Top trends for 2008

NeoClassical Lamp by Niermann Weeks

Canadian House and Home profiles their 'Top Trends' for interiors for 2008 in their January issue. Let's see what the New Year Brings! I will be heading to interior furnishings and decor market in January, it will be fascinating to see the new directions!

Forest - Outdoorsy graphic influences, filled with tree and tree influences (birch) , birds (owl's) and other woodsy aesthetics such as mushrooms. Look for faux (and real) branch furnishings, lighting, and nature influence in art and accessories, and prints in fabrics, and wallcoverings. Whimsy!

Canvas Art Panels

MOMA Owl Lamps

Birch Wool Rug

Jewel Box - Gemstone color influence as an accent, with hues such as emerald, ruby and sapphire. Rich textures such as velvet, satin and shantung, and finishes such as gold leaf or etching. Use as an accent or in a small space.

Casino - Hit the Vegas strip with mod 70's prints, gold and glossy surfaces, graphic wall papers and animal prints (leopard, baby!).

Granny Chic - Modern yet reminiscent, the new look takes the classics and gives them a twist, be it color, texture, or print. Vibrant candy colors and modern handicrafts define this look.

Modern Baby - trend toward sophisticated and functional (thank goodness, finally!) design in all things baby related, as in Kate Spade baby plates, clean lines and great color. (orange is the new pink and baby blue).

Fair Trade - Social responsibility hits our living room, fair trade sourced product or recycled items transformed into design with conscience.

Bamboo Fiber Rug

Neo Classical Now - Greek and Roman classic lines are updated with fun colors such as bright yellow and turquoise and unexpected materials. Design elements include egg and dart and the classic Greek fret.

Root Vegetable - We called this early, but House and Home adds beet red and carrot orange to the palette.

Global Textiles - Kilim returns, but add mola, patchwork, hand wovens and embroidered pieces for a world bazaar of fabrics in upholstery, pillows, rugs, linens and accent pieces. Once again used as an accent, don't over do it.

Hot and Cold - Warm metallics such as bronze and matte golds mix with cooler hues like lavender, while cool silver tones are mixed with warmer corals. Metals can also be mixed together.

The Design Minds at Hearth and Home Blog is geared to support design center staff and the new construction industry in selling options and upgrades to the new home consumer. Subscribe for updates. Contact Krisann Parker-Brown for merchandising or marketing support of your design center. She will be happy to work with you on your assortment and presentation to ensure you are on track for the upcoming decor trends.

Krisann Parker-Brown is the merchandising manager for Hearth and Home Technologies, the leading manufacturer and retailer of fireplaces and hearth systems. Krisann supports design centers and new construction builders in presenting Heat & Glo, Heatilator and Quadra-Fire hearth systems, and consulting on design center merchandising, point of sale and the consumer experience. Contact her at brownkr@hearthnhome.com or 952-985-6537