Furniture

2010: A YEAR OF COMFORT Part Two

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UPPER SADDLE RIVER, N.J. – Following a year of uncertainty, 2010 is bringing in some fresh and stable trends that offset its predecessor. For this year, words such as “hand-made,” “authentic,” and “comfort” come to mind, with an emphasis on value for those weary consumers. Various design authorities weighed in on the top trends for 2010 including Elaine Griffin, interior designer and author of book “Design Rules: The Insider’s Guide to Becoming Your Own Decorator” (Gotham Books), color/design consultant Barbara Schirmeister and experts at Hunter Douglas, the nation’s leading manufacturer and marketer of custom window fashions. They include:

Furniture: Dark wood is no longer the only stylish option. According to Griffin, consumers are turning towards honey-brown walnut and midtone finishes rather than to wenge and espresso looks as they diverge away from the cold accents and into the warm and welcoming ones.

Sustainability: Sustainability has become a major factor in consumers’ product selection in all industries. In the home décor arena, items such as Duette® Architella® honeycomb shades from Hunter Douglas feature a patented cell-within-a-cell design that more than doubles the energy efficiency of the window, helping to lower heating and cooling costs when properly installed. A bonus through 2010, these shades in certain fabrics and styles may now qualify for a federal tax credit for energy-efficient products under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The tax credit is available for 30 percent of the purchase price of most Duette Architella shades, up to a maximum of $1,500 in total when purchased and installed through December 31, 2010, provided the expense meets the tax guidelines. “And don’t forget that shades should never be stark white,” Griffin says. “Go for softer ivories and palest grays or beiges, whichever is closest in tone to the paint color of your window trim or, for trimless windows, walls.”

Prints: With the rebirth of the 80’s, “boring florals and timid patterns” are a thing of the past, says Griffin. Instead, she notes, geometric prints in bold patterns are in for 2010, with herringbone, ikat and bargello patterns at the style forefront.

Color: “New city brights,” or those that are very saturated and graphic in feel, offer an escapism and are being used to spice up quiet spaces according to Schirmeister. “Because color is our most affordable pleasure, we are utilizing it to enhance our mood,” she advises. “The new brights allow us to be excessive and indulgent in an acceptable way.”

Daylighting: Enhancing natural light to reduce dependency on electricity to power artificial lighting continues to remain a strong trend this year. Silhouette® window shadings from Hunter Douglas, which diffuse and disperse sunlight across the room, are superior at this. Luminette® Privacy Sheers, similar to Silhouette shadings but on the vertical, and Pirouette® window shadings, combining the personality of a classic fabric shade with the look of a hobbled shade, are also excellent options.

Rugs & Throws: Continuing the trend towards simplicity in 2010, flat woven or dhurrie rugs are taking the place of the ornate shag rugs. “They were marvelous while their comeback lasted,” Griffin says about shag rugs, then quickly adds “Which it didn’t.” Similarly, she offers that throws are taking on a simpler form and are folded in neat verticals and then placed over a chair back, sofa or across the foot of the bed rather than extravagantly draped over furniture.

Invest in the Best: It’s a fact that consumer purchases are still focused on “investment items” rather than frivolous trinkets and short-lived trends. All Hunter Douglas window fashions are backed by the industry-exclusive Hunter Douglas Lifetime Guarantee. Whether shades, sheers, blinds or shutters, its products provide enduring quality and design that can instill confidence and trust.

The Unexpected Element: “Matchy-matchy combinations are declining and unexpected pairings are escalating,” notes Schirmeister. “While more emphasis may be placed on certain color families, all colors are necessary for creative interpretation.” Taken beyond the color wheel, this idea can be applied throughout the home including mixing traditional furniture with a contemporary splash or combining dark wood accessories with a lighter counterpart for a not-so-polished look.

Made in America: Supporting American-made products remains important in 2010. A great way to update a home’s interiors, products such as Hunter Douglas window fashions are designed and custom-assembled in the U.S.

Fashion Inspiration: As always, fashion trends continue to make their way into home interiors in 2010. As fashion has taken comfort to the next level with slouchy cardigans and boyfriend blazers, the world of interiors will continue to map out trends for a comfortable home.