| Trends aren't always about what is hot and new. It | | | | embellish tastefully with your handy glue gun. It is |
| can be a just simple shift in emphasis. For 2009 this | | | | do-able and inexpensive. |
| shift has become a redirect of values. People aren't | | | | We are still enamored with the Asian influence |
| comfortable making big changes or being showy. We | | | | whether is be for historic reference or an appreciation |
| can now embrace a sense of subtlety. It is no longer | | | | of meticulous handiwork. Many decorative items have |
| about pretense or keeping up with the neighbors. | | | | patterns and textile use inspired from Kimonos which is |
| Home interiors can comfortably reflect you and your | | | | much softer and more personal than the heavy |
| family. | | | | lacquer items of the past. Geometrics replace |
| Accessories are more down to earth rather than | | | | chinoiserie for beautiful patterns to be used anywhere. |
| opulent and showy. Much of this comes from the | | | | This trend began a couple of years ago and is here to |
| continual focus on "organic". Items reflect the beauty of | | | | stay as we re-evaluate our lives and gain a renewed |
| the material and workmanship from which they were | | | | appreciation for tradition. |
| made. Natural colors and textures are as important as | | | | As we move forward, interiors are going to be pared |
| what the item is. Beautiful handiwork is a common | | | | down. This doesn't mean stark and boring but simple |
| theme. Again simplicity with accessorizing is a vital | | | | and comfortable. Gone are the days of fussy. Even in |
| component in today's interiors. To many people that | | | | traditional homes, the mixing of fabric patterns has |
| should start with to meticulous editing! What the item is, | | | | taken on a new quietness as solids have taken on a |
| a story it may represent, the materials from which it | | | | new importance. Textures are still important but not in |
| was made are all more important than being obvious | | | | a bold look-at-me way. Luxury is important when it |
| about the cost to obtain it. | | | | comes to high quality and value but not as a |
| Earth's natural elements and forms are often featured | | | | statement. (Think of those high thread count sheets |
| when we call something organic. Metal is a natural | | | | we all love that nobody sees.) If you need to make a |
| material and it seems here to stay. It is a reflection of | | | | statement, it will be with environmentally conscious |
| the need for something solid that will last? The use of | | | | choices which are available in linens, glassware, |
| it is demands tact and restraint. It may appear as a | | | | furniture and almost anything for your home. |
| small rim of gold leaf on the rim of a glass bowl, in the | | | | Home is about creating a feeling of calm and comfort. |
| detailing of candlesticks or furniture, lamps and pillows. | | | | When the economy is in disarray our home becomes |
| Appropriate small touches of metallics are what can | | | | our haven (even if it changes). Homes should feel |
| keep a home fresh and not garish. A little bit of sparkle | | | | good and live well. They reflect nature and the |
| can make a home smile. Major bling, is soooo | | | | individuals that inhabit them. Careful attention to the |
| yesterday. | | | | interior decoration of a space with appropriate |
| Throw pillows are still here and a simple inexpensive | | | | furnishings and details will result in a warm and inviting |
| way to update your look or change with the seasons. | | | | home for today. It may be a long time before we are |
| Natural elements like sewn on wooden beads, shells, | | | | back to what is new and trendy every year. But this is |
| and raffia carry the organic theme. Another form for | | | | okay, take a breather from competitive home |
| the handcrafted look is with plain fabrics block printed | | | | decoration and relax. Create a space that works for |
| in bold patterns. Large leaf patterns are a recurrent | | | | your family and is about you. The culmination of all that |
| botanical theme. Pillows are something almost anyone | | | | is swirling around us is: Keep It Simple, which makes for |
| can make with simple sewing skills or at the very least | | | | nice decorating. |