Design and Color Overview for 2009

The top drivers of trends for 2009 are no surprise - fashion, nature and the economy.

These are the three motivation factors that shape color trends overall - they seem to shift and evolve each year in regards to how they impact consumer trends. There are some general statements that will probably ring true for everyone.

The economy is in a recession and we see more conservatism in decorating. Colors shift to neutrals but there is still a trend to bolder colors that will accent the neutrals.

Nature and the green movement is much more mainstream and on the conscience of everyone. We see this playing out as a more basic look toward nature and the very core, raw version of nature.

Fashion seems to be running counter to the more conservative trend. We see this as a need for art, culture, beauty - fun and escape.

These three drivers seem to weave and thread through the trends that have been identified for 2009. With increasing numbers of homeowners remaining in place, many are searching for options to refresh and reinvigorate their living spaces.

Choices are being driven by concern for the economy and optimism for the future. We're finding comfort in colors that are familiar, and yet, at the same time, we're embracing colors that make us happy - especially as accents.

The demand for colors and products that reflect an environmentally "greener" world goes way beyond a trend, it has become a "given". The exotic has become the familiar. Oranges, turquoises and teals, reds and yellow will abound in hues from faraway countries that now seem very near. They are the optimistic touches we crave in tumultuous times.

Defining Your Window Needs

In order to start thinking about window treatments, consider the following questions:

1. What kind of window design am I looking for?
The "type" of design you decide on - whether it's hard shutters paired with soothing fabrics or soft fabric shades and panels, or luxuriant draperies versus geometric blinds - will give your window treatment professional a solid direction on a window design that's perfectly suited for you.

2. Am I looking for window treatments that will reinforce their period style of my room?
Do your rooms reflect classical, traditional settings or modern settings with clean, geometric lines? Are the furnishings and upholstery bright and floral or textured with square lines and neutral? Try to observe other interior elements in your room in order to determine the best fit for the window treatment.

3. Would I prefer to brighten or subdue my room?
Ask yourself if the room needs dimmer light or brighter light during certain times of the day. If it's your bedroom, you may prefer the sunlight to stream through in the morning instead of providing a darkening effect, for instance. If it's a kitchen, you may prefer a light neutral sheer fabric over a sliding door to brighten up the space, versus a treatment with a heavier, richer hued fabric.

4. Do I prefer colorful patterns or solids?
Once you determine your window treatment needs in relationship to the rest of your room, you'll need to then consider the details of the treatment itself. What colors would you prefer on the window, and what type of fabric prints can you coordinate together if you prefer a layered window treatment effect?

5. Am I looking for long-lasting fabrics that are easy to care for or do I prefer natural fabrics that have less shelf life?
Fabric preference has a lot to do with how long you want the window treatment to hang in the window as well as how much you're willing to spend on the fabrics and how you choose to maintain and care for them.

6. What's my budget?
Custom window treatments can be quite affordable. A rough rule of thumb is for a one-layer simple treatment, estimate approximately $100-$150 per linear foot of window. For a two-layer or more complex treatments, estimate $150-$250 per linear foot. If you want to go "all out" with interlining, silk, trim, etc. expect to pay upwards of $350 per linear foot.

From ADO Treatment Trends magazine

New Home Dec Patterns

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Color Schemes: making your colors work together

Here are some simple tips and pointers for colors best suited to the light in your area of the United States:

* In Southern regions where sun rooms are prevalent, pale colors and white reflective fabrics will soothe the interiors and will also help stave off heat.

* In Northern climates, dark colors work well for nighttime rooms, as they'll make you feel warm and retain heat.

* In you live in a warmer climate, try to avoid dark colors because they can stifle your interiors.

* In a cool or north-facing room, you can warm up the look of your color scheme by adding reds, oranges or yellows.

* In warmer, south-facing rooms, you can cool your color palette by adding whites, blues, mauves or greens.

From Ado Treatment Trends

Jaclyn Smith Fabrics are Here!

Jaclyn Smith's new fabric collection from Trend Fabrics has arrived at Fabric Farms Interiors!

Trend's Jaclyn Smith Home Collection is an exclusive collection of beautiful coordinating prints and wovens, inspired from fabrics from her own home.

Floral bouquets, detailed Jacobeans, traditional damasks, and bold stripes have been designed to work seamlessly with the luxurious matalesses, subtle jacquards, basic diamonds, and colorful plaids.

The Jaclyn Smith Home Collection...personal, beautiful and inspiring at an exceptional value!