2009 trends for the home

By Ed Biado

rends are dictated by a number of factors. And just like fashion, culture and the arts, trendiness also exists at home. This year, the emerging styles in residences are influenced by the credit crunch, space inadequacy, environmental awareness, personalization and technology. The Daily 10 has compiled the predictions of such sources as TrendHunter.com and O at Home. Here?s what the experts think:

1. Urban gardening ? Because the world is now more aware of the damaging effects of global warming, city dwellers are incorporating plants into their homes. Condominium buildings are being ??greenified?? from the rooftop down.

2. Eco-decorating ? Wood, organic, biodegradable: these are some of the most sought-after materials in furnishing. In today?s technologically advanced world, people are going back to nature and everything natural.

3. Retro ? Another thing we?re going back to is the design of decades past. Inspired by fashion (which now sees a lot of 1960s inspirations), interior design also seeks accent pieces, design schemes, furnishing and appliances that are dated. From the rustic appeal of wrought iron to the colorful art deco, modern homes are splashed with memories of great eras.

4. Prefabricated homes ? TrendHunter.com reports that ??instant homes are made from a diverse range of materials.?? Cardboard, recycled shipping containers (which The Daily 10 featured a couple of weeks back) and a host of other strange stuff are either turned into temporary disaster-relief homes or permanent statement abodes.

5. Lighting accents ? One of the focuses of contemporary interior design is lighting. Innovative lamps and lighting fixtures are the new coffeetable books. As more walls are painted with intense colors, more lights are needed. And light-emitting conversation pieces are the stylish answer.

6. Small architecture ? Space is one thing that we are desperately lacking. Thus, we build upwards. Multipurpose and compact interior layouts are the new trends in cosmopolitan living. Also getting more popular is the home office, a concept provided by many new high-rise buildings.

7. Multifunctional items ? Together with these vertical developments are space-saving appliances and furnishings. An ottoman that doubles as a storage bin, narrower dining tables and encased entertainment areas (with a slim TV, of course) are examples of this design aesthetic that may just be the norm for city life this year and beyond.

8. DIY projects ? Traditional and viral media have made do-it-yourself something that almost everybody can really do. Instructional videos and TV magazine shows have encouraged the rise of scrapbook-type home d?cor and artsy-craftsy domestic diva-ness. Creativity is the hot new economical alternative.

9. Home-cooked meals ? TrendHunter.com believes that more people will go back to their kitchens for their gastronomical needs. Eating in is now a fashionable option again. It?s not only because it?s cheaper, but cooking is such a sexy hobby.

10. Pet humanization ? Pet spas, hotels and other accessories, fueled by the celebrity status of Young Hollywood pets, are some ways in humanizing our little furry friends. The year 2009 will see more fun and unusual ways in making pets into something more than man?s best friend.