The “latest decorating trend” does not suggest that a piece we bought last year is to be thrown out the following year. Indeed, not every trend is fleeting. Some of yesterday’s hottest trends have become a standard throughout the design industry.

With that said, here are some of the emerging trends for 2010.

Texture will be big in 2010. There is much emphasis on new natural materials and unusual techniques with a lot of rich textural interest. This is somewhat in keeping with the green movement in interior design.

Colour Trend — The purple trend which emerged in 2009 is expected to continue this year, and grey, seen as the ‘new beige’, continues to be popular. At the same time, Pantone.com recently released their 2010 colour of the year as Pantone 15-5519 Turquoise, declaring that “the colour inspires thoughts of soothing tropical waters and a comforting escape from the everyday troubles of the world”.

Green Design, also known as sustainable design, which has been observed in the last couple of years is likely to continue to impact interior design. It is recognised that initial investments in making our interiors green are considerably higher than the traditional products and methods, though the eco-friendly alternative pays for itself in the long run. As we work towards saving our planet there are some small choices that each of us can make to reduce our impact on the environment: Recycling, Reusing, Reducing.

Layering Rugs — Rugs on top of rugs adds richness to a room. Either overlapping some smaller rugs with patterns and colours that are complementary or overlapping multiples of the same rug in a variety of colours.

Wallpaper has had its heyday, gone out of fashion and is now making a comeback. In addition to the fact that it offers so many design options, it is durable and often cleanable. It is a most effective way of changing a room’s décor. We have seen the wallpaper accent wall; in 2010, look for wallpapered ceilings as an increasingly popular option for creating visual impact in a room.

Furniture Trends — Eclectic/free/diverse sum up the trend in furniture. At the High Point, North Carolina Furniture Show among the emerging trends were:

Metallics — the re-emergence of Asian styles, bright sofas with neutral throw cushions replacing neutrals with bright cushions and pleats in furniture styles, bedding and accessories. Eco-awareness continues in home furnishings with natural and environmentally-friendly furniture continuing the go-green trend.

Needless to say, what’s in for 2010 is whatever makes you relax as you walk through the door of your home. Choose and incorporate what works best for you.

Happy New Year!

— Marjorie Allen

interiorsbydesign@cwjamaica.com