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by Judy ChristophersonWhat is happening in design trends this year?
If we spent time in the marketplace noting what is available, we would discover some common concepts.
This year, textures rather than patterns, are predominant. Soft wools and velvet upholstery, combined with a coarse sisal carpet, would be a good example.
Bright, wild colors such as lime, tangerine and fuchsia are in. All shades of purple are hot! A word of caution - watch how much you use! You will be dated very quickly or forced to change your colors again. Remember those gold refrigerators? Need I say more?
Scaled-down sofas which are modular, casual and without arms, are popular and also very practical. The sofas of yesterday had those high arms. When you sat on them, you felt very confined, and when two or more people sat on them, they appeared as ducks sitting in a row! Now, with the open modular concept, someone can perch on the corner to visit and still be comfortable. A complement to the scaled-down sofas is the slipper chair, also a very flexible piece of furniture.
Retro is in. Chrome, vinyl, and plastic have been revived. Forties and fifties memorabilia is everywhere. Who knows what you or your mother may have lurking in the attic. Dig it out! It's back!
Woods are popular, with emphasis this season on dark browns and blacks. Accented with exotic African and Indian prints or faux fur cushions, throws and seat covers, the results can be very dramatic.
Ceiling treatments are important. Board and batten ceilings and shallow coffers without fussy detail add interest to the room.
Hi-tech is definitely in. Televisions and all manner of audiovisual equipment is featured, not hidden in, family and living rooms.
Decorative boxes on the coffee table keep remotes and the like from being clutter. The line is uncomplicated. The look is clean and fresh.
Hot accessories include piles of books, wind chimes, and candles, candles, candles.
One last note: while it's fun to have the latest looks, we need to remember that, by definition, trends come and go. If we wish to be current in our décor and keep our budget in line, it would be wise to pick up a few trendy accessories, but base our design on those classic elements which transcend seasons.
Happy decorating in 2002!
Judy Christopherson has been an interior designer, as well as a builder, for the past 20 years in Vancouver, Canada. Currently, she is director of Women Today, Canada, where she puts her creativity to work in developing creative outreaches such as Victorian Tea Parties. To read how God is using Judy click here.
