10 interior design trends for 2010
Ask a group of interior designers to talk about the latest decorating trends and, chances are, they’ll wince just a little. Here’s the problem: Trends are often considered the pieces you buy one year and throw out the next, when they’re no longer gracing the pages of your favorite shelter magazine.
However, not every trend is fleeting. A few years ago, going green was hailed as one of the hottest trends. Now it is becoming a standard throughout the design industry.
So we asked around and pulled together a list of 10 trends for 2010 that have some staying power.
1. Texture
If West Elm’s spring collection, which launches this week, is any indication, texture will be big in 2010. “We are spending a lot of time researching new natural materials and unusual techniques with a lot of rich, textural interest,” said Alex Bates, creative director for the retailer. New products include a woven natural bamboo headboard, a crocheted floor cushion, recycled glass candleholders and storage made of kooboo.
2. Keeping it real
Forget faux. (No more fake antlers, please!) In 2010, we want to see a movement toward the natural patina of woods, metals and other materials. We don’t even mind a water mark or a hint of rust. After all, those imperfections may be the result of generations of wear and come with a good story or two.
3. Layered flooring
According to Marilyn Incerty, trend director for Cost Plus World Market, layering floor coverings adds richness and warmth. She suggested “overlapping several smaller, lightweight rugs with patterns and colors that are complementary - a striped runner on top of a larger geometric rug - or overlapping multiples of the same rug in a variety of colors.” Those with wall-to-wall carpeting can still get in on this trend. Place “a rug over existing carpet for an instant splash of color or pattern,” said Incerty. “This is a great trick for avoiding the hassle and expense of ripping out existing carpeting when you want an update.”
4. Bolder design decisions
“In the last year, people were looking to be calmed and comforted by interiors,” said Melanie Coddington, right, who was recently named one of House Beautiful’s 20 interior designers to watch. “I hope the burgeoning sense of optimism will translate into sparkle, glamour and lots of risk-taking in design. In with color!”
5. Old is new again
“Antiques and vintage pieces add soul to any space,” explained interior designer Jay Jeffers, “and these types of items are negotiable and plentiful in today’s markets, so our clients are able to invest in key pieces for their home.” From sites like 1stdibs.com to consignment and thrift stores, there are indeed sources out there for any budget.
6. Wallpapered ceilings
We’ve all seen the wallpapered accent wall. In 2010, look for wallpapered ceilings as an increasingly popular option for creating visual impact in a room.
7. Artisanal goods
Just as artisanal foods have taken off, expect the same for home furnishings and accessories. “Artisanal work will continue to be strong,” said interior designer Benjamin Dhong. “Even modernists want to see natural materials or the hand of the craftsman brought into their homes.”
8. The well-traveled look
The Sundance Channel series “Man Shops Globe” follows Anthropologie buyer-at-large Keith Johnson as he visits country after country, looking for special pieces and inspiration for the company’s 135 stores worldwide. Whether you’re scouring the stalls in Paris or browsing shops during a quick weekend getaway, incorporating souvenirs in a space can give it a bit of personality.
9. Palette
Speaking of color, Melanie Coddington is “having a purple moment that will continue into 2010,” she noted. “Gray also continues to figure largely as well - in particular purple and gray, yellow and gray, and matte and shiny gray together are great combinations.” Fellow interior designer Kimberly Ayres concurred: “Gray is the new beige,” she said, adding that she anticipates “rich and unexpected combinations - like gray with teal or magenta or tangerine. It’s a very mercurial color.”
10. Mix it up
“In general, I see a trend to a carefully edited ‘anything goes’ approach,” said Ayres. “Going forward in 2010, it’s all about the mix and how you combine individual, disparate elements. The right classic 19th century piece will mix with certain vintage finds from the ’70s and ’80s and with pieces designed this year.” She added, “Graphic modern print textiles work with traditional chairs and sofas.”
7 trends we’d love to see go
Interior decorator Albert Hadley may have said it best: “The essence of interior design will always be about people and how they live.” Indeed, personal taste and decor that meets your needs are always in style.
That said, there are some trends we’ve come across in the past few years that we wish hadn’t been so widely adopted.
1 Homes that look like taxidermy shops. Enough with the wall of antlers and animal skins all over the floor!
2 Flat-screen TVs mounted so high above the fireplace mantel, you get a neck cramp before the first commercial break.
3 Home makeover shows that set unrealistic expectations about decorating a space. There are usually scores of people working behind the scenes whom you never see on screen. Plus, we’re firm believers that good design takes time.
4 Shallow sink basins that result in water splashing everywhere.
5 Outfitting a room top to bottom with reproduction designer furniture. We’ve seen too many homes filled with so much Eames, Bertoia and Saarinen they look like soulless showrooms.
6 The phrase “man cave.”
7 Watch any house-hunting program on HGTV and, chances are, granite countertops are on the buyer’s wish list. But with so many options now available - including recycled paper and glass products - our wish for 2010 is for anyone embarking on a remodel to think beyond the ubiquitous granite and stainless steel combination.
