Sustainability: Sustainability has become a major factor in consumers’ product selection in all industries. In the home décor arena, items such as Duette® Architella® honeycomb shades, featured at left, from Hunter Douglas feature a patented cell-within-a-cell design that more than doubles the energy efficiency of the window, helping to lower heating and cooling costs when properly installed.
A bonus through 2010, these shades in certain fabrics and styles may now qualify for a federal tax credit for energy-efficient products under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The tax credit is available for 30 percent of the purchase price of most Duette Architella shades, up to a maximum of $1,500 in total when purchased and installed through December 31, 2010, provided the expense meets the tax guidelines.
Daylighting: Enhancing natural light to reduce dependency on electricity to power artificial lighting continues to remain a strong trend this year. Silhouette® window shadings, featured at bottom left, from Hunter Douglas, which diffuse and disperse sunlight across the room, are superior at this. Luminette® Privacy Sheers, similar to Silhouette shadings but on the vertical, and Pirouette® window shadings, featured at bottom right, combining the personality of a classic fabric shade with the look of a hobbled shade, are also excellent options.
Color: “New city brights,” or those that are very saturated and graphic in feel, offer an escapism and are being used to spice up quiet spaces according to color/design consultant Barbara Schirmeister. “Because color is our most affordable pleasure, we are utilizing it to enhance our mood,” she advises. “The new brights allow us to be excessive and indulgent in an acceptable way.” Featured at left, Vignette® Modern Roman Shades from Hunter Douglas in a new fabric called Shantung with the look and texture of fine Chinese silk in the Sun Bronze color and the Traditional 4” contoured fold.
Prints: With the rebirth of the 80’s, “boring florals and timid patterns” are a thing of the past, says interior designer Elaine Griffin. Instead, she notes, geometric prints in bold patterns are in for 2010 and particular patterns such as herringbone, ikats and bargello are especially on-trend. Featured at right, Alustra® Vignette® Modern Roman Shades from Hunter Douglas in one of four luxurious fabric choices in the 6” Traditional® contoured fold in a room with a geometrically patterned rug.
Rugs & Throws: Continuing the trend towards simplicity in 2010, flat woven or dhurrie rugs are taking the place of the ornate shag rugs. “They were marvelous while their comeback lasted,” Griffin says about shag rugs, then quickly adds “Which it didn’t.” Similarly, she offers that throws are taking on a simpler form and are folded in neat verticals and then placed over a chair back, sofa or across the foot of the bed rather than extravagantly draped over furniture.
- Invest in the Best: It’s a fact that consumer purchases are still focused on “investment items” rather than frivolous trinkets and short-lived trends. All Hunter Douglas window fashions are backed by the industry-exclusive Hunter Douglas Lifetime Guarantee. Whether shades, sheers, blinds or shutters, its products provide enduring quality and design that can instill confidence and trust.
- The Unexpected Element: “Matchy-matchy combinations are declining and unexpected pairings are escalating,” notes Schirmeister. “While more emphasis may be placed on certain color families, all colors are necessary for creative interpretation.” Taken beyond the color wheel, this idea can be applied throughout the home including mixing traditional furniture with a contemporary splash or combining dark wood accessories with a lighter counterpart for a not-so-polished look.
- Made in America: Supporting American-made products remains important in 2010. A great way to update a home’s interiors, products such as Hunter Douglas window fashions are designed and custom-assembled in the U.S.
- Fashion Inspiration: As always, fashion trends continue to make their way into home interiors in 2010. As fashion has taken comfort to the next level with slouchy cardigans and boyfriend blazers, the world of interiors will continue to map out trends for a comfortable home.