| Pamela Smith, one of the top experts in the quickly | | | | sky blues, golden yellows and other nature-inspired |
| rising field of interior redesign, discusses having the | | | | colors that will add warmth to your interior décor. |
| proper perspective on trends: | | | | Look for artwork that pairs the earth-inspired colors |
| "Are trends merely a designer's opinion of what's in | | | | with a darker natural touch; artwork that features soft |
| fashion, or are they important style markers that add | | | | subtle colors accented with dark, woodsy and metallic |
| continuity to our lives? When asking for a definition of | | | | looking frames. |
| the word "trend," my guess is most would say it | | | | Contrasting Colors Look for colors that complement |
| means transitory - like lava lamps and shag carpeting. | | | | each other in a distinct way. Be careful though not to |
| However, I imagine trends as sturdier stuff, based on | | | | go overboard with too many colors that would distract |
| finding beautiful and appropriate core-enhancers for a | | | | more than attract. A delicate balance provides a |
| home. Your home shouldn't be all about changing | | | | striking appearance. Softer hues of white and ivory |
| styles for change's sake. Trends are about adding in | | | | contrasted with rich tones and bright accents. Think |
| fresh pieces that solidify the layers around the core. | | | | soft colors with timely bursts of flare; Asian influences |
| "Updating your home with stylish, new furnishings has | | | | will permeate the color combinations throwing in bright |
| never been easier. There is such a wide array of | | | | reds, oranges and yellows amongst the darker, softer |
| styles available you're sure to find several to suit your | | | | and muted colors. Look for art trends to find a |
| home's décor. Whether you prefer | | | | successful balance of both worlds: soft with hints of |
| ultra-sophisticated, nature-inspired, Zen influence, or | | | | bold. |
| country cozy, each of these styles shows up as a | | | | Texture The ability to feel what you see is an |
| trend in 2008. It's an effortless way to redesign." | | | | important trend for interior décors in 2008. Mixing |
| Top Five Interior Decorating and Art Trends for 2008 | | | | textures enhances the visual impact and adds a sense |
| Decorating your home is easier once you have | | | | of completeness to other popular interior decorating |
| decided on your art decorating style. This year's hot | | | | trends for 2008. Think contrasting natural colors and |
| trends in interior decorating and design feature natural | | | | textures in a way that adds luxury in a very dramatic |
| elegance coupled with striking statements. Art and wall | | | | way. Mixing traditional, ornate frames with |
| décor are major factors in 2008 and their | | | | contemporary and modern art trends is also an |
| successful use really sets the tone and standard for | | | | excellent way to enhance the harmonizing textured |
| the rest of a room. Follow these decorating tips to set | | | | appearance. Look for wrapped or framed canvas |
| your interior wall décor apart from the rest. You will | | | | artwork that enhances not only your walls but also |
| notice trends that pair contrasting elements, colors and | | | | your entire interior décor. |
| styles together in a way that creates a harmonious | | | | Simple and Sophisticated Veer away from gaudy and |
| and peaceful experience. | | | | overdone. Luxury no longer means more but rather |
| With the Olympics being held in China this year, look | | | | simple and concise. 2008 decorating styles feature |
| for global inspirations to influence several decorating | | | | simple statements that enhance the feeling of |
| trends in 2008 including prevalent uses of Eastern, | | | | tranquility. Creating a harmonious atmosphere that |
| Asian and Moroccan styles. Zen inspired decoration is | | | | inspires peace is also a very popular trend this year. |
| also prevalent in 2008 to help create a balanced and | | | | Homes and the décor used are becoming so much |
| peaceful interior. Below are the top five interior | | | | more than just a dwelling but should inspire a sense of |
| decorating ideas for 2008 that are sure to help guide | | | | sanctuary. Keep in mind, simplicity is not minimalism. |
| how you think and respond to art. | | | | Think using one word where others would use three; a |
| Natural Inspiration The natural look of wood, metal and | | | | sophistication of style, simple and relaxing, not cluttered |
| other elements found throughout nature is a huge | | | | and chaotic. Look for artwork that calms but is not |
| interior decorating trend for 2008. Look for gentle | | | | lifeless; everything from landscapes to abstracts |
| greens, earthy browns, rustic silvers, brushed coppers, | | | | should gently inspire rather than confusedly complicate. |