The Oregonian
This small area is as lifeless as can be. Check the other photos to see it decorated in various ways that make it visually interesting.Every house has one or two. Sometimes there are more.

We’re talking dead spots, those puzzling areas that are often not furniture-friendly but look vacant without something. It can be a small landing on a staircase or a transition spot from one room to the next.

How to deal with one in your home? Consider these ideas to lend it some distinction:

The Oregonian
A lamp and a mirror bring the area to life.
• Add light.

• Add mirrors to enlarge the spot visually.

The Oregonian
A chair provides utility, a cushion gives color, and artwork fills out the vignette.• Add artwork. Frames with battery-powered lights can be used to illuminate artwork in an area lacking electrical outlets.

The Oregonian
The color of the blanket helps this area pop.• Add some interesting object — say, a tall Asian chest — or architectural element as a focal point.

• Paint the area if it can be isolated.

The Oregonian

LIVE PLANTS: As soon as the weather warms up, I hit the local greenhouse for a bevy of live houseplants to weave into my home decor. Green plants just say summer, and I can’t get enough of the rich shades of emerald, celadon and forest that live plants bring to my home. I’ve been partial to ivy topiaries, maidenhair ferns and angel-tears ferns for years, but this year I’m adding a new favorite: succulents. Since I’m a brown thumb, and every plant I buy in May will probably be dead by November, I’ve fallen for low-care succulents because they have a greater chance of surviving the harsh climate in my home. I also adore their unique shapes, with each a natural work of art in its own right.

PLANTERS: What are live plants without intriguing planters to put them in? When it comes to planters, I love it all, from simple aged terra-cotta pots to gorgeous cachepots made of fine china. One of my favorite centerpiece ideas for summer is to put a beautiful English footbath on my dining-room table and fill it with two potted ferns. It’s a dramatic look that takes seconds to pull together and will look great all summer long. On my screened-porch table I’ll go for a less formal centerpiece that’s every bit as easy to create: a row of succulents in simple clay pots. You’ll have fun picking out planters this year because there is so much out there now, from simple galvanized tins to my all-time favorite: blue-and-white china.

AVIARIES: Forget the birds and go for the cages! Right now, reproduction Edwardian aviaries are back in vogue. Stunning yet simple, these playful birdcages make a dramatic statement when displayed on a dining-room buffet, sofa table or coffee table. The aviaries come in all sizes and finishes, but I’m partial to those made of painted wood and those fashioned from wire that has an aged patina of sage blue.

Aviaries are beautiful enough to stand alone, or you can use them as a showcase to display an intriguing tableau. Depending on the size of the aviary, you can fill it with a wide array of treasures. How about a garden statue, like a bust or small birdbath, ringed by a fern wreath? Or place a fallen branch inside the aviary and add a fern or bird figurine.

TERRARIUMS: They’re back and as hot as ever. In fact, it seems like you can’t open a decorating magazine without seeing a terrarium proudly displayed in a featured home. So join the fun and convert one or several of your apothecary jars into a tiny terrarium. You can display a terrarium anyplace you could use a touch of color, from your kitchen windowsill to a bathroom shelf to the fireplace mantel.

For a simple yet interesting kitchen-table centerpiece, cluster three terrariums in different-sized jars on a wooden tray. Or group a terrarium with other interesting items that speak of the garden, like a piece of aged garden pottery and a bird figurine.

When planting your terrarium, create beautiful layers with river rocks or colored glass marbles at the base, covered with dark rich soil, then finished with tiny plants. Before you begin your planting project, first check with your local greenhouse for a list of how-tos and supplies.

(Mary Carol Garrity is the proprietor of three successful home-furnishings stores and is the author of several best-selling books on home decorating. Write her at nellhills(at)lvnworth.com. For more stories, visit scrippsnews.com.)

(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.scrippsnews.com)

When I began to create planting plans for clients in the mid 1990’s one of my main concerns was, how will this collection of plants; the greenery, the flowering, the size and the shape grow together to create an aesthetically pleasing arrangement that feels right in its proportion and scale. If you are looking to create a planting plan for your patio or small outdoor space, the same concerns need to be addressed. Keep in mind that small spaces require great restraint, with a plan towards bringing together a cohesive look. Plants for small and large patios will still be used for similar purposes: decoratively, to create a focal point, add privacy, screen out unwanted views, and to create shade and such. No matter what your objectives, plants can play a significant part in enhancing your outdoor décor. Take a look at the tips and information below before you get started. Hopefully this approach will take you from buying plants impulsively or obsessing over a single plant and move you towards creating a sensible and aesthetically pleasing plan for your outdoor space.

See plants in a new light and show restraint

Your outdoor patio is an additional room and with a nice set up you will be able to relax, cook, entertain and enjoy spending time in your outdoor garden room. To get the most out of your outdoor room with plants, begin thinking about plants as structural elements that can help you to create a ceiling and wall planes, similar to the foundations inside your home. By thinking in these terms, you will begin to see plants differently and hopefully be inclined to choose plants based upon form and growth habit rather than a single factor such as “It’s a pretty plant.” The problem with this approach is that it doesn’t help you to put together a unified look, or to create an effect. Showing restraint is one of the most challenging aspects of using plants to create pleasing effects outdoors. It is important however, that before another lovely plant makes its way into your shopping cart, and later home, you head to the nursery with a clear vision of what you want.

Create a plant wish list

Consider the size of your patio, it’s not endless real estate after-all, and plants and planters should be chosen thoughtfully. If you or anyone you know just can’t say no to another plant or needs to take in all the homeless, tired plants out there that’s fine, but be careful not to clutter up your patio with all of them. A helpful approach to selecting plants for your patio area is to take a good hard look at your space, and put together a wish list of all the realistic things you want plants to help you achieve; for example: to create greater privacy and to screen an unsightly view. Some people will want a way to create shade or to add dimension to a planting bed; others will want to soften an area, or create a focal point. Whatever your objectives or constraints, this will get you heading in the right direction.

No two patios are exactly alike

While it is very common to find a patio directly off the back of the house, there are no rules or regulations that make this the ultimate location. Also, patios come in various sizes and shapes and may contain any number of hardscape materials: flagstone, concrete, tile, brick, pebbles and such. As for layout, a large patio may include definition and enclosure with low walls and planting beds; while a small patio may have just a ground plane dressed in flagstone with enough room for a table and chairs (see http://www.everything-patio-furniture.com) and some planters and pots. Each patio example can take full advantage of plant forms to create pleasing effects that will maximize every ones pleasure outdoors.

Small patios: Designing with plants

Small patio spaces rely not so much on the horizontal plane as on the vertical plane where the greenery of plants can produce handsome walls, create a sense of enclosure and privacy, and, screen out unwanted views. Vines are very useful in small spaces, and garden structures such as trellises and pergolas can assist them to grow upward without claiming too much valuable patio space. This is especially true if plants are grown in the ground versus being planted in pots which will likely take up more room. For certain climates, evergreen shrubs such as boxwood and privet provide permanent architecture year round and can be clipped to maintain the right scale for your needs. To find comparable plant choices for your zone consult with local nurseries and landscapers. Ask for recommendations of upright or vertical shrubs and trees that don’t take up a lot of horizontal space and/or can handle being pruned to keep them upright.

With all of the nice plant choices available, make use of perennials, shrubs and trees to create inviting effects. A patio shining with beautiful hardscape is wonderful, but dull without the bountiful greenery of plants to balance.

In the home, the living area, or the receiving room, is one of the busiest rooms. It’s also the room guests initially see and form a lasting impression about the home. Hence, the living area should be well-decorated, well-laid out and inviting to guests and family members. It should project a homey, comfortable yet elegant image.

There are several ways you can decorate your living area to create an inviting place and cause a lasting impression to your guests:

REARRANGING FURNITURE

When rearranging your furniture, also consider traffic in your living area. Does the arrangement of your furniture allow free movement and flow? Does it give an uncluttered look?

It is always good to arrange furniture in off-square angles. This makes the room warmer and more casual. And instead of placing large sofas directly against the wall, why not place it a foot or so away from the wall and put a lamp or plant behind it instead?

COLORS TO CREATE WARMTH

Colors have psychological effects on people and their moods. When applied in your living area, colors can intimidate, invite or irritate. Decorating using colors is also an inexpensive way of decorating because it only involves painting or papering walls.

You want your living area to be warm and inviting, and one of the warmest and most relaxing colors is green. Green has several shades and it’s one of the most flexible colors around. But whatever color you pick for the color of your walls, make your carpets and furniture coordinated.

MIRRORS FOR SPACE AND DEPTH

Create space and depth for your small living area by positioning a mirror on a wall. Your mirror should reflect something pleasing to the eyes. If you have more wall space, try adding small painting on either side of the mirror.

ADDING SMALL FURNITURE

To create a “lived-in” aura for your living area, position small furniture in the room. This can be a small bench, or a low sofa table. Place magazines, journals and newspapers under the table. Placing flower vases, baskets and small plants on your table also creates beauty and livens up the room.

STATUES FOR ELEGANCE

Corners and tabletops are good places for small statues. Statues, especially marble ones, provide aesthetic quality to your living area. The statues at Portara portray the Greeks of ancient times — symbols, deities, objects associated with everyday life. The Greeks used marble for sculptures for its strength, durability and beauty. Portara continues this Greek tradition by creating long-lasting, and genuine statues and capturing the beauty of the Early Cycladic Civilization in its reproductions. Elegant yet down-to-earth, these statues lend warmth to any living area.

UNIQUE LAMPS

Alternative to statues are lamps. Place them in a corner or a tabletop and they can accentuate your living area. Second to color, light creates moods and sets the tone of your living area. Portara’s lamps are not your ordinary lamps. They are unique lamps — created from polished minerals and stones. These minerals and stones can emit light after exposure to day light or the light from normal light bulbs. When the chemicals in minerals or rocks react to light, this reaction causes the minerals or rocks to glow. The visible light emitted is sometimes very colorful and it is often very different from the normal color of the mineral. These unique Portara lamps will accent your living area.

Decorating your home, particularly your living area, allows you to combine creativity, elegance and good taste. Make good use of space, accessories and furniture available to you so you can create a living area that is inviting, relaxing, homey and elegant.

How to Decorate a Media Room
By eHow Home & Garden Editor

People involved in building and remodeling homes will tell you that the room most often requested in America today is a media room. This room was virtually unheard of mere decades ago, and it remains high in demand. Of course, design and décor are important to this room as with any room in the home. Learn how you can decorate your home theater so it is both functional and beautiful.

Step1

Decide what equipment will be used in the room and choose furniture and décor that will hide the items that do not need to be seen. A media room is a great addition to any home, but walls full of components and wires are simply unsightly and diminish your enjoyment of the room. Find ways of hiding as many of the parts and pieces as possible so you can get back to the more interesting aspects of decorating your home theater.

Step2

Select dark colors for the ceiling, walls, floors and furnishing. It not only is a means of accentuating a theater like atmosphere in your media room, but it has a purpose. The darkness of the room will make the television screen stand out better, which in turn enhances viewer pleasure. Dark shades of red, black, blue and brown work well when decorating your home theater.

Step3

Determine how authentic you want the experience to be. Some people want to imitate the theater experience in their own homes. Others want theater quality with the cozy comforts of home. Keep these things in mind when decorating your home theater, particularly when selecting the furniture.

Step4

Use old or new movie posters in poster frames in order to enhance the theater like effect of the room when you decorate. Other great decorating items for media rooms include shadow boxes filled with movie memorabilia, old concession stand signs and area rugs in a theatrical theme.

Step5

Keep lighting low within the room and make sure that no outside light is allowed to enter. Ideally there would be few or no windows in an authentic media room but that isn’t always possible. If you have windows, use blackout curtains to prevent light from pouring in. Rope lights are excellent to have along the walls and sconces with dimmers are another authentic type of lighting for your home theater decorating needs.

By Rob Fanjoy

Home theaters are hot. Just like VCRs in the ’80s and ’90s and DVD players over the last few years, home-theater systems continue to drop in price and rise in sales. Parks Associates, a leading high-tech research firm, states that an estimated 28 percent of all US households now have a home-theater system.

But what’s the difference between a simple, well-equipped family room with a home-theater system and a true media room or dedicated home theater that would make any audiophile or film buff truly happy?

“There’s a big misconception out there that by simply plugging a surround sound system into a fairly large TV (anything bigger than 27 inches), you have a home theater,” says James Theobald, marketing director for Theo Kalomirakis Theaters of New York. “It takes a lot more than that.”

James’ firm specializes in dedicated home theaters, where the sole function is to view movies. He says that while a high-end media room provides a variety of uses for the family, both it and a dedicated home theater have certain requirements that make them stand out:

A Big Screen

“For true immersion in the theater experience, it all starts with a big screen. About six feet wide is a pretty good size,” says James. For larger rooms, 80 or 90 inches are usually the smallest sizes that justify a dedicated home theater. Ten-foot screens are about the maximum, as you would have to sit about 15 feet from the screen for optimal viewing.

Surround Sound

A home theater needs at least a 5.1 system (five full-range speakers and one subwoofer) for total immersion in theater-like sound, where dialog, sound effects, background music and low-frequency (bass) emanate from specific speakers placed carefully about the room. But James says many people are going with the new 6.1 and 7.1 systems to really fill the room with sound.

Amplification

An A/V receiver with the proper decoder is required for multichannel audio formats (such as Dolby Digital EX 6.1 or THX Surround EX). Some of these receivers have integrated amplifiers and equalizers; others house those components separately. Most manufacturers package their components together–a convenience for the consumer. “You need to make sure all the components complement each other, and that there’s enough amplification to drive the sound,” advises James.

Control System

James says that most people are going for touchpad controls that integrate many systems. “People like to be able to enter their home theater, turn on the components, set the room temperature, dim the lights and close their shades all from one controller,” he says.

The Backbones

Home theaters need substantial wiring, and structured wiring (Category 5 or better for voice and data, and RG6 coaxial cable for video) is a must. Some upper-end rooms even require fiber-optic wiring. James also recommends that contractors avoid skimping on wires that connect the components to each other. “Heavy-gauge speaker wire and patch cords enable a system to reach its full potential.”

Something to Watch

The whole point of a home theater is that people will be able to watch something. This is where the DVD player and even the trusty VCR retain their place as must-haves. And don’t forget the TV signal, which most often comes from satellite dishes or through digital cable. “Satellite is becoming more popular because they carry a lot more high-definition broadcasts,” says James. “Many people have both satellite and cable nowadays.”

So those are the basics that turn a regular room into a spectacular media room or home theater, but what about the bells and whistles? To provide your clients with a media experience they’ll remember, suggest these popular items:

Media servers (often simply a powerful PC) allow users to store multiple entertainment formats (video, audio, photographs, etc.) and enjoy them through their television, computer or stereo system.

Digital video recorders (such as TiVo) allow for easier recording of television programs and storing them on a hard drive–no tapes, CDs or DVDs. However, such recorders also involve a subscription service.

Professional home theater designers optimize acoustics by properly sizing the room and placing materials that properly absorb, reflect or diffuse sound. They also optimize sightlines by placing seating in an amphitheater style and at the proper distance from the screen

Seamless integration of the electronics into the design of the room by placing components behind a wall or cabinet with hidden access and placing speakers in the ceiling or wall provides a clean, sleek look to the home theater..

Some pretty spectacular seating is available, such as recliners with massage and heat that are styled after true theater seats (only more plush). There are also specialized home theater seats with speakers and subwoofers hidden within.

The biannual home furnishings trade show in Paris in Fall 2008 showcased dozens of designs and fresh new home design trends for 2009, and the spotlight was on plum and golden palettes, color-blocked graphics, and glacier-inspired décor.

Big and bold ethnic prints are back for another year for living room and bedroom décor, and there’s even room for folk art and Old World European chic. If you want to update your living room with some fresh new décor and themes, here are your best picks of 2009 interior design trends and themes:

2009 Living Room Design Trend: Vintage Wallpaper

If you’re a fan of black and white for the living room, decorate the walls with baroque-style printed wallpaper or vintage wallpaper designs. The bold contrast of black and white can liven up any sparsely outfitted room, and create an elegant, sophisticated ambiance.

Caravan Appeal: 2009 Living Room Design Theme

Bold patterns from old Europe can create a whimsical, folksy ambiance. Think nesting Russian dolls, embroidered tapestries and antique clocks and collectibles lining the fireplace. This theme can warm up any simple room with a globally-inspired look.

2009 Living Room Design Theme: Retro Playroom

Bold canvas art, playful furniture and pop art décor are another unique trend for 2009 interior design themes. Head back to the ’60s and ’70s with bright, fluorescent colored pillows and rugs, large canvas prints to adorn bare walls, and retro lamps and fixtures.

2009 Living Room Design Trend: Royal Plum Designs

Plum and Mustard are the top color choices for 2009; decorate the living room with a touch of luxury using velvet, silk and brocade pillows and furniture coverings. You can also select rugs and window treatments in deep purple and gold tones for a plush, elegant look.

Oriental Chic: 2009 Living Room Design Theme

Enjoy some peace and tranquility with graceful oriental themes for wallpaper, window treatments and wall décor. For an antique look, decorate with classic Chinese or Japanese tapestries and glossy paintings; for a more contemporary look, outfit the living room with bamboo lamps, stylish satin throw pillows and Japanese floral arrangements.

Flower Patchwork: 2009 Living Room Design Trend

Need to spruce up the couch and chairs? Cover them with a floral patchwork furniture covering or coverlets for a fresh take on the classical patchwork quilt. Patchwork is making a comeback this year with color-blocking in red/orange, purple/mustard, and aqua/green. Look for tiny flower prints and bold, geometric shapes to modernize this country-inspired look.

2009 Living Room Design Theme: Glacier Accents

Turn your living room into the Frosty ball with snowflakes, pseudo ice sculptures, snowflake decor and crystals. This may be a great theme for Spring and summer, and key color palettes for this theme include light blue, frosty mint, white, and silver.

Top 10 Home Decor Trends for 2009
(ARA) – More and more Americans today are looking at their homes as a place of refuge in a stressful world of challenges and economic instability. Instead of going out to dinner or social events, they’re cocooning with their families. Now, more than ever, their homes need to be restful and soothing, yet stylish at the same time.

Interior designers and industry experts across the country have noted this trend as well, along with an increased focus on cost-consciousness as homeowners become more selective about how their money is spent.

Here are their top 10 home decor trends for 2009:

1. Color Your World
Colors will literally be across the spectrum next year. On their Web site, the Pantone Color Institute forecasts lively colors and sophisticated, grounded hues with Fuchsia Red, Salmon Rose, Palace Blue, Lavender, Rose Dust and Vibrant Green predicted to be popular.

Andrea Vollf, American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), believes strongly in “transforming an ordinary home into a living oasis” using neutrals, especially warm and cool grays, along with bold accent pieces. Deep shades of blue are in demand by customers of Jan Hubbard, ASID, and Candice Mathers, Allied Member of ASID, with Hubbard also noting a draw to spice, bisque, toast and green/gold tones to create a warm ambiance. On a brighter note, both Mathers and Susan Pantaleo, ASID, see yellow emerging as a very versatile color. Popping up in every shade from Sunlight to Dijon Mustard, Pantaleo lauds yellow’s attention-getting appeal and ability to add life to any room.

2. Light up Your Life
Because residential interiors are incorporating more intense paint colors — not only as accent walls, but throughout an entire room — more light is needed to properly illuminate a room. According to Jeff Dross, senior product manager of Kichler Lighting, lighting manufacturers will introduce chandeliers with more arms or multiple lights per arm, as well as pendants and wall-mounted fixtures that accept higher-wattage bulbs.

3. We’ve Got You Covered
Wall murals will continue to be in high demand in 2009, according to Todd Imholte, president of www.MuralsYourWay.com a leader in the production of decorative wall murals for more than 35 years. “Wall murals are a very cost-effective way to completely transform the look of a room,” says Imholte. “We recently introduced 90 new mural designs including bold graphic patterns, contemporary designs and murals inspired by nature such as birch trees and bamboo.” Murals Your Way offers a gallery of more than 5,000 images, as well as the ability to personalize an existing gallery image or create a custom mural from a personal photo or artwork.

4. Establishing a Pattern
In a press release distributed earlier this year, Michelle Lamb — co-founder and chairman of Marketing Directions, Inc. and senior editor of “The Trend Curve” — stated that patterns are being constantly updated and reinvented. Some ways to keep them fresh include combining classic and contemporary styles in one piece; utilizing tiny, country patterns that include calico or patchwork; and trying distinctive materials, like foil, or embellishments that cluster and layer upon each other.

5. Comfort is Key
Vollf sees 2009 as being the year of comfort, with furniture that is comfortable and functional, yet still elegant. More and more people are interested in creating a personal refuge that is chic, peaceful, inviting and easy to maintain so that they can relax and unwind at the end of a busy day in an aesthetically pleasing environment.

6. Wood is Good
According to Kathy Peterson — celebrity design expert and co-host of Lifetime TV’s “The Balancing Act” — wood flooring is blending into an eclectic mix of wood tones. She also forecasts hardwood wall coverings (wood, resin, metals) with seamless panels of custom designs becoming focal points of a room. Dross echoes the popularity of wood throughout the home, seeing floors, walls, ceilings (bead board) and furniture incorporating wood at their center.

7. Shining Stars
Metals will continue to shine next year, according to Lamb. She envisions them being translated into modern metallic finishes and textures that create a sense of visual excitement and high energy. Particularly noteworthy are platinum, dark silver, rose golds and copper, and colorful metallics.

8. Hooray for Hollywood
Carmen Natschke — editor of “The Decorating Diva” — sees a revival of “Hollywood Regency.” According to her Web site, this style is “glamorous, classy and elegant; composed of an eclectic mix of styles like Neo-Classic, Asian, Baroque and Art Deco; sumptuous and luxury fabrics, shimmering finishes, mirrored furniture, chinoiserie, bamboo and lacquered furniture; bold color; clean lines and beautiful symmetry.”

9. Embrace the Outdoors
Seamless transitions from indoor to outdoor space are envisioned by Pantaleo, who says the most successful outdoor spaces will be an extension of the home’s interior style and color scheme. Using nature as a backdrop, she suggests pulling colors from adjacent rooms to maintain a visual connection. She also recommends accessorizing gourmet cook centers and plasma televisions with weather-resistant chandeliers, rugs and artwork to create a cozy, appealing and relaxed ambiance.

10. Go Green
Eco-friendly products will continue to be in demand by today’s energy-conscious and environmentally-aware consumers. McKinley Adams, Allied member of ASID, predicts consumers will be interested in sustainable building materials that may cost a bit more up front, but will save money in the long run. He also sees a surge of interest in vintage furnishings for inside the home, while Mathers anticipates increased use of grass cloth and natural Sisal finishes.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Article Tags: Home Decor
This entry was posted on Monday, January 12th, 2009 at 7:34 pm and is filed under General Advice, Home Decor. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.

Top home-decorating trends, from navy blue to bamboo (on walls)
3 commentsby Susan Felt – Dec. 27, 2008 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic
Home trends photos

Remember flocked wallpaper? It’s back. But it’s not your mother’s wallcovering. Nor is bamboo, which designers are using not just as environmentally friendly floor covering, but on walls, too.

And what about those chandeliers? Not only do they bedeck entryways and the tops of dining-room tables, they also can be used anywhere else in the house where a touch of glam is wanted.
But glam is definitely on a budget, say interior designers, about upcoming trends for the new year.

Whether you are designing a custom home, remodeling or simply looking for inspiration, here are the 10 big trends they’ve spotted for the coming year.

Colored chandeliers

Chandeliers are either very simple or baroque. And chandeliers have made themselves at home in nearly every room of the house, even bathrooms and closets. One of the newest trims is colored crystals, including black, red and blue.

New colors

Navy blue is the new black. Other colors making their way down the

residential-interior runway are moody shades like charcoal, espresso and

peacock blue.

Flocked wallpaper

Flocked wallpaper – showing up in powder rooms and on accent walls – is made up of large, graphic designs, says Michael Scott, interior-design director for Robb and Stucky.

But it’s not just flocked wallpaper that has returned. Patterned designs, grass cloth and other textured wallpapers are expected to grace walls, designers say. Easier to remove and a welcome option to paint, wallpaper can adorn a wall, niche or backsplash and update a room overnight.

Bamboo

The green answer to floor covering is now appearing on walls, says Taniya Nayak, interior designer on HGTV’s Designed to Sell. “Long gone is the old wood paneling,” she says.

“Bamboo flooring on the walls gives a custom look without painting or faux finishes. It gives texture and elegance, and it’s affordable.”

Freestanding bathtubs

Bathtubs are moving from hugging the wall to dominating the master bathroom, says Scott.

Footed, sculpted or solid, the tub is the anchor of a room that once was an afterthought. And freestanding bathtubs continue the trend of turning bathrooms into spalike retreats.

Kitchen cupboards

Once exiled, dark kitchen cabinets are making a comeback, designers say. Although white remains a classic option, espresso-colored sleek finishes that mimic contemporary European design are popular.

Outside living spaces

As materials make furniture, fabric and even flat-screen TVs more impervious to heat and rain, it’s easier for homeowners to create living spaces outdoors, says Frank Fontana, host of HGTV’s Design on a Dime. Coffee tables, lamps, kitchens, fireplaces, sound systems, TVs and fabric-covered sectionals are moving outside to give families another gathering spot.

Midlevel sinks

Vessel sinks in many colors, shapes and materials are more than last year’s new idea, designers agree. But the newest look in sinks and popular option to the high-rise bowl atop a bathroom counter are midlevel vessel sinks that strike a happy medium between undermount sinks and the high-rise bowl atop a bathroom counter.

Multitasking rooms and furniture pieces

No longer can we afford our rooms and our furniture to serve one purpose, say designers. The Murphy bed is making a comeback as spare rooms serve as guest rooms, home offices, craft rooms and meditation spots. And furniture such as coffee tables, ottomans, chests and desks offer seating, dining, crafting and storage options.

Clear garage doors

Clear garage doors are replacing sliding glass doors for homeowners who want to incorporate the outdoors with the indoors, says Nayak. “You’re opening everything right up.” The retractable glass doors slide up and provide easy access to the outdoors.

Home » Decorating + Design, Design Trends
Hot 10 Home Decor Trends 2009
Submitted by Carmen Natschke – Editor, The Decorating Diva LLC on Saturday, 3 January 2009

The following ten design trends for 2009 are some of the most prominent, and are the ones driving design and decorating style for the upcoming year.

1. UNIQUELY ME CHIC: Eclectic styling as seen in the newly revived interest in Hollywood Regency and mixing of periods and styles speaks to the need that each of us has to leave our own unique personality stamp on our home decor. (Hollywood Regency Style Sketchbook.)

2. LIVE RESPONSIBLY: Societal responsibility and Eco-awareness in decor and furniture purchases (saying it’s Green is not enough today – consumers demand proof that the process and the final product truly are Green, sustainable and meet with Fair Trade stand. The 2008 SAGE award winners Cisco Brothers (Harmony Ottoman), Hickory Chair (Tufted Victorian Pouf) and Valley Forge Fabrics(Celerie Collection) are companies leading the Green Design movement with their commitment to the environment.

3. LUXURIOUSLY GREEN: Add silk-like eco-bedding to your organic linens vocabulary, as sumputous, silken luxury bedding makes a strong debut in the eco-bedding category. Luxury organic linens like Anna Sova’s Marigold eco-silk Collection and SDH Linens‘ silky Legna Collection have taken the concept of organic bedding to the next level. These natural silk-like linens are created from organic materials such as processed wood-pulp (in the case of SDH), and are given gorgeous color through the use of non-toxic dyes.

4. FASHIONISTA FINERY: A couture flair in decorative pillows, expect to see gorgeous pillows dressed in high fashion details. Silver-Gray fabric floral and beaded accent pillow (DB Source), Etro Pokram Cushion (This Is Auto), Natasha Peacock Pillow (Blissliving Home), and Swarovski crystal embellished pillow ( Bagnaresi Casa).

5. ARTISTIC LOVE: Desire and appreciation for artisan pieces and one-of-a kind decor and furniture-propelled by the rejection of impersonal, mass produced objects. Hand painted wall covering Neptune collection (Sondra Alexander), Black and Iris glass tubes (Tsunami Glassworks), and mixed media artwork from artist Panther Staton (321-604-0600).

6. DESIGN WITHOUT BORDERS: Global and multi-cultural decor inspired by China, Russia, Latin America, Morocco and India (primary influences) are mixed and matched to create a global design tour at home. Wool Rug “Marisol Chili” inspired by 20th Century Mexican Embroidery. (Company C ), Arabesque Velvet pillow (Dransfield & Ross ), Pierre Frey Bolchoi Collection “Coussin Moskova”(Home Fashion Shop) and Mulan Rug – The Disney Collection (The Rug Market).

7. PATTERN PRIDE: Art Nouveau and Art Deco inspired, botanicals, paisley, brocade, elegant animal prints, stripes and geometric patterns and motifs appear in decorative accessories and furnishings. Ivy book shelf (Tema Home ), Octagonal Mirror (Global Views), Bouquet Chair (Bailey Street) , Grand Palais art by Judy Shelby (Uttermost), Cheetah patterned ottoman “Elegance” (Century Furniture )

8. STYLE SHOCK: Gorgeous collision of differing, and, at times, clashing design styles give birth to new artistic interpretations of design, and mixed-media layered “mosaics” that are gaining popularity in artwork, textiles, decor and furniture – a nod to the craftsman/artisan influence on design for 2009. Shabby Louis (Gilles Nouhailhac), Patchwork style “Element” accent pillow 91656 (Koko Company) , and Bellini Chair (Versace Home ).

9. SANCTUARY HOME: Creating a home environment, even if it’s only one room, that comforts and offers peace and serenity in tumultuous economic and geo-political environments by embracing simple, understated luxury and serene colors inspired by the earth’s oceans, beaches, deserts and forests. Avenue Six Curves Button Back Lounge Chair Green (Exclusively Home), Donna Upholstered Bed (Carriage House Furniture), and South Coast Chair (Taylor King).

10. MODERN EMBRACE: An overall trending toward contemporary style with increasing focus on classic traditional furniture re-interpreted in refreshingly sophisticated modern style, and mixing contemporary, and classic pieces to create a timeless elegant interior environment. Belgravia Silver Chaise(Sweet Pea and Willow), Striped Eglomise accent chest (The Platt Collections), Hot Pink Commode LXV ( Cote France) , and Louis XVI Medallion Chair (Gilles Nouhailhac).
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Want more interior design and home decorating trends 2009? Checkout all the Home Decor Color Trends 2009.

Image Attributions: All Images are copyrighted from their respective companies.

Tags: color trends, design trends