Interior Design Trends 2010 Review

It is interesting to read all kind of forecasts and expectations for the 2010 trends in interior design, but many of them are connected with just colors or fashionable materials and decorations - yes, it is true that interior design is influenced by trends in fashion, but it is important to consider trends more from a point of view of a picture of society. And having in mind the latest developments in society and economics, I think that the most important and lasting trend in interior design is going to be the search for authenticity - as in the Rough Luxe trend which is not so new, but is finding its natural growth this year and definitely in the years to come, because it "does double duty from shabby to chic by utilizing reclaimed metals,  muted tones and sustainable woods".  Another reasons: we find more and more often that we like products with history, containing emotional value for us. And it is also part of the growing trend for searching sustainable solutions in design and through design in every other area of our life.
A recent article in  PointClickHome.com  describes trends 2010 very well:

  “Survival mode” may have been the name of the game in 2009, but in 2010, the design world is looking to have a bit more fun. While designers are still conscious of the economic and environmental challenges ahead, the upcoming trends they’re fashioning impart a boost of happiness and a shot of color, as well as an infusion of surrealist fantasy and handmade charm." 

Turquoise, the Color of the year 2010 selected by Pantone is definitely a good shot of color and, true, the 2009 shows proved that 2010 will be the year of craft. The appearance of Furniture Guaranteed for 300 Years at Milan Furniture fair shows also that customers again start to value longevity, good quality practical and well designed products that we like to have and keep as long as possible. 
And according to the Cologne Furniture Fair Highlights 2010  

"In the year 2010 the design scene will be dominated by
conflicting tendencies : the experimental on the one hand and durability and quality on the other.
"Trickery", "Comfort Zone", "Rehab" and "Discipline" are the most important developments for the interior design sector 2010."

There seems to be a considerable overlapping in all these forecasts and the result is a trend to a certain maturity - in society and in design.
Some more trends forecasts that  are already making their way or growing:

- Upcycling - "the evolution of recycling, reusing materials to turn them into something more valuable or upscale than they were in their first life." is just one of the trends described by The Commercial Appeal.

           - HOMESTEAD CHIC .
More links will follow so check this post often. You are welcome to suggest interesting links or ideas below, too.
 
There is another link that I am going to add today (Jan.20th)- I just came across The Kelly Hoppen Trend Report 2010 and was pleased to find that she also expects the focus this year to be on "chic design and more comfort", as is IMM Cologne 2010 expectancy:

"Your home is not there to say how much you have but it needs to say how happy and comfortable you are in the most chic way possible!"

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Electrolux: the search for Kitchen Stars continues!

The kitchen is a major force for social networking – a place used for more
than just creating meals. That’s why Electrolux have conducted a global
search for kitchen anecdotes. The search provided all manner of unusual,
intriguing and inspiring stories. Now the search for Kitchen Stars continues.
Electrolux have 89 Kitchen stories and are looking for one more to help them
celebrate their 90th anniversary. Your story could be the one that helps create
the next revolutionary kitchen product. You qualify as a Kitchen Star if you have one or more freestanding or built-in Electrolux appliances in your kitchen and have a story to tell about a moment
when you felt like a star in your kitchen. For inspiration, check out electrolux.com/kitchenstars. If
you have something great to share then upload your story together with a
picture of your kitchen there. Then simply tell
everyone you know to vote for your kitchen moment to see if you can
become a winner.
The prize?
This is not only an opportunity to join an illustrious group of Kitchen stars, the
90th Kitchen Star will also receive the iconic Electrolux ErgoRapido.By uploading a photograph and a personal “Kitchen Moment”, contestants will compete to become the official 90th Kitchen Star and get the chance to win the iconic Ergorapido vacuum cleaner.
All contributions will be uploaded in a separate gallery on the website and the winner will be announced sometime around the beginning of 2010.

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Christmas Shopping - Designer Gifts

As a design blogger I am convinced that by making designer gifts we achieve double satisfaction and many goals: we make someone happy with something really beautiful and on the other hand we help for creating a better living environment, because that is one of the main purposes of design. Enjoy some beautiful and useful Christmas shopping suggestions:


Designed by Pernille Vea, Galerie Vase 2 in 1 by Menu was inspired by the shape of a perfect rose. The two pieces, an inner and an outer vase, can be used separately or one inside the other, changing the look of the vase according to the angle at which the 2 pieces are set. Varying the water levels (or the color) used in each vase provides a sort of optical illusion..

Simplicity Vase by Menu - 
beautiful bud vase that combines materials and traditions from Scandinavian design with a touch of Japan. Just a single flower stem is turned into a work or art.

Compact Herb Chopper - a non-slip chopping board and double bladed cutter in one. Simply remove the cutter, chop your herbs to your liking, and then safely store the blade back into the compartment. Also suitable for cutting garlic, vegetables, nuts, or chocolate. The perfect gift for your favorite chef! 



Patricia Urquiola 
is my favorite contemporary designer and that is because her products for the home are always imaginative and at the same time practical, feminine and inspiring. May be you can get some inspiration from the book about her:
 



Made in Italy by Kartell and designed by Patricia Urquiola, the T-Table was a giant hit in Milan. Manufactured in durable PMMA. The surface of the table is reminiscent of embroidery - a product that is functional and extremely decorative.



Alvar Aalto Stainless Steel Tray by iittala

Aalto Wood Serving Platter by iittala


Aalto Flaming Red Vase by Iittala
Designed by Alvar Aalto in 1936, the Aalto Flaming Red Vase features mouth-blown crystal handcrafted by master glassblowers in Finland. Iittala, headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, offers modern Scandinavian housewares that demonstrate the company's commitment to design quality and product longevity.
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Color of the year 2010

I am happy to learn that Pantone has announced 15-5519 TURQUOISE as its colour of the year for 2010 - an inviting, luminous hue, combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green.  

As if Pantone have consulting me when deciding - my livingroom (below)  is a pale shade of turquoise for many months already; my kitchen has it as the main color and my proffesional page is in the same color scheme, too.

“In many cultures, Turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute^®. “It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that Turquoise represents an escape to many – taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.”

Well, I like the first part, but hate the approach of escaping from reality, although, I do admit that it is my favorite color because it does remind me of the color of the sea in a sunny day as it looks in the shallow where the water touches the beach . 
I would rather think of it as a way of  bringing the sea and spa colors into the home and creating there a sense of wellbeing.
Turquoise is a great accent color. The picture below is from House of Turquoise, where one can get numerous inspirations for implementing this color trend in interiors designs.

And this below is an idea how to create the new Rough Luxe trend in your home with little investments - just by using some turquoise paint the 'rough way' on your old cupboards:

If you are still not ready with your gifts for Christmas my post with ideas might suggest you some ways of introducing the turquoise color in your interiors as a beautiful trendy accent.


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The Wood Trend: Wooden Supercar!

As we have noticed earlier wood trend is on - wood has most unusual applications like Bathroom wood mozaics, Wooden bicycles, Wood Carpets That Can Roll Up, even wood iPod was created.

Now we have a wooden sports car! Wooden SuperCar ''Maniwa'' manufactured by Sada-Kenbi. According to the designboom post

"this japanese sports car manufactured by sada-kenbi is made
from wood. also known as maniwa, this special car was hand built by wood craftsmen and is actually legal to drive in japan. the car can accelerate up to 80km/h and is for sale at a bargain price of 44,000 USD. it also features a motorcycle-like handlebar steering system, gull wing doors and even has
a stereo. it seats one driver up front on a wooden seat and has a wood bench behind for up to two passengers. the designers even made a pedal-power version for kids."

You can look at its production here:


Дървената спортна кола ''Maniwa'' е произведена ръчно от by Sada-Kenbi. Те не се занимават с производство на коли, а с ръчно производство на изделия от дърво и целта им е била да покажат, че "няма нещо, което да не може да бъде направено от дърво". Колата е действаща и може да се види по улиците на Япония. Може да достигне до 80-90 км/час и да се поръча за 40 000$. Дизайнерите са направили и детска версия със задвижване с педали.

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Gifts Ideas - Pretty and Practical

Everybody loves beautiful things and if they have also a good practical value then they become desirable home gifts. Whether you're just starting or just finishing your holiday shopping, these pretty and practical objects below may help you. Some designers say that turquoise and jade is the color scheme of the season (a special post on that will follow soon) and they may be right, because according to astrologers turquoise is also the stone of December.The Allure Of Turquoise for this reason can also be a good idea for a gift, especially for curious book lovers. Look at some beautiful accents in this shade:

Throw Pillow,  Barrise Peacock Paisley



Hot Bertaa Kettle Miniature by Alessi - designed by Philippe Starck, 1990, a detailed replica of Starck's unique original design. The Hot Bertaa Kettle Miniature is part of the Alessi miniature collection, a series of 11 design classics selected from the last sixty years of production.

Blown glass water goblets, 'Silver Aqua Twist' (set of 4)
Traditional Aqua Horizontal Stripe Giclee Kiss Table Lamp

Celadon ceramic salt and pepper shakers, 'Spicy Breeze'


Celadon ceramic candleholders, 'Jade Bouquet' (pair)
Replacing throw pillows is an easy and effortless way to change your decor in an instant. The Silk Mirrored Throw Pillow is a great way to add a splash of texture to your decor. The exotic fish scale pattern introduces a subtle vibrancy that will enhance your room in so many ways.
Fish Scale Design Silk Mirrored Throw Pillow in Turquoise.
If you are fed up with turquoise, the suggestions below will change your mood righht away:
  Normann Copenhagen Small Liqueur Glasses Set of Two :

The Rubber Vase by Menu, designed by Henriette Melchiorsen is a fantastic and unique vase that can be molded into various shapes to suit your decor. Menu, headquartered in Denmark, partners with designers to develop and produce a broad assortment of Scandinavian living accessories for the dining room, living room, kitchen, and garden.

Lilliput Salt and Pepper Shaker Set by Alessi
Designed by Stefano Giovannoni in 1993, the Lilliput Set features magnetic feet that attach to the 'flagpole' stem or the base.
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