A Transitional Guide to 2019 Design Trends

Our signature style here at Lexi Westergard Design balances the line between traditional design and a modern lifestyle. I tend to steer clear of trends as our custom build and remodel projects are designed to withstand the test of time. While color or pattern trends are fun to play around with, I recommend reserving them for items like pillows or accessories that can be switched out easily and affordably.

Below, I’ve rounded up my picks for Transitional Design Trends in 2019. These warm and inviting design choices will be around long after the year is over and are key elements to crafting a home bespoke to you and your family. Overall, I see transitional design moving to a slightly more earthy and organic approach paired with clean lines and thoughtful details we know and love in traditional homes.

Black Accent Counters

Black kitchen (and bathroom) counters have always been a timeless detail, but they're making a major push in 2019. From black marble to soapstone, quartz and even black concrete, we're seeing more and more black accent counters around the home. To keep things from looking to dark, I recommend using it only on the kitchen island, or only on the surrounding counters. It provides a great contrast against Carrara marble counters and helps things feel more like custom furniture pieces than traditional cabinets.

Polished Nickel Finishes

We're seeing more polished nickel around and it's the perfect warm chrome finish to mix with brass. I love the way it pairs with blue gray cabinetry or warms up a black kitchen island. Mixing metals in kitchens, bathrooms and even laundry rooms is key to a new build or renovation project feel more custom. By working with a polished nickel, you can easily pair your hardware or fixtures with anything from black to antique brass.

Mixed Wood Tone Kitchens

Wood kitchens are making a big comeback and are bringing so much warmth into the heart of the home. We're seeing more kitchens feature natural, rough wood finishes with contrasting wood floors. I'm also loving light wood cabinetry with a deeper, darker wood island.

Ceiling Detailing

Historically, the most beautiful custom homes include beautiful detailing on the ceiling and I'm so glad that's a priority in design again. From wood paneling, exposed beams, coffered details and paneling, don't forget to look up when you're planning your next custom home.

Dark Wainscoting

Custom wainscoting is one of my favorite details in any custom build project. I love that we're seeing more wainscoting and millwork done in darker colors against white walls. For years, we've seen white wainscoting against a navy or gray wall, so I'm excited to see the color reversed.

Floating Vanities

As minimal design proves to be sticking around, I love the way it's incorporated into bathroom vanity design. Built-in, floating vanities made of natural materials are an impressive statement in any powder room. This opens the floor plan in tight spaces while maximizing counter surface area.

Steel + Glass Cabinetry

The industrial influence that became so popular a few years ago in steel framed doors is making its way into cabinetry. I love the steel and glass kitchen cabinets and built-ins I'm seeing and can't wait to incorporate it an upcoming project. Because of the custom nature of these statement making pieces, these are the perfect transitional trend to bring in on a new construction or complete remodel project.

Handmade “Organic” Tile

Handmade clay "organic" white tiles are replacing their more perfect, traditional subway backsplashes. I love the added texture it adds in a kitchen or bathroom, and the extra light it reflects when the sun hits it. This entirely timeless, fully transitional trend is one that won't ever go out of style and will always feel luxe, organic and clean.

Natural Woven Materials

Our projects have always had a bit of natural woven materials in them, but they've become a prominent design trend that isn't going away anytime soon. The perfect way to add neutral texture to any space, I love bringing in jute rugs, rattan back chairs, woven baskets and grasscloth covered furniture.

Tone on Tone Color Palettes

Layering tone on tone color palettes is something I'm seeing in some of my favorite projects around the web lately. To keep it from feeling out-dated, mix your metals, bring in pattern and alternate textures. This trend transcends from moody colors to bright pastels. I love how it can go from a sophisticated powder bathroom to a cheery child's room.