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06/06/2019 12:00 AMFormica counters. Little duck and sailboat borders. Fake brick linoleum. All stylish at one time, these decorating trends sound cringeworthy now. With her company Sally Scott Interior Design celebrating 30 years in business this year, Scott herself has seen her fair share of trends come and go.
And, while certain trends might be safer choices than others, some will never come back. But, because designing takes time and money, you hope that your investment will stand a reasonable test of time. So, how do you know whether to play it safe or to throw caution to the wind and go with the trend of the moment, no matter how bold it may be?
Love Your Style
"We feel that it is very important for the client to go with a style that they love, whether or not it is the current trend," says Scott, who's been providing professional interior design services to clients throughout New England and beyond since 1989. "If they love it, they will be able to live with it for a long time. Creating interiors can be an expensive investment, and should be able to last. On the other hand, it is possible to introduce things into a room that add a punch of 'now.'"
Throw pillows, accessories, and even wall colors can be easily changed to give a room a little lift. This way you're able to commit to the trend, but not fully, she says.
"Should the trend pass, you can donate your things or store them to bring out again another time. It's like seeing old friends," she adds.
Brass is Back; Color, Too
"Styles that were popular 30 years ago are coming back," she says. "It has been such fun to watch this happen over the years. Brass is back in style, and thank goodness color is back. Wallpaper and window treatments are back, too. Of course, everything has a little bit of difference from the original."
In the past few years, industrial design has become increasingly popular, but Scott says this trend is starting to fade. The look, which combines a nod to industrial, upcycling, and 50 shades of gray (which will always be popular), is creeping more toward soft, sand tones and modern sleekness, especially here along the Connecticut shoreline.
Scott's Summer Design
"Crisp, clean, classic interiors along with color, carefully curated fabrics and furniture, organic textures, sustainable fabrics, and Made-in-America-everything will add refreshed energy to homes this summer," says Scott, who has always had a passion for design, decorating, and creating comfortable living environments.
She attributes her success to not only loving what she does, but also her ability to build long-lasting client relationships. In addition, the loyalty of her team—Megan Winkler has worked for Scott for 24 years and Cheryl Holmes has been holding down the administrative and facilitation piece of the business for 28 years—cements Sally Scott Interior Design's strong foundation.
Like Scott herself, there are some design elements that will never go out of style. Think Oriental rugs, classic furniture styles such as a Chesterfield sofa or English arm club chair, grass cloth wallpaper, antiques, neutral wall colors, and good art. With timeless, solid design pieces at your base, you can then play with trends as they pop up as Scott has done beautifully for 30 years and counting.
This story was written by Jennifer Carmichael and provided by Sally Scott Interior Design, located at 800 Village Walk, Guilford. For more information, call 203-458-2903 or visit www.ssidesign.com.