ReLOOK: What's new for 2010

Don't panic, if you have recently redecorated your rooms using beige and accents of violet. They will be around for a while. However, this year there are some new trends coming to the surface. Here's a snapshot!

Styles
Just page through some of the rooms presented in the IKEA or Pottery Barn catalog and you will have a pretty good idea of what experts have forecasted for 2010. These trends circle around African patterned textiles paired with modular furniture, a vintage feel using flea market finds and distressed leather and a 60's revival with bright floral colors balance out by metallics or pure white.

Be on the look out for:

Tribal prints on curtains and cushions
Vintage tables and lamps
Antique rugs and furniture
Simple sofas and chairs with clean lines
Oversized floor cushions in bold colors or funky patterns
Brightly colored sofas complimented by neutral colored throw pillows

Colors
Earth tones! I'll say it again...neutral colors derived from minerals, dirt and plants such as beiges, browns, rusts and greens.
Sherwin-Williams forecasts color palettes from Aboriginal and Native American cultures, as well as from the Bauhaus style of architecture. Mixing earth tones and global tones, which tend to be vibrant and bold will make for a complimentary palette. Expect to see browns, greens and other neutrals in combination with pinks, blues and yellows or purples.

The upstart colors for 2010 are yellow and green. Yellow can be used in the kitchen to stimulate digestion, but be careful not to overdo it. Green is perfect for use in the bedroom to create a calm and soothing haven. I also see the emergence of blue in all rooms in the home, especially in soft furnishings such as cushions, curtains and bedding. Purple will again be in the 2010 color palette, rich plums and vibrant violets are popping up in fabrics, flooring and even kitchens cupboards to create a stunning and unique statement.

The new awareness
All forecasts point yet again towards "going green" and sustainable products. There is an increasing desire to get back to basics with durable, high quality interior furnishings old and new. Gone are the days of the so called "disposable" flat pack furniture. People are shopping smarter, replacing their furniture less and demanding quality from manufacturers. Waste and obsolescence are no longer just accepted without question. 2010's emerging vintage look is directly related to this shift towards using furniture and accessories that stand the test of time. Flea markets and antique shops are packed while furniture store showrooms remain for the most part void of shoppers. German interior designer Annetta Palmisano states: "The desire for sustainability continues to be important and will remain so in the future. This is not a trend, but more of a new awareness, a measure of value and duty towards the planet that falls to all manufacturers, buyers and consumers. No one can shut their eyes to this issue if they are trying to look to the future."