exploring green interiors - 2010 Interior Design Trends?

2010 Interior Design Trends? 2010 Design Guides!  It’s funny how life comes together, seeds are planted, and ideas form. In the last month I have been asked three times to speak or write about 2010 Interior Design trends. Three times, I scoffed at the idea (although I do get excited about what is new in the market).

My first thought each time was trends make Interior Design seem impulsive and transitional. However, the question did cause me to pause and think: “What is important to Beth Haley Design in-home design as we enter 2010? How does it relate to sustainability? How can we best select new products, make changes?” Worded that way, I had fun with the question. Here is what came to mind:
First and foremost: Smart Design, thoughtful and personal design, purposeful design. Design with longevity, quality, diversity in function, practicality with style. Sounds good, right? What does it all mean? Let me explain.
1. Aging-in-place, aging-in-home. How will choices today affect lifestyles tomorrow? How can you plan for the future? In planning for current changes in lifestyles, plan for what is to come. Planning forward saves money, time, and materials. Plan before future changes sneak up on you and your income or physical abilities are altered.  Pre-planning keeps rash decisions at bay and allows time for thoughtful, beautiful design.
2. Make decisions/selections that lower environmental impact. Select products that conserve natural resources and/or have a low impact on  
the environment. Remember to recycle, reuse, and repurpose.
3. Quality over quantity. Purchase products with lasting value. Cheap does not translate to best value.
4. Know yourself. Purchase only those things you love and that are comfortable. If you love it, you will take care of it and are less likely to discard or replace it quickly.
5. Purchase items that can move with you. In this current economic climate, people are often choosing to stay in their homes longer while planning to move in the near future. For current needs, purchase pieces that can move to your next home; e.g.: bookcases, storage pieces, and seating. Don’t wait to solve your needs, be smart about your purchases.
6. Create gathering spaces and tranquil retreats within your home.  Homes can support healing, inspiration, rest, nurturing, playing, and quality time with others. Be intentional about creating spaces for these opportunities.
7. Color creates moods and feelings within spaces. Know how you want your space to feel, know how color affects you. Be intentional about color selection. Color can set the tone for you and others within a space. Surround your home with colors you and your family love.
8. Become a mix master! Mix textures, materials, and age whether selecting building materials or furnishings. Think creatively when coordinating finishes—be resourceful!
9. Create good bases. Build your furnishings from good solid quality and family friendly neutrals. Use accessories, pillows, rugs, and art to give personality to a space. These items are easy to move from space to space to create new looks.
10. Purchase original artwork. Notice I did not necessarily say invest. Feel free to mix pedigrees but stay original. Originality makes all the difference in the look of a space and typically has a lasting quality.
11. Window treatments—the icing on the cake. Nothing finishes a room like window treatments. They work a double function: to add beauty while helping with energy savings and/or correcting an unusual or awkward room.
12. Above all—stay simple. Simple is easy to maintain and easy on the eye. Both attributes we can all use in our busy lives!

Enjoy your home in 2010! Make it personal, be smart, design smart, live well! Share your space with others and find time and space to rejuvenate. From all of us at Beth Haley Design, we hope these guides give you direction towards reaching your spatial goals. We wish you and your family the most from your home!
—By Beth Haley of Beth Haley Design

Editor’s Note: Beth Haley Design, an urban interior design firm, assists clients with all phases of renovation, remodeling, new construction, and décor. Haley has won awards from the Tennessee Chapter ASID (American Society of Interior Designers). She is a member of ASID, HGTV Designers Portfolio, Home Builders Association Remodelers Council, National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), and the USGBC. E-mail your questions to her at ngregg@ ngregg.com or visit http://www.bethhaleydesign.com.