It is that time where we create lists and make predictions for the year to come. We raise our glasses to say goodbye to 2017 and welcome in 2018. Here are our predictions for trends in furniture and décor in Mexico over the next year.

COLOUR Walls will come alive with stunning hues. Every year, companies such as Pantone, Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore and more come out with their favourite hue of the year. If the year is anything like this year’s selections, 2018 is going to be a vibrant twelve months! The Sherwin Williams colour of the year is a bluish-green jeweled tone called Oceanside. Now doesn’t that sound perfect for our living and dining rooms here in Vallarta Nayarit?

ORGANIZATION Gone are the days of shoving things in closets. Time continues to become a precious commodity. So, the organization of our homes will also become more important. Following along on the theme of organized living, another trend we see growing in 2018 is the increase in space saving solutions.

SPACE SAVING Most new condo developments in Vallarta offer one and two-bedroom units. This is quite different from ten years ago when there were far more three-bedroom units on the market. With less square footage, maximizing space becomes more important. Furniture that is convertible will be more practical. That’s why we predict an increase in demand for items such as Murphy/wall beds, sofa beds and trundle beds. Not only can they be used for guests, they can also retract to save space for the homeowners.

WOOD & WEAVE We are seeing an increase in requests for furniture made from wood and weaves. The materials most in demand are chairs woven with banana leaf, water hyacinth, and bamboo. All natural – these items are woven to create either great statement pieces such as headboards and daybeds.

The latest style for outdoor is a combination of bamboo and vibrant colours of high-grade synthetic rattan. Stunning! Not only do they make a beautiful statement, they also are good materials to weather our tropical environment.

Also hot in 2018 will be anything with an exposed wood grain. Whether dining or coffee tables, benches or headboards, the natural look is in. Edges are rough. Dark grains are dominant. Stains are wax-based.

OUTDOOR LIVING Since we spend so much time outdoors, it only makes sense to start maximizing the space. Watch for full outdoor kitchens including built-ins such as mini fridges, wine coolers and warming ovens. Outdoor kitchens will also incorporate islands with bar stools for the opportunity to move the entertaining around the food prep area.

Full outdoor living rooms will also be on trend. Sofas and sectionals with more cover options; outdoor recliners so you can grab a siesta in the late afternoon sun.

SMART HOMES We predict the use of intelligent assistants in rental properties will make a breakout in 2018. Imagine your renters being able to give a command such as “Turn on Netflix” and not have to worry about which remote to use. They could call for a taxi, set an alarm or turn out the lights with a simple voice prompt. Intelligent assistants will become a feature that renters will look for and value when deciding on where they book their stay.