Forget 2009. Designs this year did step up a notch from the previous year. However, compared to our home décor predictions for 2010, people are going to be forgetting designs that redefined 2009 as soon as that clock hits midnight.

Expect the Unexpected
Who ever said things had to match? In this décor trend report for 2010, matching is definitely out and bringing contrast into the home is what’s in. “I think the biggest trend is harsh contrast colours,” says Alicia Sass, designer for Carey Mudford Interior Design (CMID). For 2010, there will be a lot of mixing punchy colours like an electric blue and flaming red with pastel shades or very dark tones, and complementing them with neutral shades. If you have a neutral tone and don’t want to paint your whole space, choosing a wall and repainting it with a punch of colour is a fabulously chic alternative. Sass recommends freshening up the rest of the décor by introducing colour through accessories, bedding or rugs, like a yellow pillow or purple vase, which is stylish and elegant. 

2010 is also bringing on the bold and large graphic patterns in fabrics, and wallpaper – yes, wallpaper – is making a huge comeback. This style is dramatic by playing up the shimmer, metallics, and what Sass says is even the biggest trend at the moment, black and white. She says black accent walls with a plain white or patterned drapery and furniture is a huge trend running right through 2010. Trend is showing us how their “Glorious.” The soft geometric pattern and glimmer of woven gold add that extra oomph to the room. 
wallpaperintrend.com

Something Old and Something New
The New Year is also all about contrasting contemporary and vintage designs. Emphasizing the universal design in the kitchen is what’s happening in 2010. “Stainless steel appliances are everywhere now,” said Sass. There is no longer a trend to cover them up with custom-made panels. Simple stainless steel appliances and fixtures are being made easy to handle for those of us with physical limitations, or just lazy folk. Delta Faucet has made this possible with their Pilar ToucH20 ($549.55). It’s a faucet, coordinating with any décor design, that has a full-arc spout with no knobs because it’s touch-operated.
deltafaucet.com

In the kitchen and living room look for Plexiglass, solid chairs and exposed metal. While accepting these modern home décor trends, you can still stay true to your classic style in 2010 by incorporating vintage pieces that will compliment the new designs. “One thing that Canadians should have in their home is something reclaimed,” says Sass. “In the living room look for reclaimed coffee tables and end tables along with big chunky lamps and frames.” The vintage item contrasts with the new pieces but also looks great mixed with anything in the home. Sass also says that we should be looking for fur in the bedrooms. Big cushy carpets and pillows, which gives the room dimension, are in. •