It’s funny how life comes together, seeds are planted and ideas form. In the last month I have been asked three separate times to speak or write about 2010 interior design trends. Three times, I scoffed at the idea (although, I must admit, I do get excited about what is new in the market). My first thought each time was that trends make interior design seem impulsive and transitional; however, the question did cause me to pause and think: “What is important to BHD in home design as we enter 2010? How does it relate to sustainability? How can we best select new products and make changes?” Worded that way, I began to have fun with the question. Here is what came to mind:

First and foremost: smart design, thoughtful and personal design, purposeful design. Design with longevity, quality, diversity in function, merging practicality with style. Sounds good, right? What does it all mean? Let me explain.

1. Aging-in-place, aging-in-home. How will choices today affect tomorrow's lifestyle? How can you plan for the future? As you plan for current changes in lifestyles, plan for what is to come. Planning forward saves money, time and materials. Plan before future changes sneak up on you and your income or physical abilities are altered. Pre-planning keeps rash decisions at bay and allows time for thoughtful, beautiful design.

2. Make decisions/selections which lower environmental impact. Select products which conserve natural resources and/or have a low impact on the environment. Remember to recycle, reuse and repurpose.

3. Quality over quantity. Purchase products with lasting value. Cheap does not translate to best value.

4. Know yourself. Purchase only those things you love and that are comfortable. If you love it, you will take care of it and are less likely to discard or replace it quickly.

5. Purchase items that can move with you. In this current economic climate, people are often choosing to stay in their homes a little longer while continuing to plan future moves. For current needs, purchase pieces that can move to your next home, e.g. bookcases, storage pieces and seating. Don’t wait to solve your needs, and be smart about your purchases.

6. Create gathering spaces and tranquil retreats within your home. Homes can support healing, inspiration, rest, nurturing, playing and quality time with others. Be intentional about creating spaces for these opportunities.

7. Color creates moods and feelings within spaces. Know how you want your space to feel and how color affects you. Be intentional about color selection. Color can set the tone for you and others within a space. Surround your home with colors you and your family love.

8. Become a mix master! Mix textures, materials and age whether selecting building materials or furnishings. Think creatively when coordinating finishes – be resourceful!

9. Create good bases. Build your furnishings from good, solid quality, family-friendly neutrals. Use accessories, pillows, rugs and art to give personality to a space. These items are easy to move from space to space to create new looks.

10. Purchase original artwork. Notice I did not necessarily say, "invest." Feel free to mix pedigrees but stay original. Originality makes all the difference in the look of a space and typically has a lasting quality.

11. Window treatments – the icing on the cake. Nothing finishes a room like window treatments. They provide multiple functions: adding beauty while helping with energy savings and/or correcting an unusual or awkward room.

12. Above all – stay simple. Simple is easy to maintain and easy on the eye, attributes we can all use in our busy lives!

Enjoy your home in 2010! Make it personal, be smart, design smart, live well! Share your space with others and find time and space to rejuvenate. From all of us at Beth Haley Design, we hope these guides give you direction toward reaching your spatial goals. We wish you and your family the most from your home!