2010 trends in renovation and decoration

What will be the decorating trends to watch for in the coming months? The New Year heralds new ideas and positive touches that will have an influence not only on the colour palette but also on the choice of lighting and accessories. Spotlight on what’s hot for 2010 in terms of decorating and home improvement.
Paint calculator
Wallpaper calculator
Ceramic calculator
Moulding calculator
Colour it!
Related Projects
Page 1/1
The main trends
Materials and construction
Style and design
The colour palette
In the kitchen
In the bathroom
Specialized rooms
Lighting
Accessories

The main trends

Concern for the environment, economic uncertainty, technology… all these undercurrents shape the way we design and decorate our interiors, in particular the kitchen, the bathroom and specialized rooms.

We'll opt for:
  • Certified and environmentally friendly products. Look for quality doors and windows, which offer optimum energy efficiency. Choose renewable and sustainable materials such as bamboo, cork and concrete.
  • Recovery and recycling. Donate used cabinets, plumbing fixtures and furniture to organizations, and in so doing, help others as well as the planet.
  • Universal design to take us into our golden years. Choose user-friendly equipment, such as sensor faucets, electrical appliances with sliding shelves and drawers, grab bars for the shower, etc.
  • Keeping in touch with the world from every room, for instance by installing a TV in the bathroom or laptop computer in the kitchen.

    • Materials and construction

    The green trend is gaining ground and taking on new forms. Ecological and economical are now the key words.

    We'll opt for:
  • A house that breathes. Energy efficient constructions keep out drafts while allowing air to circulate. Don’t skimp on quality when it comes to ventilation and filtration equipment, and, for a healthier environment, avoid materials that contain additives or pollutants.
  • Home automation to enhance safety and security. Intelligent systems now allow us to control heating, door locks, lighting and alarms directly from a work station or cell phone.
  • Smaller homes. Choose functionality over square footage.
  • Storage. Optimize every square inch to ensure a clean, uncluttered living space.
  • Open-plan homes, especially with a kitchen that opens onto the dining room.
  • Interior design carried through to the outdoors. The back yard becomes a room in its own right, designed with comfort and conviviality in mind.

    • Style and design

    In 2010, everything goes. Contemporary rubs shoulders with rustic; glamour fuses with technology. In short, eclecticism is the order of the day.

    We'll opt for:
  • Glamour and glitz, with crystal chandeliers, oversize headboards, arabesque motifs and luxurious materials. The chic look is popular again this year, especially with dramatic touches.
  • Modern styles, with sleek lines and minimalist decor, uncluttered spaces and materials that reflect and diffuse the light, such as glass and metal.
  • Technology. Look for fridges with integrated flat screens, high-performance low-energy appliances, ultra-ergonomic adjustable beds with MP3 outlets, spas with light therapy functions, etc.

    • The colour palette

    Jovial, vibrant, saturated colours respond to our need for a positive outlook, while neutrals help maintain a sense of stability and calm in a turbulent world.

    We'll opt for:
  • Turquoise. Whether bordering on the blue or the green, turquoise is making a comeback this year. We love this colour because it evokes a sense of well-being, tropical waters and relaxing vacations, while its green tones instil vitality.
  • Grey. Warm, tinged with brown, it creates an urban feel. Metallic, it becomes edgy and contemporary. Team it up with strong, saturated blues, greens, yellows and shades of turquoise.
  • Bright, sunny yellows, but also honey, light-golden and tan hues. Combine these with jewel-like tones of mint green or forest green.
  • Soft, pale floral shades, such as pastels and coral. Match them with deeper tones of brown or fuchsia.
  • Midnight blue, purples, slate greys, paired with pale neutrals such as white and cream.
  • Black and white, in the right doses, for neo-gothic or romantic inspired decors.

    • In the kitchen

    This year, we’ll be making our kitchen a true living space. Entertaining, cooking, working, or simply pottering about and chatting… we’re spending more and more time in the kitchen so we want a design that’s multi-functional and comfortable.

    We'll opt for:
  • Wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling cabinets, which conceal appliances and offer ample storage space, freeing up the counter and island and providing room to move about freely.
  • Drawers: practical and easily accessible for people with reduced mobility. Refrigerated drawers and freezer drawers are gaining in popularity.
  • A “green” kitchen, equipped with low-energy appliances and eco-friendly materials such as wood, stone and metal.
  • Storage. The trend is to cook greater quantities to save both time and money. This year’s kitchens will sport a walk-in pantry, as well as a large freezer and perhaps a second refrigerator. The idea is to be able to store more home-made dishes and preserves.
  • An immense sink, fitted into the counter.

    • In the bathroom

    We want to envelop ourselves in luxury and comfort. Materials traditionally reserved for other rooms, such as wood, glass and metal, are now increasingly making their way into the bathroom. We love anything that helps us create a spa-like feel, away from the daily turmoil.

    We'll opt for:
  • Tiles, including those with a metallic finish, made to look like copper and stainless steel, or those imitating the warmth of hardwood. Want to bring in more light? Choose glass tiles.
  • Wood, to create a spa ambience at home. Decorate with wood furniture and use wood around the platform tub, to frame mirrors, etc.
  • Heated floor systems, for pure comfort underfoot.
  • Stylized mirrors, in unique shapes, or inlayed with other small pieces of mirror.
  • Sophisticated bathtubs with therapeutic jets, light therapy, overflow feature, etc.
  • Large ceramic-tiled shower, open or with glass walls. For the ultimate relaxation experience, install specialized shower heads and a vertical jet system.
  • Large sink or basin, paired with either simple, sleek-lined faucets or characterful, ultra-stylized fixtures.
  • Jacuzzi or steam shower—the latest trends to enter our bathrooms.

    • Specialized rooms

    Specialized rooms are on the increase, allowing each family member to enjoy his or her favourite pastime.

    We’ll opt for:
  • A games room for the whole family, with pool table, video game console, toys and plenty of storage space. Everyone will love spending time there.
  • A home office… times two. Increasingly, both partners in the couple are working at home. Arrange the space so that each person can work productively, with two ergonomic work stations, two separate lighting systems, smart storage solutions, etc.
  • A well-equipped home theatre, for hours of entertainment.

    • Lighting

    Natural light is obviously the best option, wherever possible. But to make the most of the evenings and darker days, we can install different levels of lighting and choose fixtures that enhance the style and atmosphere of each room.

    We’ll opt for:
  • Pendant lamps, such as chandeliers made from crystal, glass or pearls.
  • Pale metal lamps with a classic, rustic look.
  • Wall sconces, either thoroughly vintage or ultra-modern.
  • Solar lighting, for both outdoors and indoors.
  • Lamp shades made of wood—especially bamboo.
  • Elaborate antique light fixtures, in dark tones such as black metal.

    • Accessories

    Eclecticism and variety are what we’ll be looking for this year. Carefully select accessories that not only enhance the home’s style but which also stand out for their quality and originality.

    We’ll opt for:
  • A decor reminiscent of our grandmothers’ homes, with vintage items found at flea markets and garage sales.
  • Deluxe details. Indulge in luxurious touches such as a high-quality ceramic backsplash, unique accessories, majestic mouldings, or exclusive faucets and hardware.
    • By the variety of colours, styles and unusual combinations, and by the freedom of expression it offers, 2010 promises to be a year rich in decorating and home improvement choices. The options are unlimited—all you have to do is make up your mind!
    Page 1/1