HOUSING DESIGN TRENDS

AUTHENTIC DESIGN
Cities and smaller towns are creating their own design guidelines, thus forcing the home building industry to seek authentic design styles.

ENTRY STATEMENT
Buyers still desire a nice entry, but not necessarily a ceremonial one. There is an evident trend to eliminate the large entry/foyer/staircase area, partly because of where the garage is now being placed. Buyers are also seeking a second entry — a “friends” entry — in the area between the garage and the living room.

SIZE
The 8,000-square-foot-and-above house is no more. Buyers prefer more detail on a smaller home rather than a larger home with many large rooms.

COURTYARDS
Courtyards are popular because they introduce light into the center of the home and break up the floor plan.

AGE TARGETED COMMUNITIES
Age-targeted communities — usually single-level homes on small lots that require little maintenance — are coming on strong in California.

HIDDEN GARAGES
Alley-loaded homes are becoming more widely accepted, though this is still not a majority preference.

LIVE & WORK
There is more prevalence for live-work units mixed into single-family communities and retail town centers or marketplace areas.

THE HOTTEST DECORATING TRENDS FOR 2007

THEMES

GLOBAL & TRAVEL INSPIRED
From subtle Tuscan finishes on painted furniture, palm trees and tropical motifs on fabrics, to full-blown scenic murals of favorite vacation spots, nearly every room is influenced by thoughts of far-away places.

TROPICAL ISLAND LOOK
Thanks to Jimmy Buffet and Tommy Bahama THE TROPICAL ISLAND look is "timeless and becoming more sophisticated. Textures like woven raffia, linens, leather and sisal are becoming popular," Nature-inspired colors accented with corals, clay tones, deep pinks and reds work perfectly for this look that uses warm, neutral background colors and woven textures.

AMERICAN STYLE
Patriotic Americana motifs and American style.
Country looks will be strong using fresh takes on the familiar red, white and blue.
Denim upholstery paired up with brightly colored braided rugs and painted tables will give a modern look to country casual.
Other American trends include Western, Lodge, and Cabin looks which provide a cozy and secure feeling.

COLOR
The key is contrast.
Colors will be on the pale side but combined with deeper accents.
Deep, rich, chocolate colors will be paired up with icy blue-greens, silvery accents, and deep wood tones.
An abundance of watery, Aegean blues, pale greens, and clear neutrals will continue and all shades of rose, pink, and mauve (yes, mauve!) will begin to reappear in 2004.
According to the Color Marketing Group, rose tones ranging from deep to pale pink and teal will begin to creep back into the marketplace.
Colors to watch for include navy and cobalt blue.

FURNISHINGS
Old European looks done in a casual way.
Countrified versions of French and Italian furnishings in worn and distressed finishes will continue to dominate.

FABRICS
Fabrics will be casual, soft, textured, and generally in a tone-on-tone pattern or a solid color.
Chenille fabric will remain a popular choice for upholstery but lighter and finer in texture than in previous years.
Silk fabrics with rich coloring, iridescence, and embroidery -- and patterned sheer fabrics will be everywhere.

ACCESSORIES
Accessories will take on a streamlined, uncluttered look.

WALLS
The faux-finishing trend of the ‘90s is beginning to give way to a return of pattern on the walls and the use of wallpapers.
Wallpaper borders are on a decline.
Stripes and floral patterns will be reappearing soon on fabrics and walls.
All kinds of garden themes will be seen in the home using shaped topiaries, statuary, fountains and aviary motifs.
Environmental Graphics wall murals featuring nature and sports themes.
(Information Courtesy of ARA )