We bring to you cutting edge decor trends of 2010

Interiors in homes today have come a full circle. The trend has come back to classicism albeit with a contemporary twist. We are increasingly seeing an exit of minimalism and a revival of maximalist interiors.
The ’90s saw the advent of minimal interiors with clean straight lines. However, as time passed, people found it to be too cold and impersonal. The clutter-free criteria for minimal interiors did not allow for personal effects to be displayed and hence, it lacked warmth.
Designers the world over started to veer away from this trend and began to embrace a more classic style and fused it with a contemporary element.
The late ’90s and early 2000s saw the advent of contemporary Asian design, which had the Asian warmth and at the same time, allowed for clean modern lines. There was a lot of wood and natural stone used interspersed with silks. Asian fusion was the new ‘in thing’. It provided warmth, comfort, was easy on the eye and Zen-like to the soul.
Like any other design trend, Asian fusion was done to death and has now become passé.
The trend today is contemporary European fusion with a Baroque influence. We are seeing classic European elements alongside contemporary design.
Crushed antique velvet has replaced silk, and gold leaf has replaced bamboo. You will see a play of Venetian mirrors and Morano crystal accents.
There are variants to the European contemporary fusion style – wherein there could be a play of Moroccan or Spanish pieces. Moroccan lamps and Spanish doors, for instance, are frequently used.
Flooring is generally marble with an abundant use of classic silk rugs and perhaps areas with real wood flooring.
All in all, the emphasis is on balancing the opulence of traditional European style within a contemporary setting. The keyword here is balance – since it is easy to get carried away and go OTT. One has to keep in mind the size of the house or apartment and have a sense of scale and order – since most traditional pieces are large, they need to be picked carefully and balanced well within a contemporary setting.
Eclectic style is always preferred which is easy to add on to or change with passing trends. For instance, the architectural elements of the home should be fairly neutral and the design emphasis should be on the furniture, drapes, wall coverings and accent pieces. An eclectic style would be a combination of various designs and styles and such a design would stay timeless. One can add emphasis to changing trends merely by changing a few accessories and accent pieces.
At the end of the day, one has to remember that this is a home, so it has to reflect the owners’ personality and sense of style, along with accommodating their personal living habits.