Right off the runway of the 2009 Las Vegas Furniture Show, the hottest home decor trends will reawaken your senses, rekindle your creativity and reignite your enthusiasm for your home.
One of the largest home decor and design markets, it featured 5.1 million square feet of showrooms and was attended by 50,000 buyers and designers. Over three long days, we gathered information, took photos and found the recurring trends, which I will be sharing with you in this trend series over the next few weeks.
Trends can emerge out of every corner of society. Some emerge rapidly; others evolve over several years or even decades. The trends this year reflect our changing world. It is vitally important to make your home a refuge in a stressful world of challenges and instability. With the uncertain economy, consumers need to be selective and intentional with their home design choices. There are new "must have" items and ways to incorporate something new and fresh from the below trends that will instill excitement and newness into your home environment.
2009 Home Decor Trends
1. Ecotecture
The biggest trend is no longer a trend but a lifestyle. Consumers have become more aware and educated on the effects that global warming has on the environment, resulting in the need to make changes in our everyday lives. The greening of home décor has become mainstream. The eco-movement spans many shades of green. Organic fabrics have gained traction. Furniture made from reclaimed wood or rapid renewables such as bamboo is extremely directional. Many companies are looking at the green movement in terms of sustainability, changing the way they do business to save on materials that are less toxic and produce less waste. It is all good and has become both affordable and beautiful.
2. White luxury
One of the most exciting trends is bringing in a touch of modern magic through the use of white. This is not for futuristic minimal environments only. While you will see complete white rooms, you can bring this trend into your home space through accessories. The white dimensions trend marries ethereal white lacquer with a historical perspective. A Rococo-style mirror frame looks completely new in the white and shiny finish. White leather stacking suitcases with white lacquer trim would add a light and airy touch to a bedroom or living room. So it is fresh, modern and soothing -- not cold.
3. Equilibrium
This trend creates a feeling for winding down rather than gearing up. The look allows you to rebalance and rediscover a calmer quality of life that is centered on care and community. Colour plays a big role in this home decor look, but wood is also key. The newest wood tones are medium stains with a taupe, hand-scraped or wired finish. Oak has reemerged in a new way with designs and stains that deliver a modern feel. Reclaimed wood pieces that are artistic yet functional are worth the investment. Finally, exotic woods delivered in layered or unique patterns create a balance that is sustaining and refreshing.
4. Living Legacy
This trend sets a tone for a new aesthetic approach to design, which embraces hand-made, one-of-kind pieces and celebrates workmanship, construction and materials. The mixing of materials, often unpredictable, along with exquisite details are key components to this style -- textured woods, embellishments, textured fabrics, ribbon and braid details, embroidery and crewelwork. This trend is full of colour and pattern with influences from far and wide.
Colour Trends for 2009
This year we see colours that are softer and more understated. Serene hues that have strong links to the environment, the landscape and nature are most in demand. The updated chameleon neutrals take on different tones as the light changes during the day creating a soothing, transforming backdrop.
Purple is still very strong but in dusty, muted shades that are almost neutral and are highly elegant with an understated sense of luxury.
The pastel palette is soft and gentle, nurturing and refreshing. These pastels almost read as neutrals where spa blue, mint and celery pair up with cream, sand and linen for a soothing, clean effect.
On the other spectrum, strong optimistic hues like bright yellows, fuchsias and chartreuse bring a unexpected and playful vibrancy that excites and adds a "pop" of colour. The hottest colour of the year is Mimosa yellow according to Leatrice Eiserman of the Pantone Color Institute, which represents the feeling of hope and optimism so desired by world today.
The new metallics have emerged in the resurgence of neutrals and are highly versatile in either the authentic metallic or pearl ink finish. Copper and rose gold, as well as coloured alternatives are emerging onto the scene.
Colour is the simplest way to refresh your home. It can heal, revive, soothe or nurture you with the serene hues or energize and inspire you with the vibrant tones.
Kim Schroeder, BID, is owner of Charisma, the Design Experience. You can e-mail Kim at the address below.
Winnipeg interior designer Kim Schroeder, of Charisma, the Design Experience, attended the recent 2009 Las Vegas Furniture Show. Here's her first in a three-part series looking at trends moving forward from the show.
