2007 Design Forecast

Part II - Furniture and Flooring
by Pam Milam

For 2007, furniture designers are putting the spotlight on the rebirth of “new classic” styling after several years of touting contemporary looks. Contemporary is still a force to be reckoned with in home interiors, but the transitional classic looks add a dash of detail and glamour to the picture. Wood furniture finishes will be either deep dark brown tones or au naturel. Gentle curves will be seen on chair backs, table bases, headboards. Upholstered furnishings follow one of two paths – either contemporary streamlined shapes, or the softer, rounder lines of the classics. Nailhead trim and piping are making a comeback.

Leather upholstery continues to be very important for 2007. Leather looks great in a wide variety of furniture styles, from traditional to contemporary and everything in between. It works beautifully in every variation of earth tone colors as well as neutral shades and - a point not to be dismissed- is extremely hard wearing and easy to care for!

Because flooring is such a substantial feature in a house, the type you choose will go a long way in defining the style of your space. And, here as well, the choices and trends for 2007 will give you room for thought….

Wall-to wall carpet seems to be waning in popularity these days, but today’s carpeting is coming in subtle tone-on-tone patterns, in “shaggier” surface types and in deeper neutral colors than before. Sage greens, bronze and khaki tones are most popular today, and show less dirt than our mothers’ very light colors did.

As we use less carpet in our homes, hardwood is fast becoming the flooring surface of choice for many of us. Wood floors are beautiful, easy to clean, will last more than a century and can be refinished when necessary. Most exciting are the wide plank looks in distressed finishes. Laminate flooring is an alternative to hardwood. It is less expensive and is easy to install, but cannot be refinished and sometimes has a hollow sound to it.

Stone flooring surfaces are very popular today. Natural slate tile is especially interesting, both for its texture and its interplay of warm colors. Limestone and tumbled marble are options for a slightly more formal look. One of this year’s newest and most unique flooring choices, and a growing favorite of designers and homeowners alike, is stained, or patinated, concrete. Using an array of acids and chemicals, concrete floors can be colored in a variety of earthy tones. It can be a very artistic process, with swirls and splatters incorporated into the design and scoring and saw cutting can be used for decorative effect.

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Pam Milam is the Owner of Reinvented Rooms, an interior design firm located in Fresno, CA. Reinvented Rooms is California’s only nationally certified interior arrangement and design firm. She can be reached by telephone at 559.435.0850 or by email at pam@reinventedrooms.com. Be sure to sign up to receive her FREE design newsletter, "Rethink.Renew.Reinvent!", filled with decorating tips and expert “tricks of the trade”. You can subscribe via email at pam@reinventedrooms.com or by visiting her firm’s website at http://www.reinventedrooms.com.

2007 Design Forecast

Part IV - Baths
by Pam Milam

The bathroom is undergoing its own modern design renaissance these days. According to industry experts, consumers are demanding the same ambiance and features in our baths at home as we are experiencing and enjoying at luxurious spas and resorts. Creating that spa-like space at home is becoming more and more important to many of us, so we are installing whirlpools and jetted tubs with air-bubble massage functions, chromatherapy (at the touch of a button, a sequence of rays of color, which practitioners believe can have a holistic healing effect on the body, are shone through the water) and other indulgent options. Tub styles are diversifying as well, from the of-the-moment infinity edge look to the classically sophisticated claw foot and pedestal versions.

Those of us who prefer to shower instead of soak have plenty of high-end choices to ponder as well. Luxury shower systems with overhead rain-forest-style shower heads, steam generators, saunas and multiple body-jets create an oasis-like atmosphere. Add in a wall-recessed gas-fired fireplace, heated towel bars, radiant heat flooring, whisper-quiet ventilation, a flat-screen hi-definition TV and decorative lighting and you’ve got your very own five star spa resort right in the comfort of your home.

This pampering spa experience calls for updated design and upscale style in the other elements of the room as well. In 2007, the bathroom vanity is morphing from the utilitarian cabinet of yesterday into a stylish piece of real furniture, with a decorative sink set into its surface or an above counter “vessel” sink - often a piece of art itself in glass or stone – mounted on top. And his-and-hers separate vanity areas are a conveniently functional feature on those busy mornings when two people are rushing to get ready at the same time. Instead of a single piece of plate glass mirror mounted on the wall above the vanity area, a decoratively framed mirror adds a warm touch. Wall sconces provide task lighting with an upscale feeling, while a chandelier or pendant fixture overhead supplies ambiance and style.

Glass tile is emerging this year as a favorite material for the bath. It shimmers, it shines and it can be used on walls, counter surfaces and floors. Homeowners are designing showers with glass tile in ocean colors and mosaic patterns to create a warm, relaxing atmosphere.

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Pam Milam is the Owner of Reinvented Rooms, an interior design firm located in Fresno, CA. Reinvented Rooms is California’s only nationally certified interior arrangement and design firm. She can be reached by telephone at 559.435.0850 or by email at pam@reinventedrooms.com. Be sure to sign up to receive her FREE design newsletter, "Rethink.Renew.Reinvent!", filled with decorating tips and expert “tricks of the trade”. You can subscribe via email at pam@reinventedrooms.com or by visiting her firm’s website at http://www.reinventedrooms.com./

Hot Design Trends for Spring

by Marie Mouradian

When we shop for new clothes, we do not buy what was on the runway in Paris but an adaptation of it. Home fashion trends are influenced by the economy, politics, and world current events. This is my interpretation of the home trends for spring.

Spice it up!
Think the Far East spice trade. Take comfort from warm colors like paprika and nutmeg. The perfect example of this is Holden's best new addition, Sweets and Java. As soon as you walk in you have the warm and inviting feeling with the paprika walls, warm wood floors and lightly distressed Cordovan leather chairs. In addition to the beautiful decor; the coffee is outstanding!

The New Retro
With so many people learning the crafts of past generations; there is a strong desire to incorporate unique creations into our decor. This adds a touch of whimsy to traditional pieces. Balance is the key to mixing traditional design with the unexpected.

The patterns of polka dot and gingham are popular for a fun touch. Scrapbooking and paper craft materials show evidence of our love of simple and colorful patterns.

Back to Nature
The color brown is a great way to make a room cozier. Think back to when you were a child and explored everything nature had to offer as the earth awoke in spring. The rich, deep color of the earth. Tree branches have as many shades and textures as they have leaves. The green of ferns peaking through the soil.

This theme works in conjunction with our desire to use "green" products that are environmentally friendly.

Relaxing Retreat
The combination of grey/green blues and rich brown creates a very relaxing and calming environment. Think of a sanctuary in Jamaica you go to for rest, relaxation and renewal. When you awake from a refreshing nights sleep, you are served a cup of dark roast Blue Mountain coffee. Ahhh! (I'm already on vacation in my mind.)

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Marie Mouradian
WFCP Master
Window Designs Etc.
508-829-5503


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