Interior Design Trends for 2003 and Beyond

Furniture World Magazine

By Jodi Murphy, Marketing Director, ASID California Peninsula Chapter Have you ever implemented a "hot" design trend in your home one year and regretted it? Did it hit you one day that your once-chic room design is now out ... very out? To avoid this unfortunate situation in the future, the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) recommends focusing on and implementing design trends with staying power. "This industry isn't like fashion design," muses Los Angeles-based interior designer B.J. Peterson, FASID. "People just can't run out and change things on a whim, unless they have unlimited budgets." She, as well as other ASID designers, makes sure that each element in her clients' homes reflects their personalities and lifestyles, not some design gimmick of the moment. Changing needs are driving the following interior design trends in 2003: Family Focus: Today, more and more homeowners have a better understanding that great design means effective use of space. "People are realizing that design is for them, and not just for the rich and famous," Peterson said. "People want to maximize their space and make each room function for the way their families live." Formal rooms previously "off limits" to family use except during special occasions are being replaced with rooms that deliver extreme comfort and livability along with high style. The kitchen is the "Grand Central Station" of the home. Kitchens have always been the heart of family life, but are even more so today. Unique appliances and the variety of countertop, flooring and cabinetry options available allow homeowners to use kitchens for a variety of tasks not just cooking and eating. Modern kitchens are bursting with activity, and many feature multiple prep and cooking areas, homework and work/computer desks, coffee stations, butler's pantries, beverage centers, and special dining and living areas. With so many uses, ASID recommends getting expert advice from an interior designer when designing a room as essential to family life as the kitchen. Specialty Rooms Popular with "Empty Nesters": The popularity of special-use or specialty rooms also is on the rise, particularly with "empty nesters." Media rooms, wine cellars, meditation rooms, libraries, sewing centers and other rooms with special purposes are gaining in popularity as people seek to incorporate their hobbies into their home life. Many homeowners are abandoning traditional room layouts when it comes to specifying a room's primary function for innovations that better suit their needs. "I have clients who moved into the spare bedroom and transformed their master bedroom into a media room," said designer Susan Davis, Allied Member ASID, Mountain View, Calif. "Complete with an 8-foot screen, terrific sound, leather seating and a comfortable chaise, the room works for movie viewing, casual entertaining, a teen hangout and an escape to read a book or listen to music. Though unconventional, it was the perfect use of space for this family's way of living." Color Makes a Comeback: People are becoming more open to color in their rooms. Homeowners are breaking free from the beige "blahs" and selecting colors that will spark a response, set a mood or create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Bold, subtle or somewhere in between, the palate chosen should reflect the family' dynamics, lifestyle and personality. A particular color should not be use just because fashion says it's "in" at the moment. "Green" Comes Home: "Green" design also is becoming increasingly popular in the home. People are beginning to understand the importance of and using "earth-friendly" building products that will have a long-term, positive impact on the environment and human health and welfare. Bamboo and cork flooring, plant-based paints and finishes, and salvaged wood are some of the alternative materials being specified by designers today. Avoid Being a Trend "Victim": How can you ensure that you aren't falling victim to today's trends and tomorrow's faux pas? Hire a professional interior designer. Designers take into account your needs, way of life and budget to provide effective and beautiful solutions you can live with for many years to come. To find out how to locate a qualified interior designer in your community, check out ASID's free Worldwide Referral Service at www.interiors.org. To learn how to choose and work with an interior designer, go to the ASID Web site at www.asid.org.