Home Decorating Trends: Smaller Space Living

Decorating A Small Space

The days of the McMansion are waning, with many people downsizing for simpler living. Baby Boomers, young professionals, and grad students are now considering the benefits of city living in loft-like settings. Most of these buildings are located in the heart of a city, close to work, cultural activities and basic amenities. They range from apartments converted to condo living to old warehouses rehabbed into lofts. What is becoming a desirable trait is that the spaces are small – 2000 square feet or less in many cases.

Why would this be an option if you’ve lived in a 4,000 square foot home with a yard? For some people, it takes the pressure off of having to take care of all that space, as well as deal with lawns or snow removal. Most cities have codes that require underground parking spaces, or have adjacent lots to the building with spaces available, making parking convenient. For some people, the idea of getting rid of “stuff” they’ve accumulated is refreshing.

It can be a shock to walk into a smaller unit for the first time if you are downsizing. The kitchens are typically very modest, with storage at a minimum. Creative storage solutions are necessary, with built-ins doing double duty as service pieces. Some of the loft units are open floor plans that allow you to place the walls where you want, with plumbing being your only constraints.

Seating areas need to be better thought out and ready for multiple functions. For instance, a kitchen island does not have to be stationary – it could have leaves or hidden fold out legs that convert it to a dining table-like piece to seat ten. Sofas double as beds in one bedroom units, and family rooms incorporate home offices.

When downsizing, particularly after living in a house for a majority of years, it may be best to bring an interior designer in to help you make the right choices. A designer will access your existing needs and find creative storage options. A long living room wall is the perfect place to consider built-ins that offer open shelves as well as hidden storage behind doors and drawers. While the television may be stationed in the center, all your dishes and little used cookware may be stored underneath.

Beds can be converted to platforms that sit on top of drawers for extra storage. Closet systems are important to provide maximum shelf and hanging storage. Laundry is often combined into a bathroom behind doors, and the use of stackable units saves more space.

Downsizing does not have to be a scary idea, but it does take careful consideration before you make the leap. Small space living has its own rules for home decorating that allow for simple tighter pieces that don’t have to look too minimal. Consider the pieces you already own to see if they still work. Once you have the mindset that this style is right for you, getting rid of the excess is easy.

Floral Fabric: Home Decorating Battle of the Sexes

Floral Fabric That Men And Women Can Agree On

Vintage Floral Fabric - The Argument

It’s an age old home decorating argument that will never have a simple solution: she wants a vintage floral fabric, he can’t stand them. How do we get past this? Some men are fine to let the flowers be in the bedroom if the lights are off and their eyes are closed. Others only allow it in a little girl’s room. However like it or not, floral fabrics have their place in decorating history and is sometimes a seamless tie with all the other decorative fabrics in a room.

Floral Fabric - The Solution

First of all, floral prints can be a bit misunderstood. They don’t have to be so ultra-feminine. Many combine botanical motifs with viney or leafy movement that speaks more of a forest than a flower garden. Ferns have a high end organic look. Paisley is based off of Indian floral, and there are not too many men that object to this masculine motif. The point of a floral is to take the hard edges off geometric’s and stripes, and to inject a combination of colors that pull the room together.

Floral fabric are often the balance print between scales. A mid-sized floral combined with a large scale damask, a stripe, and a solid all create unity and strength between all the patterns and color. A floral may utilize six different colors, which allows flexibility in all the other fabrics’ shades.

Floral Prints

By toning down the amount of petals in a floral print, as well as the feminine colors, I think you can find a compromise that will fit. Look for floral prints that have more of a leafy feel, and perhaps include animals, birds, or insects such as butterflies. Rich earthy tones of red, brown, green, and gold are easy to work with and appeal to a broad audience. Blue is another color that can be used with yellows, raspberry reds, and green. Paisleys will add a rich, exotic flair that fits into the living area easily.

The floral motifs can also be played down when combined with other elements in a print or tapestry. I mentioned animals above, but also remember that some include stripes or checks running through the background. The size of the floral depends on what it is on – window treatments or lounge chairs can handle a larger scale. Draperies are a perfect way to use a floral yet hid some of it as the pattern gets lost in the folds.

Floral Fabric - Area Rugs

Lastly, don’t forget about rugs. An area rug ultimately will gel the room and dictate the colors. Perhaps it contains the floral print, and once furniture is placed, you get the benefit of the color without it being too extreme.

Regardless if you are modern or traditional in your home decorating tastes, the important factor is to keep an open mind. The best rooms build off combinations of colors, with the pattern being the backdrop.

Eco Friendly Decorating Trends for 2009

Eco Friendly Home Decor

One of the hottest decorating trends for 2009 is going green. Scores of fashionable people are showing off eco friendly interior design styles that are kind to the earth and easy on the eyes. Eco friendly decorating allows you to care for your planet and simultaneously create an eco chic look for your home. Here’s some great nature inspired, eco friendly interior design styles to helpl you out. Eco friendly decorating allows you to maintain the chic styles that you are accustumed to while keeping a clean conscious.

Eco Friendly Paint

Eco Friendly Paint

According to the EPA, indoor air pollution is a serious dilemma that contributes to a variety of health problems, including asthma, headaches, breathing problems, even cancer. One of the biggest contributors to that pollution is paint. Typical paint releases airborne chemicals knows as volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These compounds are potential cacogenics and create problems both inside your home and out. They are most dangerous when the paint is wet, but can continue to emit harmful chemicals for years.

Due to consumer demand, paint companies have worked diligently to create no or low VOC paints. Early attempts were not met with wide praise from consumers because they didn’t prove durable enough, especially after washing. Today’s no or low VOC paints are much improved. You can find them in most major paint stores and they can usually mix any color you like. We all know paint is an economical way to give your home a fresh new look. Why not make an earth friendly choice when you’re ready to pick up a brush?

Eco Friendly Furniture

eco friendly furniture

Are you thinking of buying some new furniture this year? If so, make an environmentally smart selection. Many companies are joining the green game and producing furniture from sustainable materials or recycled resources. You’ll find chic designs for every room of your house. Look for wooden pieces that display labels from the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC), the Rainforest Alliance or have a Rediscovered Wood Certification. This lets you know the wood is made from sustainable wood or wood that has been recycled.

Another label you want to find on new furnishings is the Greenguard label, which assures you the furniture has low-toxicity. Traditionally manufactured furniture is highly toxic, and like paint, emits high levels of VOCs. Not only does it pollute the air in your home, when you dispose of it, those toxins seeps into the ground and water. It is no longer necessary to use such harsh chemicals to treat furniture. Choose furniture with natural finishes and organic materials when you make a buying decision.

Of course, the best option of all is to recycle furniture. You can find stylish vintage furniture at garage sales, thrift stores and flea markets or try shopping online for quality used furniture. Any time you reuse something, you are avoiding the use of new materials and production costs, plus keeping more items from ending up in the landfill taking up precious space and contaminating the environment.

Eco Friendly Fabrics

eco friendly fabrics

Fabrics for your home have also gone green. You can find fabrics that are certified green or look for fabrics you know are all natural. One hundred percent cotton is a good choice, as is hemp, silk, linen and wool.

Another big decorating trend for 2009 is patterns that are inspired by nature. Bold florals, leaf designs, and bright colors are all available in fabrics that have been manufactured without the harmful chemicals that have been used in years past. If you’re thinking of new draperies, bedding, upholstery or pillows, do the earth a favor and choose green fabrics.

Eco Friendly Flooring

There’s a variety of eco friendly flooring options available this year. Cork and bamboo flooring are both excellent choices. They look terrific and are both sustainable materials.

Bamboo is actually a grass and grows at a much faster rate than trees, but it still benefits you with the look of beautiful wood. Unlike hardwoods, however, bamboo plants reach maturity in just 5 to 6 years. It takes many hardwood trees up to 50 years or more to mature.

Cork is an exciting option as well. Not only is it beautiful and sustainable, it is very quiet to walk on. This is an admirable option for allergy suffers, too. Cork comes from the bark of the cork oak tree and can be stripped from the tree every 9 years without damaging the tree. Cork is usually grown organically with no added chemicals used in its production.

cork flooring

Believe it or not, linoleum, not to be confused with vinyl flooring, is a very eco friendly choice because it is produced from flax seed oil. Other environmentally safe flooring options include reclaimed wood flooring and glass tiles.

Eco Friendly Living

You can make your home eco chic in lots of ways. When you’re ready to buy new appliances, shop for the most energy efficient ones you can find. Thinking about adding some kitchen accessories? Try vintage dishes or check out this gorgeous table service made from recycled clamshells.

There’s ways to make every room in your home a little greener without making major expenditures or detracting from your style. Switch to water saving toilets and showerheads. Discover art made from recycled items and add live plants to help filter the air. Check out the new, attractive energy saving light bulbs now available, too. Every little step helps us maintain this planet for our children and their children. It’s not hard to follow the best decorating trend of 2009. Going green is more than a trend…it’s a way of life.

The New Neutrals For 2009, Greige and Many Shades of Gray

At this past furniture market in High Point, NC, gray was featured as the “new neutral” in home interiors. Many of the major manufacturers showed gray in a fashion forward color scheme, combining it with shots of navy, yellow, lavender, apple green, or fushia. It was also shown with subtle shading of the same color for a sophisticated look. Gray has been on the rise in women’s fashion again as a replacement for black as it softens the harsh edges – the same theory crosses over to home interior decorating.

Home Decorating Trends 2009 - Accessorize With Metalics

There is a strong trend toward metallic glazes on prints, or a hint of metallic yarns woven into a solid linen texture. The combination of the refined look of gray and a subtle metallic was a strong buying trend for the interior designers and the boutique owners that you will see throughout 2009 in both modern and traditional settings. I can’t stress how important metallics will be in the new home decorating trends.

Greige or Gray-Beige is a Big 2009 Home Interior Color Trend

There are many ways to easily incorporate gray into your existing scheme without breaking the bank. The most obvious is to consider paint – using a soft greige or gray-beige on your walls gives an instant lift. Benjamin Moore’s Abalone, November Rain, or Old Prairie are great choices to check out (www.benjaminmoore.com). Below is a sample of the Greige color

Interior Color Trends 2009 - Compliment Color with Nuetral Accessories

If you have a color you love on the wall already, then consider adding a solid silk or linen drapery side panel to your windows in a soft gray tone. Drapes should be hung as high as you can go, and then cascade to the floor, ending with a gentle break. It will make your ceilings look taller and your room appear larger.

Replace old tarnished fixtures with a brushed nickel or pewter finish to add in the metallic element. Throw in a little crystal to add some sparkle. Visual Comfort Lighting offers chandeliers and sconces in these finishes that will add a modern pop to any room, and I especially love the simplicity shown in the collection by Thomas O’Brien. Mix up the shades on your lighting – light colored shades where you really need the light, but then throw in black or a colored shade to make a statement.

Home Decorating Trends 2009 - Accessorize with Silver

Using silver in your accessorizing is the other easy way to update with gray. Mercury glass vases, gazing balls, or a collection of finials adds a reflective element to a dark corner. Mirrored surfaces on trays or accent pieces provide instant light and brightness. Be sure to select silver pieces that lend themselves more gray to avoid creating a harsh look.

I think embracing the new gray shades will be a good thing for many years to come. Call it what you will – mushroom, taupe, dolphin. The color adds an instant update and will enhance soft and bright colors alike.

2009 Home Decorating Trend

Interior Colors

Purples, soft blues, metallics, golden greens, grays, yellows…these are the interior colors you will see throughout 2009 in home decorating. Vibrant colors with lots of pop and sizzle will be tempered with neutrals to make them grounded and livable, creating a youthful, yet sophisticated style. However, the old solid + floral + striped fabric equation is being set to the side, replaced by unexpected new mixes. Throw in some fur – faux or real, shearling, burnished metallic leathers, eco-friendly vinyls, textural linens, and some heavy distressed wood…and well, you’ve created quite a conversation. There is a lot of look mentioned here, but making nod to one or two of the trends may be all you need to spunk up your room’s look.

Home Decoration Trends 2009: Fabrics

Fur seems to be one of the big decoration trends for 2009, and has reached a fervor pitch. There is a plethora of pillows, throws, bedding, seat cushions, fabrics and rugs being offered in both fake and real fur. Leaving the hair on the hide is a popular trend in leather furnishings that shows both texture and color variances. Most of the faux furs are created from a blend of polyester, Modacrylic, and acrylic fibers that feel very luxurious, and are just as lovely as the real thing. Visit www.eco-luxuryfur.com to see throws and pillows made from a New Zealand paihama. They tout that the fur is sourced from humanely killed animals that are considered pests since they have populated so rapidly.

Home Decorating Trends 2009: Purple Is Rising

Home decorating trends do tend to take a page from the fashion world, and 2009 decorating trends continue to follow it by incorporating the energetic colors. Orange as well as shades of Coral are big on the spring runway as well as enjoying resurgence in home fashion this year. Perhaps the biggest surprise is the rising strength of purple being used in interiors. It had a strong hold in 2008 fall fashion, which is being carried over into the new year in various shades. Combined with grays or neutrals, it has a sophisticated, calming effect. It can be viewed as feminine and light in its lavender shades, or strong and masculine when mixed with brown.

Home Decorating Trends 2009: Accessorize With Metallics

Throw a little (or a lot) of metallic in with any color, texture, or style, and you have hit upon the biggest trend of 2009 in home decorating. Once considered to be a “luxury” material, metallics have now been transformed to be made available in a myriad of finishes. We will see them in wall and furniture finishes, leathers and vinyls, fabrics, lighting, etc. Metallics are adding a nice bridge to the dull abundance of neutrals by adding a bit of sparkle and luxe.

If there is a trendy “must-have” of 2009, then consider fur or some sort of metallic to be your item. Both will add punch to any setting, modern or traditional, and give you an immediate conversation piece.

Top 10 Decorating Trends for 2009

Taking more risk with interior colors

– more color in richer tones, larger scaled art, mixing materials – none of these are new ideas, but with all the design shows and magazines out there it helps a person visualize better. I love to bring in unusual decor to make a statement in a room.

Choose unusual decor

Mirrored chest of drawers, metallic fabrics, painted pieces – could be a lamp, accessories, or a coffee table for example. Something that calls attention to itself in a room as a conversation piece.

Mixing up modern and traditional

Using rich varieties of textures in fabrics. Mixing wood grains, painted finishes, metal finishes. Use of line and texture on furniture – pleating, button tufting, etc. Metal or glass tile combined with ceramic. We have broken free of all things having to match.

Interior color trends 2009

chocolate, tobacco, taupe – with apple green shades.

Interior color trends 2009

Red – not in its true form. Rich brown-reds or deep purples paired with intense earthy tones of brown, green, or gold.

Home decor trends 2009

Materials such as bamboo, grasses, subtle organic patterns of plants or water themes, cooler restful use of greens, blues, lavenders. Use of colored glass as an accent.

Painting walls a color

not just beige or off white. Knowing that you can always repaint.

Home decor trends 2009

Use of metal and metallics - in decorating accessories, lighting, accent tables and fabrics, tiles.

Interior design trends 2009

Straighter lines in furniture – squared off arms, refined minimal legs on upholstery and tables. Straight, minimal designs on tables but playing up exotic wood grains. Simple lines in furnishings allow things like art or rugs to be played up.

Interior design trends 2009

Better use of proportions in a room – playing up architectural features, varying heights of lamps, key furniture pieces. Drawing attention to ceiling height through the better use of window treatments.

2009 Color Trends

The color is a warm, engaging yellow of 2009 color trends. The color was deemed perfect for this year of change - hopeful optimism that the economic and political atmosphere will clear and provide up most reassurance.The color yellow exemplifies the warmth and nurturing quality of the sun, properties we as humans are naturally drawn to for reassurance,”

Interior Color Trends 2009: The Other Hot Colors

Watery shades of teal will continue to be a presence with the 2009 colors. Think of the tropical waters in the Caribbean and the charismatic mix of teal greens and blues. Teal is a color that rebounds under a different name every few years, but it appears it will be around for a while longer. The combination with brown continues to be very chic, but with the brown becoming more caramel toned.

Interior color trends 2009 - Vivid and Vibrant Rule

Shades of purple and red will boldly stomp into living areas as a go-to color. The meek will tone them down to secondary hues combined with earth tones or taupe-grays, for a softer sophisticated look. However, don’t be shocked to see entire rooms painted in a deeper version – the color hugs the area and creates warm, inviting environment. Vivid pinks will be for the ultra trendy, but you will see touches of it worm into traditional interiors. Pink is another optimistic tone that compares to the first flowers of spring, or looking through your rose colored glasses.

Interior Color Trends 2009 - Greige, Neutrals and Grays

Clean gray greens round out the new color trends with their subtle, subdued palette. With all this optimistic thinking, this trend gives life and lightness to a room. Paired with neutrals it is hardly somber as pops of color will be added as accents – consider navy blue, rich purple, or a crisp black for accessories.

Consumers are really looking for ways to freshen up what they already have, rather than full re-do of their rooms. If you have a room with neutral basics – a brown sofa or sage green chairs per se, then adding throws, pillows, or a grouping of accent vases in one of the new color trends is an inexpensive and easy fix.

Ten Colorful Ways to Decorate Your Home without Paint

Decorating Style | How to Decorate Without Painting

If you have ever lived in an apartment, dorm room or other space where painting the walls was strictly a no-no, you understand how hard it can be to come up with creative ways to inject warmth and personality into the room. Decorating without paint can be a challenge. Plain white or basic beige walls feel cold and sterile, and not particularly inviting. You want your home to reflect your personality and plain vanilla just isn’t your style. Don’t let the no-paint rule leave your home colorless. Here’s ten great ways to add color, charm and your own decorating style to your home without painting the walls and breaking the rules.

Removable Wall Graphics

These are fantastic! Your imagination

is about the only limitation you’ll bump into when you create your personalized decorating style with removable wall graphics. They’re easy to apply and easy to remove. No matter what you’re taste or style, you’ll find wall graphics that seemed custom made for you. In fact, you can have them custom made, if you like, and create your own design featuring family members or other treasures. Make an entire wall appear intricately painted, create the look of a hand painted mural or just send a message to your guests. Something else awesome about these graphics is that you can use them other places besides walls. Spruce up the kitchen cabinets or make a coordinating lampshade simply by adding removable wall graphics. Whether your taste runs to country, contemporary, classic or Zen, you’ll find the perfect way to enhance your style. Use graphics to accent architectural features or they are super for kids’ rooms. They’re even available as blackboards.

Removable Wall Hooks

Renters and others who can’t paint need to become well acquainted with removable wall hooks. They go on easy and come off without leaving a mark. Use them to hang mirrors and pictures or in the bedroom or bath to hold robes and towels. Use more than one hook for heavier items. These are great for any home. You don’t make any holes to patch and they do not damage the walls. Find removable wall hooks at most home or hardware stores.

Add Vibrant Colors

If you are stuck with white walls, use it to your advantage. Make white a part of your color scheme and use strong, vibrant colors to contrast with it. Black, white and red makes a sharp contemporary statement or use gingham blue and yellow for a country theme. Or how about bright neons or exotic tropicals? Use slipcovers and throw pillows, curtains and accessories to bring in lots of your favorite shades.

Add Wall Art

Use art to express yourself. Framed prints and paintings always add a finished look to any room. The art you love and display expresses volumes about your personality. Don’t be afraid to add some large pieces of wall art on big, blank walls. If you feel creative, you can even make your own. You can find lots of budget friendly ways to hang up some style.

Floating Wall Shelves

Use floating wall shelves or bookcases to add vertical appeal to your walls. Not only do floating shelves add visual interest, they also provide extra storage space, which is always at a premium. You can use floating wall shelves for books, of course, but they’re also a great place to keep your colorful glassware or favorite candlesticks.

Bring Nature Inside

If you can’t bring color in with paint, do it the natural way. Houseplants are a great way to add color to a room and living greenery helps to remove toxins from the air. Fresh flowers always add a festive touch to a room, too. Of course, plants do require some care, so if you don’t have a green thumb, you may want to substituted dried or silk faux foliage.

Add Flair with Folding Screens

Folding screens are another item that can serve double duty. They bring visual interest to the room, but can also camouflage items you’d rather not have on public display. Most of us think of an Asian design when we imaging a folding screen and there are many beautiful Oriental screens available, but they are certainly not limited to that style. There are screens offered today that will enhance any décor.

Paper Your Walls with Fabric

This extremely versatile project will allow you to customize your room perfectly. It may sound difficult at first, but in reality, it is fairly simple. There’s no sewing involved! You can find the how-to directions at http://www.rentaldecorating.com/quick_fix_fabric_on_walls.htm. Imagine walking through a giant fabric store where you can choose any print you like. That’s how many options you have to choose from with this project. It is best not to select fabrics that are extra heavy or especially slippery, though. Other than that, pick any fabric that pleases you. Make sure to pick up enough for coordinating accessories as well. If you have even the most basic sewing skills, you can whip up throw pillows, simple curtains or other charming trimmings.

Show off your Collections

If you have a collection of colorful plates or favorite family photographs, don’t tuck them away, hang them on your wall. Baskets are lightweight, come in a variety of colors and textures and are great places to stash things. Why not hang your favorites up? Hang unique items like an assortment of vintage hats or handbags to give your guests something interesting to look at. It’s a guaranteed conversation starter.

Lighting Style

Lighting plays a major part in setting the mood in a room. Try putting colored bulbs in track lighting or art lights and shine them directly on the wall. They’ll add a gentle glow of color. And don’t forget, you can add new globes to old lighting fixtures to give them a spark of personality. Just be sure to save the old globes so you can replace them when you move.

Decoration Trends

Decoration and design trends and themes keep changing with times, as do the facilities and appliances one uses in the home. It plays quiet an important role in almost all of the decorating decisions. The three most talked about and basic decoration trends are:

• Country or rustic look;
• Casual or contemporary décor; and
• Traditional and classic look.

While most prefer to decorate their homes in contemporary style, traditional styles bring back nostalgic memories to many. There are some others who feel that country and rustic style home put us closer to nature. All the other themes are considered secondary in nature and are developed on one of these themes as the foundation. Such as country style is said to provide the base for Country French or Mission-style home decoration. We can see that in some regions, one style dominated others while in another region, some other style or trend may have the upper hand.

The decoration style preferred by a person usually depends on individual taste, age and color combinations. Casual home décor is usually guided by home decorating magazines and may range from black plastic to chrome and glass combinations. These days, people are going for clean, simple and minimalist décor with occasional geometric patterns. Colors most preferred these days beige, white and gray with light wood furniture and accessories such as those made from natural maple to match.

The traditional style of course uses rich and ornate designs that reflect grandeur and opulence and deep and dark colors with jewel tones such as emerald green, burgundy and navy blue. The details are often in polished brass and gold work while woodwork is generally of cherry wood and has dark stains. Leather furniture is also common in such décor.

The country style keeps changing too. While plaids, fruity and birdy patterns have long gone out of style; baby boomers love to be 'cool and trendy'. Bright color combinations are quite common with ample use of lime green, bright blue and red that are muted down using the soft pastels and earthy tones here and there. Sturdy, overstuffed, nostalgic furniture is a common sight in this style with an antique look enhanced by crackled or distressed paint finish. They are meant to be very very comfortable, warm and cozy.

While decorating homes in a particular style, you do not only pay attention to family rooms, kitchens or dining areas only but also extend it to the master and guest bathrooms and powder rooms for the complete effect. Chrome and brushed nickel are the most popular bath accessory finishes closely followed by oil-rubbed bronze and wrought iron looks. These bath accessories can also be categorized under the heads of country, casual or contemporary, and classic or traditional. New trends include 'retro-style' designs and wood finishes such as that of maple and oak along with constant influx of new simple, creative and innovative designs such as open towel ring or stylish glass shelf that add new dimension to bath décor and complement the overall bath designs.

There are faucets and showerheads that should be chosen according to the decoration style that you choose and accessories should match the finish of faucets. Use traditional accessories in non-traditional ways such as placing small votive candles in existing soap tumbler holders for a soft glow or tall tapers in a large bath to add the dramatic and romantic touch. Decorative shelves can be used to place fresh flowers or family photos for that special touch. You may also add color and texture to the bath by using towels and napkins of all sizes to match your chosen decoration style without having to spend big bucks for enhancing the character of your home.