by Maria Cortes Gonzalez – Sun-News (from banderasnews.com)
The arrival of 2008 means it’s time to take a look at what’s new and what’s old. Aside from following fashion trends, homeowners may not want to get caught with outdated colors in the walls and wallpaper of their homes.
Of course, don’t be surprised to find that some trends — such as wallpaper that pays tribute to a vintage style — seem retro. Just the same, home industry insiders say that homeowners should expect to see more “green” in 2008, as in more interest in being environment-friendly.
Here’s a quick look at some of the trends that will be ringing in this year, according to national and local experts.
Aside from being a popular term for environmentally friendly
green will continue to be a popular wall color in 2008, experts say.
Eco-friendly
With energy prices being a concern, more homeowners are thinking about making “green” choices to save money.
Home Depot officials, for example, report that more homeowners made decisions to choose appliances that were energy efficient. The chain saw a 30-percent increase in sales of Energy Star appliances in 2006.
Choosing energy-efficient appliances is a win-win situation in many ways, experts say.
Homeowners may save hundreds of dollars in utility bills and conserve natural resources. Some banks, like JP Morgan Chase and Citigroup also are offering “energy-efficient” mortgages for homeowners doing green renovations.
Flooring solutions
“Tile seems to be getting bigger, as far as size,” said Barbara Malooly, a sales manager at Malooly’s Flooring Company, 765 N. Valley Dr.
“And people are using more natural stone, such as travertine and slate. They’re doing a lot of different designs on walls, pebbles and glass tiles, even metals.”
Malooly said people are using the natural stone in showers, even tiling entire walls in bathrooms, “to give it a spa look.”
Another trend is tiling arched ceilings in a hallway for a Tuscan look.
Because more and more tile is being made in China, Malooly said, tile prices are coming down making them competitive with Mexican tile prices.
Wood flooring will continue to be among the most popular flooring choices this year, said Lupe Villalva, co-owner of Floor Solutions in El Paso.
“Even though laminates are becoming better every year, there is better pricing on wood. So it’s more affordable,” she said.
Villalva said the darker woods are more appealing than lighter tones.
Something exciting to look forward to is a tile that has a pebbled look and feel to it, experts said.
“You can use it inside or outside. It gives a spa feel and the sheets of tile come with pebbles in different colors,” she said. “The texture is really cool.”
Designers say homeowners will be mixing vintage-looking
pieces with new pieces in their interiors.
Color scheme
Homeowners have been hearing the word “green,” in reference to more interest in being environment friendly. And so, it should surprise few that green will be a popular wall color in 2008.
Martha Medrano, an interior designer at Charlotte’s in El Paso, said homeowners will be interested in green, whether it’s in wall color or upholstery and other furnishings.
Plus, green appeals to all age groups, she said.
“Chartreuse is real popular with teen-agers, lime green with the younger set. And dark greens are great for reading rooms, master bedrooms and bathrooms,” she said.
Medrano said the greens evoke a soothing, homey feeling.
Mix and match
If you’ve been caught up in making sure everything blends together, it’s time to mix it up in 2008.
Davis Remignanti, lead design consultant at furniture.com says homeowners will be bringing some vintage into their lives.
“Vintage pieces bring a unique energy to a room’s decor. Sometimes it can be hard to tell which pieces are old and which are new,” he said in a statement.
When it comes to designing furniture, manufacturers also will be returning to smaller pieces instead of oversized furniture.
Another trend will be a revival of Baroque-style furniture and various technique including carving and decorative finishes.
Remignanti reminds homeowners that when it comes to designing a room, functionality is important.
“However well put together a room may be, it’s meant to be used. If a room isn’t comfortable and inviting for those inside it, it’s a design failure, no matter how stylish it may be,” he said.
More Americans will be purchasing energy-saving appliances such as this front-loading dryer.
This style can save as much as $110 on utility bills, Home Depot experts say.
Backyards with bling
For several years, homeowners have been putting money into their backyards, creating unique retreats with amenities including outdoor kitchens and spas.
In 2008, homeowners will continue their passion for the outdoors, said Ann Mack, a trend spotter.
Basic pools will be transformed into tropical oases and outdoor kitchens will rival their indoor counterparts.
Las Cruces Sun-News features editor Richard Coltharp contributed to this article.
Maria Cortés González writes for the El Paso Times, a member of the Texas-New Mexico Newspapers Partnership. She can be reached at mcortes(at)elpasotimes.com.