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Design Trends
A Perfect Marriage of Contemporary and Traditional Styles
(ARA) - Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. The
hallmarks of a memorable wedding, these are also the cornerstones of next year's
home decorating trends.
"As Americans continue to focus more on spending quality time at home, how their
houses look and feel will become increasingly important," notes Todd Imholte,
president of Environmental Graphics (EGI), an industry leader in the production
of decorative wall murals. This "cocooning" lifestyle will be clearly evinced in
warm colour palettes, nostalgic accessories, and classical textures.
"Next year's colour palette is already happening," says Gwendolyn Lewis
Huddleston, academic director of design at The Art Institute of California - San
Francisco. "One of the hottest colours, literally, is 'golden yellow,' which
nicely complements the equally popular jewel-toned purples, blues and greens."
Americana-inspired dark reds and blues will remain popular as well.
"Neutrals are out," echoes Lou Manfredini, a home improvement/do-it-yourself
expert and Ace Hardware's new "Helpful Hardware Man." The new-and-improved
harvest golds, terracottas and avocados create homes that are not only pleasant
to be in, but also offer tremendous flexibility in terms of accessories,
wallpaper and carpeting. The key is to use the warm colours as a background in
which to showcase the rest of your house." Manfredini also recommends
"decorating like nature" by using darker colours on lower parts of the house
(the trees), then going lighter as the eye moves up (the sky). The contrast
between vibrant walls and white ceilings can be both dramatic and soothing.
But decorating your home in warm, feel-good colours is just the first step. The
next is to truly make them your own by incorporating family pieces that evoke
fond memories of the past. "Antiques, heirlooms, photos and items we treasure
are greatly influencing our home décor," explains Sharon Hanby-Robie, interior
designer, author of the "My Name Isn't Martha" book series and spokesperson for
the Wallpaper Council. "Laying Grandma's old piano scarf across the back of our
sofa, for example, helps keep loved ones part of our everyday lives. It also
gives us a much-needed sense of belonging."
Frank Ponterio, of Ponterio Interior Design in Lake Forest, Ill., also sees a
trend toward classicism and the traditional, with physical texture like crewel,
visual texture like warm plaid, and colour that leans toward oxblood, chocolate
and tan. And according to Hanby-Robie, patterns will play an important role as
we decorate our homes "to stay, rather than resell." Florals, botanicals,
tropicals, paisleys, damasks and classic stripes will be particularly visible in
wall coverings, upholstery, area rugs and murals.
The fact that murals remain popular comes as no surprise to EGI's Imholte. "Like
a soothing colour palette or comforting knickknacks, our wall murals give a room
that warm, personal touch while, at the same time, reflecting a very
contemporary style," says Imholte. "The murals are affordable and easy to
install, and work equally well in a living room, family room, child's room or
office."
Environmental Graphics' eight-panel, 8-foot tall by 13-foot wide murals are
available in 21 nature- and sports-themed styles. Popular designs include
Lighthouse Cove, Desert in Bloom and River Portage, as well as the company's
newest addition, Dolphins Paradise, that recently won the 2001 ADEX Award for
Wallcovering Design.
For a full-colour brochure that includes wall mural designs and local dealer
information, call toll-free (800) 328-3869. To purchase wall murals, visit your
local Lowe's, Sherwin Williams or Home Depot store.
Internet users can visit Environmental Graphics' Web site at
www.primoproducts.com to preview all 21 murals, receive installation tips and
learn more about the company.
Courtesy of ARA Content |
