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Design Resolutions: 2010’s Decor Trends

By: Marissa Ponikowski

Get ready, home decor aficionados, because 2010 is going to be quite the year! There’s a sense of optimism and hope for the future in the air, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time for change, and it’s time to have fun. (But not too much fun – there’s nothing frivolous about this year’s sense of style; it’s all about staying power, and money well spent.) Some of the changes that will be seen this year mean going back to styles or trends we’ve already visited in the past, but this time around we’ve gotten them right, employing tasteful and practical takes on fads-gone-by, refreshing twists on classics, and, of course, a continuing focus on well-made, sustainable materials that reflect a growing respect for the planet’s capabilities and limits.

Colour Your World
Paint is still the fastest and most affordable way to punch up home decor, and this year, most paint companies have joined the eco-friendly movement and come up with low-VOC (volatile organic compound) or no-VOC paint formulas and milder takes on formerly chemical-ridden products. Some companies are even making recycled paint formulas. But even though most of the paint mixtures that will be used in 2010 are gentle, the colours they’ll be mixed in aren’t. “Colour is back,” says Valerie Clubine, a senior designer with Signature Interiors in Markham, Ontario. “Gone are the endless “neutral” rooms that have dominated our magazines for the last few years.” Clubine predicts super-saturated, rich, colours will take centre stage in 2010; think mature and gutsy yellows, greens, purples, and aquamarine-based shades.

Learn how to paint with bold colours.

A Touch of Grey
In terms of neutrals, grey has taken over. “But not the cold grey of the ‘80’s,” says Clubine. “This is a new, warmer colour – deep, dynamic, and paired with unexpected accents like acid greens, strong yellows, and beautiful jewel colours.” Soft greens with hints of eucalyptus and dried herbs will also take centre stage when it comes to neutrals, as well as a few warm beiges we can’t seem to say goodbye to.

Down to Earth
The earth-centric focus of home decor that was so stylish last year hasn’t gone anywhere. “Natural materials are very popular, showing up in stone accent walls and fireplaces,” says Clubine. “And of course, sustainable materials are more widely used than ever.” This means it’s still getting easier and easier to find cork, bamboo, organic fabrics, peace silks, reclaimed materials, and more, to introduce sustainability into the decor of your home.

Learn how to green your home.

Glam it Up
It seems to run counter to the emphasis on natural fibres and sustainable home fashions, but this season a distinct interest in glamourous Hollywood-inspired style is more than just a blip on the radar. “The trend is lots of sparkle, ramping up the gray to a platinum shade, using shiny buttons to decorate cushions, and putting chandeliers anywhere they’ll fit,” says Clubine.

Paper Trail
“This is the biggest surprise of all,” says Clubine. “Wallpaper is back!” It’s not the commitment it was in the past, though, so don’t fear the permanence of paper. “The biggest change is you can now apply wallpaper to your walls that can easily be peeled off when you tire of it, or even if you want to take it with you when you move.” Also, rather than covering all four walls of a room in paper, it’s now de rigueur to only paper an accent wall or two, making the idea of exploring the vibrant patterns, textures, and colours wallpaper has on offer this year even more alluring.

Tips on hanging wallpaper like a pro.

Kitchen Calm
Kitchens are still, and probably always will be, the heart of the home – and the biggest ticket design project, too. One trend is to turn kitchens into more than just a place to cook and eat, but also a place to live. This means disguising appliances and adding cozy seating areas. Also, as the at-home gourmet trend, perpetuated by the Food Network, continues, kitchens outfitted with high quality chef’s tools are also on-trend. Otherwise, it’s a continuation of classic style ideas introduced over the past few years. “In kitchens, industrial-look, stainless steel appliances continue to dominate sales and are more popular than built-ins,” says Clubine. “And a combination of painted cabinetry combined with stained cabinets that look more like custom furniture also continue to be the popular.”

Trendy Textiles
“When it comes to fabrics, natural fibres such as linen, cotton and wool, will be preferred, but will be combined with some made-made materials for additional wear,” says Clubine. She also predicts “lots of texture and colour in upholstery” this year.

Fabric drapery is also making a come-back. “It adds warmth to a room – even people who covered all their windows with shutters are adding side panels to soften the look and feel of the hard coverings.” Also expect to see more patterned rugs adding interest to hardwood floors or spicing up sisal carpets.

Outside, Inside
Outdoor rooms are still going to be hot in 2010, especially since difficult financial times have made vacation homes and even vacations themselves an impossibility for some. Instead of buying more real estate, the trend is to expand living space to the outdoors. “Outdoors fabrics and materials make it easy to create a homey room in your backyard,” says Clubine. “And as the choices become more extensive and beautiful, outdoor fabrics will also be used indoors in the winter because of their high wearing and sun-resistant properties.”

Find some outdoor room inspiration.

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Design Resolutions: 2010’s Decor Trends