like alabaster, hand-blown glass, and aged brass. A great light fixture can transform even the simplest room into something magazine-worthy. It is where art meets utility, and we are absolutely here for it.

Unexpected Pairings

This trend hits close to home. At Pacific Zebra, we have always believed in the magic of contrast. Whether it is pairing a bold zebra-print pillow with an otherwise minimal sofa or introducing African-inspired art into a crisp, contemporary dining room, we thrive on the tension between unexpected elements.

More and more, we are seeing a move toward spaces that tell a personal story. That means mixing high and low, old and new, quiet and bold. There are no strict rules only good instincts and thoughtful layering.

Eco-Conscious Materials

Sustainability is no longer a buzzword. It is becoming a baseline expectation for many clients, and we are happy to support that shift. Reclaimed woods, low-VOC paints, vintage pieces, and sustainably sourced fabrics are all part of the design conversation.

We find that incorporating eco-conscious choices not only makes environmental sense but also brings a certain richness and authenticity to a space. It adds soul. It makes the story of a room even deeper.

What We’re Leaving Behind

All-Gray Everything

Gray had a serious moment. For a while, it felt like every wall, sofa, and rug was dipped in cool-toned gray. While it is still a useful tool in the palette, we are moving away from rooms that feel cold or overly monochromatic.

We prefer gray as an accent now used thoughtfully in textiles or stone finishes. When a room relies entirely on gray, it can feel a little uninspired. We are replacing it with softer tones that have more depth and warmth.

Chrome Finishes

Chrome is clean. Chrome is shiny. Chrome is, well, a bit dated. Lately, we are favoring metals with more character. Think aged brass, oil-rubbed bronze, antique nickel, or even blackened steel.

These finishes age beautifully and add a sense of permanence to a space. Chrome, on the other hand, can feel sterile. Unless we are designing a bathroom in a mid-century home with chrome nostalgia, we are mostly passing on this one.

Overdecorating

More is not more. At least not anymore. We are stepping away from overstyled shelves, rooms packed with accessories, and surfaces cluttered with decorative objects.

Instead, we are focusing on thoughtful restraint. Let the eye rest. Let individual pieces shine. A room needs rhythm — moments of quiet and moments of drama. Overdecorating flattens that rhythm and makes it harder to appreciate the architecture and materials.

Themed Rooms

Nautical bathrooms, farmhouse kitchens, jungle nurseries these hyper-themed rooms are on their way out. While themes can be fun, they rarely age well and tend to feel more like a costume than a lived-in space.

We prefer a more timeless approach that hints at inspiration without becoming a literal interpretation. If you love the coast, bring in driftwood and airy linen. If you are drawn to Africa, choose authentic crafts or curated prints. Let the influence speak softly.

Fast Furniture

As tempting as it can be to furnish a room quickly and cheaply, fast furniture rarely stands the test of time. We are seeing more homeowners willing to invest in a few standout pieces that will last, rather than filling a space with disposable items.

We encourage clients to think long-term. What do you want to pass down? What will still look beautiful ten years from now? That’s the Pacific Zebra approach thoughtful selections with lasting value.

A Word on Timelessness

While trends come and go, great design is built on something deeper. Timelessness does not mean boring or safe. It means choosing what resonates with you and what will continue to bring you joy for years to come.

At Pacific Zebra, we blend trend-awareness with a clear design philosophy. We embrace evolution, but we do not chase every passing idea. We know who we are. We know what we love. And that confidence guides every project we take on.

So what does that mean for you? If you are considering a refresh or building something new, we encourage you to think not just about what is trending but what feels like home. What textures call to you? What shapes calm you? What objects carry meaning?

Start there. Trends can inspire you, but your instincts will guide you.

Looking for more ideas or curious how to bring these trends into your own space? Our in-home consultations are the perfect place to start. We bring the vision, the materials, and the story you bring your life, your taste, and your dreams.

We will take it from there.