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2006 Interior Design Trends
Tips and Tricks for Getting that Designer Look


As everyone knows, trends come and go, and are not really definable per scientific measures. The trends listed below are my own personal thoughts, however I believe most of you will agree with me, so here we go......


1) Matchy-matchy is out. I know it is very convenient to go to a furniture store and buy the whole series of matching furniture, but try to restrain yourself. The current eclectic style revolves around a feeling that your room is a collection of furniture you have picked up while traveling (eventhough for most of us, that is not the case). Try selecting items with a simiar feel from different furniture collections. Your night stands do not have to match. The fabric on your sofa and love seat do not have to match. Consider mixing new pieces with vintage flea market finds or antiques.

2) You do not have to purchase all of your accessories at once. Wait until you find special one-of-a-kind items, or things that really make you happy. You can live with bare walls for a while until you find that perfect piece of art.

3) Metal is in, but don't overdo it. Stainless steel kitchen appliances have shown their staying power, and copper, bronze, iron, and rust colors are also becoming popular. Feel free to mix metals. Gold is even coming back in style. Metallics have a tendency to make a room feel cold, so use them in moderation.

4) Faux finishing has become very popular in the last few years. If you are going to do it, make sure to do it right. The standard sponging technique has a tendency to look rather "crafty". Research other methods of faux finishing that look more realistic.

5) Painted furniture is very popular. Paint what is old to make it new again. Try using a milk paint which is easier to remove if you wish to refinish your furniture at a later date.

6) Contemporary no longer means just black, white, and red. Any color can work with contemporary style, just make sure your room is free of clutter, has simple elements, and is streamlined.

7) Don't forget about black and white. Adding touches of black (or dark brown) and white (also creme) to a room can make your other colors really stand out.

8) It seems that woods with a strong grain (such as oak) are not as popular as those with little grain (like maple), however woods with an antiqued or roughed up finish are very popular.

9) Lighting can make a huge difference to your home. Try installing dimmers in your main living areas in order to create an appropriate mood (dimmers do not work with fluorescent lights). For areas that need a crisper light, such as a laundry room, pantry, or garage, use fluorescent lights. They last alot longer, do not emit heat, and are more energy efficient, however cost more when you purchase them. Fluorescent lights are especially nice for hard-to-reach light fixtures since they will not need to be changed for several years. If you do not like the color of fluorescent lights, or do not like waiting for them to warm up, consider using half fluorescents and half incandescents in a fixture. Not all fluorescent fixtures are spiral shaped, so select one that looks like a standard light bulb if it will be exposed.

10) Try incorporating nature into your home. Consider leaving off window coverings so you can view your backyard. Live plants are always a nice touch.

11) Technology is every changing. It seems everything is going wireless, so hiding technology is now easier than ever. Don't let your computer/TV/security equipment spoil your home's ambience.

12) Consider the future. Will you have children and need a baby friendly home? Will you have your elderly parent come live with you and require wheelchair accessibility? Your home must first be functional.


Remember - redecorating does not always mean buying new. Consider removing all items from a room and bringing back items one at a time to a new location. Only bring back items that enhance the room, not clutter it. Consider moving items from one room to another. Maybe add in a color with a few new accessories. Rework your faux floral arrangements. If you're stumped, invite your friends over to help come up with new ways of displaying your accessories.



Make sure to visit the designer resources section of this website for the latest designer trends.