Cited: The San Francisco Chronicle

The problem with trends as any interior designer will tell you are that a trend is often considered when you buy one year and throw out the next. The good news is that some trends do not get thrown out. Not long ago, “going green” was the hottest trend around and now it is considered an industry standard.

So we asked around and pulled together a list of 10 trends for 2010 that have some staying power.

1. Texture

If West Elm’s spring collection, which launches this week, is any indication, texture will be big in 2010. “We are spending a lot of time researching new natural materials and unusual techniques with a lot of rich, textural interest,” said Alex Bates, creative director for the retailer. New products include a woven natural bamboo headboard, a crocheted floor cushion, recycled glass candleholders and storage made of kooboo.

2. Keeping it real

Forget faux. (No more fake antlers, please!) In 2010, we want to see a movement toward the natural patina of woods, metals and other materials. We don’t even mind a water mark or a hint of rust. After all, those imperfections may be the result of generations of wear and come with a good story or two.

3. Layered flooring

According to Marilyn Incerty, trend director for Cost Plus World Market, layering floor coverings adds richness and warmth. She suggested “overlapping several smaller, lightweight rugs with patterns and colors that are complementary - a striped runner on top of a larger geometric rug - or overlapping multiples of the same rug in a variety of colors.” Those with wall-to-wall carpeting can still get in on this trend. Place “a rug over existing carpet for an instant splash of color or pattern,” said Incerty. “This is a great trick for avoiding the hassle and expense of ripping out existing carpeting when you want an update.”

4. Bolder design decisions

“In the last year, people were looking to be calmed and comforted by interiors,” said Melanie Coddington, right, who was recently named one of House Beautiful’s 20 interior designers to watch. “I hope the burgeoning sense of optimism will translate into sparkle, glamour and lots of risk-taking in design. In with color!”

5. Old is new again

“Antiques and vintage pieces add soul to any space,” explained interior designer Jay Jeffers, “and these types of items are negotiable and plentiful in today’s markets, so our clients are able to invest in key pieces for their home.” From sites like 1stdibs.com to consignment and thrift stores, there are indeed sources out there for any budget.

6. Wallpapered ceilings

We’ve all seen the wallpapered accent wall. In 2010, look for wallpapered ceilings as an increasingly popular option for creating visual impact in a room.

7. Artisanal goods

Just as artisanal foods have taken off, expect the same for home furnishings and accessories. “Artisanal work will continue to be strong,” said interior designer Benjamin Dhong. “Even modernists want to see natural materials or the hand of the craftsman brought into their homes.”

8. The well-traveled look

The Sundance Channel series “Man Shops Globe” follows Anthropologie buyer-at-large Keith Johnson as he visits country after country, looking for special pieces and inspiration for the company’s 135 stores worldwide. Whether you’re scouring the stalls in Paris or browsing shops during a quick weekend getaway, incorporating souvenirs in a space can give it a bit of personality.

9. Palette

Speaking of color, Melanie Coddington is “having a purple moment that will continue into 2010,” she noted. “Gray also continues to figure largely as well - in particular purple and gray, yellow and gray, and matte and shiny gray together are great combinations.” Fellow interior designer Kimberly Ayres concurred: “Gray is the new beige,” she said, adding that she anticipates “rich and unexpected combinations - like gray with teal or magenta or tangerine. It’s a very mercurial color.”

10. Mix it up

“In general, I see a trend to a carefully edited ‘anything goes’ approach,” said Ayres. “Going forward in 2010, it’s all about the mix and how you combine individual, disparate elements. The right classic 19th century piece will mix with certain vintage finds from the ’70s and ’80s and with pieces designed this year.” She added, “Graphic modern print textiles work with traditional chairs and sofas.”

7 trends we’d love to see go

Interior decorator Albert Hadley may have said it best: “The essence of interior design will always be about people and how they live.” Indeed, personal taste and decor that meets your needs are always in style.

That said, there are some trends we’ve come across in the past few years that we wish hadn’t been so widely adopted.

Homes that look like taxidermy shops. Enough with the wall of antlers and animal skins all over the floor!

Flat-screen TVs mounted so high above the fireplace mantel, you get a neck cramp before the first commercial break.

Home makeover shows that set unrealistic expectations about decorating a space. There are usually scores of people working behind the scenes whom you never see on screen. Plus, we’re firm believers that good design takes time.

Shallow sink basins that result in water splashing everywhere.

Outfitting a room top to bottom with reproduction designer furniture. We’ve seen too many homes filled with so much Eames, Bertoia and Saarinen they look like soulless showrooms.

The phrase “man cave.”

Watch any house-hunting program on HGTV and, chances are, granite countertops are on the buyer’s wish list. But there are so many options now available when considering redecorating your home. These options include recycled paper and glass products. For 2010, it would be nice if anyone embarking on a remodel to think beyond the infamous granite and stainless steel that everybody uses.

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My Take: Redecorating your home can be fun and expensive at the same time. One thing people are doing when they redecorate is upgrade their network security software. Of course, if you have a home business you might want to look into managed security services just keep your business safe.

I do disagree there with interior decorating on granite and stainless steel. You can navigate granite in a variety of colors and it is so durable that you will not have to worry about it for a long time. And stainless steel sinks give the kitchen or even a bathroom clean and sterile look to it.

Besides, when you redecorate your home, it should be what you want not what is in style. You are the one that has to lose with the, not your neighbors, friends or extended family.

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