What's Hot in Home Décor for 2005
If your living spaces are looking a little tired, or you're just searching for ways to bring new life to your home, you don't need a major overhaul and it won't cost a fortune. With a bit of creativity and the right tools you can turn your home into a cozy haven that's warm, inviting and inspired.
This year, feel free to mix up your materials, accessories and finishes. It's all about blending together in 2005. Don't be afraid to have antique pieces next to modern ones. That beautiful vase from Grandma's attic will look stunning on your sleek sideboard. A folksy or ornate light fixture softens the lines of a glass or metal dining table.
The spicy earth tones of the past few years are giving way to softer colors. "The bright chartreuse green is changing to a toned down, more muted shade," says Heather Degges, an interior merchandiser with Houston-based Kathy Andrews Interiors. "Home trends usually follow fashion trends, and pastels have been coming on strong. I expect we'll be seeing more pinks, blues and crisp whites."
Decorating based on price-tags is no longer the norm. Expensive pieces share space with things picked up at chain stores because homeowners like them. No longer do you need to buy an entire line from one pricey store to create a look. Seek inspiration wherever you are -- from a $10 picture frame with Moroccan-inspired beading to old Hollywood glamour in the form of mirrored dressers and vanities. Let your own taste be your guide, instead of using only one company's catalog as a checklist.
Creating a personal oasis is easy when you surround yourself with objects or images that you love. Let your rooms be a reflection of your personal style and you'll never tire of them. Don't be afraid to paint walls with the rich, saturated colors you love or find fabrics that make you comfortable, from leather to linen. Take the look one step further by finding a wall mural that transports you to your favorite time or place. Image sitting on your couch gazing out at the Tuscan hillside or sipping coffee in your kitchen overlooking a Caribbean cove.
"Murals are an easy way to transform the look of a room in only a few simple steps, says Todd Imholte, president of Murals Your Way, a custom wall mural company based in Hopkins, Minn. "We can take a photo from your favorite vacation spot, prize flower garden or almost any photo, and create a high-quality wall mural. We also have a selection of in-stock murals, so you can adorn your home with the work of Old Masters or even vintage European posters."
Home magazines can't say enough about bedrooms for kids and adults. Like never before, homeowners are thinking of innovative ways to carve out a retreat as unique as they are. Luxury sheets, personalized items and whimsical accessories are flying off the shelves in record numbers. But when it comes to kids' rooms, remember tastes change as children age. Don't spend a fortune creating a ballerina fantasy-land when your child may decide next week that she wants a soccer-themed room worthy of Mia Hamm. Instead create a solid base of fun colors and furniture that can grow with your child's interests and needs.
"As more families are seeing home-makeover shows and decorating shows, kids are becoming more educated buyers. They're getting all sorts of ideas and the market is responding, says Degges.
Space and science-themed rooms are popular and easy to create. A wall mural of a view of the earth from the moon will inspire future astronauts. Degges recalls a camping-themed room for an outdoors-loving youngster complete with a tent-like bed canopy. Companies are also responding to the increase of sports-minded girls. Unlike past sports-themed accessories that only came in bright red and blue, these days it's easy to find fabrics, wall coverings and décor that reflect a girl's love of sports without competing with the colors of her choice.
Aaah, spring! After the dark days of winter, who doesn't look forward to those first signs of spring and to the warm, extended days ahead: Bright skies, green grass and more time in your outdoor living space. Industry experts agree that outdoor living is a growing trend, with the design and redesign of outdoor rooms becoming increasingly innovative and sophisticated. These experts also cite that a defined outdoor living space can represent up to 30 percent of a home's value. Outdoor areas add more room to your home for entertaining family and friends, offer a safe and comfortable play zone for the kids and better yet, can add a much needed personal retreat that feels like you're on vacation…without even packing a suitcase. So don't a miss a single day. This year, be prepared to maximize your outdoor living space and enjoy more of your home. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Dust Off Winter -- Spring Cleaning 101
Outdoor furniture is often placed in storage or exposed to the elements so simple cleaning before and during the season is recommended. "For most metal tables and chairs, including those produced of steel, cast aluminum or aluminum, mild soap and water is the best solution, says Debbie Foster, an expert in outdoor furniture and a personal concierge from Homecrest, a leading manufacturer of furniture for outdoor living. "Hose down or wash with water and mild soap to help remove dust, pollens, chemicals, salt water and dirt. And to maintain the frame finish, here's another tip….apply a coat of clear liquid car wax once a year. For that occasional nick or scratch, Homecrest offers its owners special touch-up paint to keep furniture looking new for years. Also be sure to check cushions for wear and tear and consider replacement if necessary."
Assess Your Needs
If you're a new homeowner or have recently remodeled or completed an exterior landscaping project, you may be in need of additional or new furnishings to complete the space. While there is a vast array of outdoor furnishings available, start your shopping early in the season to have the best selection. And before you begin, decide how you plan to use your space to determine what you will need -- are you creating an outdoor living room, an outdoor kitchen, a private retreat or a dining/entertaining space? Also, many of the finest brands offer custom frame finishes and fabrics so that you can have exactly what you want. Outdoor rooms are no longer comprised of a picnic table or a hodgepodge of plastic chairs. Make your outdoor space a seamless extension of your interior design -- creating a room that is both functional and beautiful.
Shopping Made Simple
Lacking a bit of confidence when it comes down to choosing colors and fabrics? Not to worry. New to the market this year and available at specialty seasonal and furniture stores nationwide, the Homecrest Index, or "HI", can make every shopper a design expert. Once you determine the pieces necessary to create your outdoor living space, with "HI you can simply coordinate frame finish with the most fashionable fabrics. Custom orders such as this typically arrive in six weeks or less. Or if you're looking for a quick solution for an upcoming event, many of these same specialty and furniture retailers will carry inventory of their best selling collections in several colors and fabrics.
Extend Your Outdoor Living Experience -- Fusion Living
With the popularity of outdoor living and the design trend of bringing the indoors out, many are also bringing the outdoors in, fusing styles to maximize their use year round. Sunrooms, guest rooms and breakfast/dining areas are all great locations for incorporating a bit of the outdoor experience. Most high-quality outdoor furniture is designed to withstand environmental elements and include UV protection built into the construction of the fabric to ensure its durability during outdoor use. This and other features may make outdoor furniture the hardest working furniture you will ever own -- and an absolute requirement for rooms that get a lot of wear and tear. Fusion living, or using your outdoor furniture throughout your home and outdoor living spaces, can extend both their enjoyment and investment -- but most importantly, offers a daily reminder of those warm days of spring.
For more information on outdoor furnishings, or to find a retailer near you, visit www.Homecrest.com, or call (888) 346-4852.
