Believe it or not, economic and social trends have a profound effect on the interior and home décor trends for the upcoming year. From fashion to environmentalism, what society holds dear is reflected in color and décor trends. During 2010, interior decorating trends will reflect a return to family and an interest in preserving and exploring the past, as money and the pursuit of things will take a back seat.
Color Reflects the Past
Stress over the current economic recession translates to a yearning for the better days of the past. Aged, heirloom colors and distressed finishes remind people of their pasts, and will be a strong trend in the year to come. Hues such as earthy browns, aged greens and smoky blues will be reflected in both paint and fabric.
The current trend of repurposed and recycled furniture and accessories intensifies in 2010. Fueling this trend, in part, is a strong interest in green living. By reusing, repainting and refinishing items instead of discarding them, people are doing a small part to protect the earth. Using these items in their original, distressed finishes will continue to be popular.
Interior Design Revisits People's Roots
As a part of the desire people have to revisit the past, trend analysts are seeing a resurgence of interest in the ancestry of individuals. As a part of this return to their roots, people will long for patterns and colors with a global influence. Aboriginal, Native American and African tribal patterns, including bold geometrics, will be front and center this year.
Vibrant, yet subdued colors such as amber gold, tomato red and ocean blue will accompany these daring patterns. Tempered by putty and desert sand neutrals, the bold patterns and colors of this trend are very useable in today’s home interior.
Neutral Colors and Simple Sophistication
As people return to their pasts, they realize the most important things in life are not related to money. Economic woes create a desire to simplify life. Varying tones of gray and white will be the hot neutrals during the coming year. These grays vary from warm putty to cool steel gray. However, gray is not used alone; instead it is paired with warm, buttery yellow or deep taupe to add spark to the palette.
The use of glass, crystal and subtle washes of matte gold and champagne metallics will add sophistication to this simple palette. This understated glitter and sparkle will show itself in lighting, home accessories and artwork.
Color Reveals Hope and Optimism
As the future unfolds, people are eternally full of hope. Society is built on the hope that one day things will be better, and dreams can be fulfilled. This optimism is reflected in a fresh, lively color palette for 2010. Spring reflects life renewed, and the colors of spring bring hope. Vibrant violet, warm tangerine, sunny yellow and grass green will be found in fabrics and accessories throughout the year. Floral patterns with a retro flair will continue to reign, as these happy colors take over home décor accessories.
Home Decor Trends Reflect Values
Whether longing for the past, or looking toward the future, the home decorating trends for 2010 reflect what means most in any society – hope and family. For more information on specific color tones, visit the Sherwin Williams website.
Teri Larsen - Professional Interior Designer, Freelance Writer, Executive Editor of Metro Women Magazine, Mom of 2, Artist and Generally Creative ...
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