'You're Out!'

Just like the umpire yells, “You’re out!” in baseball, these trends have struck out for 2010.

In continuation of the last post, here’s what I have to say about msn.com’s verdict of ‘What’s Not’:

Exploring Your Dark Side – Out

The sight of dark furniture and wood floors reminds me of my mother, who years ago replaced most of the living room, kitchen and dining room with deep, crimson-colored cabinets and drawers and near black granite tabletop. She had wanted the rooms to match the dark, Victorian furniture she has acquired from an elderly friend. And although the antique furniture was in excellent condition – to me, the new décor seemed more dated than regal.

Design consultant Remignanti predicts that the appeal of dark woods have lost its luster among customers. People now look for lighter hardwood floors and goods in lighter colors, he says.

As the typical optimist, my thoughts: It’s about time we all look on the bright side.

Faking It ‘Till You Make It – Out

We’ve talked about how "Eco is your friend" and about "Going Green before. This is not new territory. So why do you have those fake silk flowers on your end table? Get rid of them!

Whether it’s tending to your own indoor garden or keeping house plants, nature is the best way to spruce up your indoor/outdoor décor. Have a bare corner in a room and not sure what to do with it? Add a floor plant for instant texture and substance.

Natural motifs in textiles, fibers and furniture design are also finding its way indoors. And those silk flowers – they are getting the eviction notice.

Old World Charm – Out

It might be lavish, tufted chairs in damask or the embellished trimming on the drapes that elicits that ‘Old World Charm’ in your home. But that ‘Old World Charm’ is now frankly just plain old.

When the economy falters and a recession sweeps over a nation, most people re-prioritize. Downsizing first becomes a necessity and then, it becomes a lifestyle change. We want uncomplicated furniture in light colors and clean lines to reflect our simpler, upbeat and less stuffy lives.

That 'Old World Charm' is out.

A décor editor named Carmen Natschke summed it up for msn.com like this: “When people are stressed, they simplify.”

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of raftertales.com; msn.com; www.dynamodecor.ca