Natural elements such as rattan and bamboo will continue to be hot in home design for 2007. The look combines both natural elements and has an international flavor, both of which are strong trends in the coming year.
Just as surely as you can count on throwing out last year’s calendar, you can count on decorating and home trends to change from year to year, too. Fortunately, this year there are a number of changes on the home scene that are more comfortable and timeless and less wild and eccentric. Predictions from all corners of the design world have come forth and I’ve looked at a number of them and selected the ones I think hit the mark for the coming year and what you’re most likely to see.
Comfort counts
The first and perhaps best trend in the coming year is comfort. While beautiful rooms are always in style, the style trend now is toward beautifully comfortable rooms. Quality fabrics that are easy to care for and comfy, too, will top the list. According to Furniture.com rooms that are equally appealing in their beauty and comfort will hit the design mark in 2007.
Get-away decorating
The warm and welcoming lakeside cottage style is another trend we’ll see more of in 2007. The home-away-from home feeling that makes homeowners feel like they’re in another place will be an especially important focus. This will be reflected in elements that evoke a seaside house or a cabin in the African bush. Ethnic and international designs and accessories will help transport homeowners away even if their travel budget or vacation time won’t allow them to go there. The colors of deep reds, oranges, browns, and other dashiki-inspired tones will round out the color influences. Making the global look possible is the fact that many online shopping resources and furniture stores are focusing more on accessories, so the ability to create an international look has never been easier.
Upgrades
Renovation of existing homes will also continue to be tops for home improvement with upgrading being the watchword instead of remodeling. According to Remodeling magazine, bathroom and kitchen remodels will still fetch the highest returns for homeowners interested in bringing their homes up to date or catching the eye of a would-be buyer. However, simple upgrades can often satisfy the thirst for freshness without requiring the same investment of a complete remodel. One of the most popular upgrades continues to be new countertops and plumbing fixtures. Quality stone counters such as granite and marble are prized items as are quality plumbing fixtures in both kitchen and bath.
Going natural
Another trend to watch in 2007 is the continued move toward the natural home. This home focuses on natural elements such as bamboo flooring, which is also easily renewable, and an emphasis on elements such as wood with a more rustic and natural look versus highly polished and refined. Look for rustic tables and décor elements, such as front doors, that feature the natural look and imperfections of the wood used to make them.
The natural trend will also be reflected in our color selections this year. Some design sources believe that bright bold colors of nature will be the trend in the coming year. I disagree. I think we’ll see comfort colors that mimic the softer tones of nature to come forward with consumers passing on bright, bold colors or stark contrast colors such as black and white. Some trend-watchers say with the ongoing environmental and political stress, the trends should take us more in the direction of comfort and nature. I’d have to agree that we are all looking for more comfort and less jarring, bold, and high-drama design in favor of interiors that focus on calm, order, and relaxation. And that’s a trend that can hold for any living space in any year.
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