TRENDS 2010

Traditional Remix

This year’s quintessential look offers a relaxed approach to classic style, with a hit of timeworn edge. Formal is softened up to lose its fussy reputation in a calm, cool, collected mélange of opposites: a formal settee is paired with a slipcovered chair, feminine chintz upholstery contrasts with masculine leather, industrial sconces dress down classic panelling, vintage modern lamps sit on lacquered tables, painted plank floors are topped with preppy striped rugs. It’s this mix that defines our favourite trend of 2010.


SPOT THE TRENDS
• Striped rug. Rug, Dash & Albert.
• Chintz fabric. Osborne & Little Giverny Lomasi fabric, Primavera; settee, Barrymore.
• Crushed velvet cushions. Velvet, Designer Fabrics; sewing by Blinds, Drapes & Bedding.
• Industrial-inspired sconces. Sconces (painted black), Rona
• Spool furniture. Desk, Klaus by Nienkämper.
• Painted plank flooring. Wood floor, The Home Depot; floor colour, Edgecomb Gray (HC-173), Benjamin Moore.
• Warm metal accents. Lamps, Machine Age Modern.
• Substantial mouldings. Trim, baseboards, Central Fairbank Lumber.
• Blue-black doors. Door colour, Hague Blue (30), Farrow & Ball; door, Central Fairbank Lumber.
• Sculptural art. Art, Decorum.


Organic Modern

The bathroom is finally getting its due as a living space, but this look works in any room with the right mix of elements. The appeal lies in the forest-meets-concrete-and steel style. Nods to nature include the egg-shaped freestanding tub, the textural wall of wood and loads of natural light. White walls, a classic wire chair and polished concrete floors complete the look.

SPOT THE TRENDS
• Freestanding tub
• Concrete floors
• Centred floor-mount faucet
• Stacked wood
• Iconic wire chair


Luxe Loft

Warehouse-inspired living gets a deco-glam update. Get the look by choosing muted jewel tones, reflective surfaces like silk, sequins and chrome, and luxurious velvet upholstery. Keep it livable with
soft shapes and low, lounge-like arrangements.

SPOT THE TRENDS
• Low, armless sectional
• Muted eggplant and lavender
• Velvet upholstery
• Silk area rug
• Oversized art


Black Magic

Ebony-painted walls are daring, bold and fearless — and the key component of this new neutral look. Brighten it up with natural fibres such as bamboo, wicker and seagrass, and a light floor. Add sculptural interest with intricate antiques and warmth with kilims and groupings of curios. Choose light art that pops off the dark walls.

SPOT THE TRENDS
• Black walls
• Spool chair
• Potted plants
• Faded kilim carpet


New British Colonial

Plantation style is a perennial favourite, and every few years it comes back with a fresh twist. This time around it has a light, elegant palette and a subtle exotic flavour.

SPOT THE TRENDS
• Soft, pretty palette
• Statement ceiling fixture
• East Indian influence
• Refined rattan


Tailored Gypsy

This year the layered boho look grows into a polished version of itself. Think hand-dyed fabrics, intricate furniture, bold, colourful art and eclectic accessories set against clean white walls.

SPOT THE TRENDS
• Four-poster bed
• Saturated textiles
• Embroidery
• Curated collections

Closet Chameleon

A messy catchall becomes an organized home office.


Think you don’t have room in your house for a home office? Take a look in unexpected places. This part-time public relations consultant and full-time mother created a smart little office in a guestroom closet that was cluttered with documents and more. “It’s perfect now,” she says of her new, efficient work area. “It’s really all the space I need.” And because she can close up shop with a curtain (tied back using a ribbon secured with a cup hook) the room still can function as a guest bedroom as well.

The homeowner painted a dining chair and added a cushion to raise the seat for the desk height. The custom-built desk is slightly taller than standard height to fit between the existing shelves. The desk legs can be cut to the desired size.


Keep your work life balanced with these suggestions for your home office.

• Designate two boxes as “In” and “Out” for daily mail.

• For office spaces without desk drawers, use baskets or bins to store loose items.

• Organize work baskets in order of priority, so you always have the most important items on hand.

• Use a separate wastebasket to collect paper for recycling.

• Small planters and paint cans are hard workers when it comes to holding pencils, pens, and other office supplies.

Work Smarter

1 Shed some light on your office area. The suspended lampshade was created with a swag kit. A desk lamp provides additional task lighting.

2 Embrace dark colors. Using rich shades actually can add warmth to a small space. This cozy chocolate-colored backdrop makes the white shelves and desk pop.

3 Display important notes and reminders. Magnetic primer applied to the back wall creates a giant memo board.

4 Use stackable storage. A three-tier shelving unit houses a printer and office supplies.

5 Build on what you have. The original shelving was a great starting point for adding this desk. A sheet of plywood was mounted to the existing 1 x 2 that’s screwed into the wall. Moulding was affixed to the plywood edges using wood glue and brads. Two table legs were attached to the plywood with mounting brackets.


PAINT
walls (Valspar Ultra Premium, Deep Walnut 2004-9A, satin)
desk (Valspar Ultra Premium, Bistro White 7006-4, semi-gloss)
magnetic primer (Rust-Oleum, #115535)
spray paint (American Accents, Aqua, #35940)

LIGHTING
pendant swag kit (#235340)
lampshade (Portfolio, #235543)
desk lamp (Portfolio, #33105)

DESK PROJECT
Parsons table legs (28-inch, #839)
straight-top mounting plates (#838)
1 (8-foot-long) piece of 3/4- x 1/4-inch screen moulding†
1 (24- x 48-inch) sheet of 3/4-inch plywood††
1 (4-foot-long) 1 x 2††
1 package of (2-inch) screws
1 package of 4d finishing nails
wood glue (Titebond II, #41217)
1 package (#18 x 3/4-inch) brads

STORAGE
3-tier stacker (Shelving by Design, #71485)
fabric drawers (blue, #154859)
wicker baskets (#201836)

DRAPERY
tension rod (48- x 84-inch, #86184)
curtain panels (84-inch, Andorra, taupe, #214064)

* Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market.
**Does not include lead time for special-order materials.
† Available by special order in some stores.

††Availability varies by market.