In this modern digital age, everything we do and buy on the computer is tracked. It’s a little creepy but also enlightening from an analytical perspective. Let’s set aside the creepy for now and focus on the enlightening part, shall we?

According to a year-end report from Pinterest there was a 75% increase in home-centric Pins in 2017. 6 categories stood out as the most popular.

WALL ART
Bare walls are out. Pins for wall art were up 637% last year. It’s a broad term that doesn’t necessarily mean a traditional type of picture hanging on the wall. Mixed wall hangings are definitely a trend I see affecting staging. I have been investing in art work and frames of different shapes and sizes to hang in a fantastic wall collage. Pretty empty frames aside a landscape print next to black and white photograph or even an animal head make for an eye popping array.

PATTERNED PLANTS
Pins for “patterned plants” were up 533% in 2017. I use a lot of plants in every stage. Pops of fresh green and plant patterns make any space homey and beautiful. Put Lavender, jasmine, snake plant, spider plant, Gardenia, and English Ivy in the bedroom and you might sleep better. Research suggests that these plants can lower your blood pressure and heart rate and soothe your senses. I’ll try anything to get a good night’s rest.

MIXED METALS
I was just in my favorite furniture store and asked the staff about mixing metals. I had noted how much I liked the mix and wanted to hear their thoughts. The design staff explained they like to mix metals to break the matchiness up a bit and tone down the brassy or steely look and feel. I mix metals with abandon when I stage. Pins for “mixed metals” were up 423% this year.

TERRAZZO FLOORS
Once again, everything old is new again. Pins for the popular flooring of the 1970’s are up 316%. Terrazo is still a bold choice in Charlotte but I have had a client put Terrazo in a master bath and it looked amazing!!! It lasts forever and MAJOR BONUS-it cleans like dream!!! I personally love Terrazo floors.

STATEMENT CEILINGS
Ceilings are bit beyond my staging scope but listing clients ask me about them from time to time. Accent Ceilings and walls are huge and so fabulous in the right space. Drawing your eye up with paint, wallpaper or textures can make a room feel grand. Pins for statement ceilings were up 310% last year.

SPA BATHROOMS
This one feels like its been on trend lists for awhile so I’m not surprised to see it again. But really, who doesn’t love a luxurious bathroom to make you feel pampered? We may not be able to afford regular trips to the spa or a fancy hotel but we can have one room in our house that feels like it. Saves of spa bathroom images were up 269%.

Here’s one final statistic for you from the Pinterest report I thought you might find interesting. It appears people aren’t just saving the images they are searching for, they are actually using them to buy. People who use Pinterest spend 27% more on decor than people who don’t. Happy pinning!