Given their size and market share, what THD buys is a pretty good indicator of mass market trends. No, they're not trendsetters the way a luxury showroom could be -- the way their high-end Expo Design Center once was... sigh.
What they are about is what's here, what's now and what's likeliest to show up in a home near you. Sarah Fishburne, the company's Director of Trend & Design, shared these forecasts for 2012.
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STYLE TRENDS
Rustic and Country
The rustic look is anything but, and it doesn’t have to be limited to country houses. This farmhouse feel gives that nice “down home” look and warms up a kitchen or bathroom. Oil rubbed bronze, chrome and brushed nickel will continue to be popular in the new year.
Larger, bridge style faucets add an interesting, yet professional look to the room, and also look very proportional when put in kitchens with many appliances.
Transitional Lines
While this style never really went away, it is finding its way into many more design trends lately. This look, like the rustic country, is all about subtlety. Streamlined and clean lines are the forefront of this trend, and unique shapes such as modified squares help add a soft touch to the room.
Pfister's Pasadena in new Midnight Chrome finish exemplifies affordable transitional style
(FYI, they dropped the Price from their name)
(FYI, they dropped the Price from their name)
In addition to adding new looks to your house, consider function. A few simple changes can go a long way toward making your life easier.
FUNCTIONALITY TRENDS
Spot Resist Technology
Nothing worse than fingerprints all over your new faucets! Moen’s new Spot Resist technology makes it so that your faucets stay looking new by resisting water spots or fingerprints, and wipes down easy for simple maintenance.
One Touch Technology
For those with sanitation in mind, this trend is for you. The last thing you want your fixture to become is a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. Delta's Touch 2O technology only requires a quick tap of the wrist or forearm to activate.
WaterSense
WaterSense technology helps you save up to 32 percent water use without taking any hits to performance. All bathroom sink faucets carried at The Home Depot are now WaterSense certified.
[JG Note: WaterSense is a government program much like EnergyStar. When a major retailer like THD embraces it, you know a trend has taken hold! WaterSense is also available in select showerheads and 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF) toilets that go even further than the current 1.6 GPF standard.]
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You might also enjoy the 2012 Trends Color guest post by Sherwin-Williams.
