Emerging Trends!
Interior Design is constantly changing and evolving like most fashion, textile, and product industries. As today’s economical uncertainty becomes more apparent, there is a move towards incorporating a more favourable mood within residential design. In other words, “happy” colors like bold yellows, lime greens, oranges, and auburn reds are appearing as accent paint colours within homes. Some historical trends in color palettes of the 1970’s are reappearing in today’s decorating style. Not only are consumers combining eco-friendly products with earthy color textures and tones; but homeowners are also looking for alternative recyclable products like glass, pulp and organic linens.
Some of the emerging decor trends for 2009 are divided into the following categories:
1. Eco-awareness- Products that are environmentally friendly and energy efficient. Most people today are looking for specific energy effective items that help conserve energy, water and waste like;
§ Appliances, water heaters, window sealants, lighting, fans, ventilators, etc.
2. Environmental Simplicity- Products and home accents which are minimalist and simplistic in style, shape and design for pure functionality and purpose. These products tend to bring the “outside” indoors like;
- Cork, bamboo, pulp, stone, and/or renewable resources like recycled content nylon and fibres found in new carpets.
3. Artistic Style- Products and home accents which are artistic and vibrant. These products incorporate a design blend that is unstructured and interpretive. This design decor is similar to the eclectic style.
4. Multiculturalism- Home accents that are blending global recognition with products from different parts of the world. This style is influenced by the Asian and Indonesian home accents which appear rustic, organic and natural.
5. Chic with panache- This style is the “hotel luxury” and “fashion glamour” look in which products are comprised of shimmery textiles, soft layers, and sequences. Many of these elements are incorporated into accents pieces like; area rugs, pillows, throw, and bedding coordinates.
¡ 1. Decorative ceiling & walls: Adding layers of elements to feature walls and ceilings are becoming more popular. For example, adding stone, wood planks, mouldings, textured speckling, and paint are all new concepts being added to both walls and ceilings. Also, dining rooms and living rooms ceilings are being painted with colors to emphasize the height of rooms. Some ceilings are being painted blue against earthy brown or caramel toned walls. Additionally, feature walls are being adorned with stone, tile or wood finishes.
¡ 2. Floorings: Today there are many different elements to add to floors like; bamboo, cork, concrete, tile, hardwood, and even, leather! There are exciting new products that are entering residential design to promote warmth and comfort. Also, many commercial style looks are being added into homes for an industrial feel. For example, large plank wood and concrete flooring are providing a seamless look that is modern and clean. There are also tiles that resemble wood with grain striations and patterns.
¡ 3. Doors: The open concept has been seen within most home plans today that incorporate a “Great Room“model. However, newer homes are using oversized doors or roller style doors that are mounted on wheels or gliding hinges. Some modern interiors doors are made of edged glass.
¡ 4. Bathrooms: The spa bathroom has been very popular today with mosaic tiles covering floors and walls. There are glass and metal tiles that are being used as accent elements within bathroom designs. Also, faucets and vessel sinks are still popular, but now there are limestone and concrete countertops incorporating built-in vanities that give a smooth camouflaged appearance. Additionally, floating cabinetry mounts are being added so that counter space and storage units are set above ground. (Some modern bathrooms are using this affect to create a focal point in the bathroom.)
¡ 5. Kitchens: This area still remains as one of the most important spaces of the home. However, the island is becoming a focal feature as the central “hub” of the kitchen. It is here where sinks, storage units, warming drawers, and stove tops are being centralized. More importantly, the island is replacing the nook areas in homes because people are able to incorporate the island as a table gathering area. (More islands are seating people as a gathering feature for eating.)
¡ Other elements like; oversized fridges with build in mini freezers are being used for compartmentalizing food. Also, warming drawers, wine fridges, double sinks and PC monitoring areas are being incorporated into the kitchen for the busy household.
¡ (Many homes are turning to touch screen appliances and pre-programmed electronic key pad appliances.)
6. Family Room/ Great Room: This is a room that continues and/or combines with the kitchen area . However, more importantly, the windows of these areas are becoming important architectural features of the space. For example, “gone are the days of drapes and swag valances.” Today the window is clean and almost “untreated” with coverings. The looks are simple and minimalist with simple roller blinds, woods or silhouettes that are mounted within window casings. The whole purpose is to let the environment in.
Copyright 2009 Home Link Design Inc.
