A Bright Future for 2008
Hot Trends in Interior Design, Technology and More
The New Year has arrived and with it, so have new trends in lighting design and home decor. With last year's fads disappearing—some trends staying and new ones emerging—homeowners can take note of this year's popular themes and incorporate them into every part of their home.
It should come as no surprise that the biggest trend for 2008 is sustainability. "Across the globe, sustainability is an issue that's not going to go away," says John H. Bredenfoerder, president of the professional association, Color Marketing Group. The popularity of green living from last year remains strong, pushing for ecological awareness in daily practices. Interior designer Claire McGovern of McGovern Design House says, "Most educated customers are asking about the green qualifications" of the home products they buy. Consumers can look for endorsements from trusted organizations, such as Energy Star, to assist them in purchasing eco-friendly products. Recycled materials, energy-efficient fixtures and even the use of nature-inspired colors will take precedence this year. 2008 will embrace natural colors such as beige, ivory and taupe. Fruit colors such as lime green, kiwi and tangerine are also predicted to be popular for the home.
With a special emphasis on the environment, people are expected to spend more time outdoors. To maximize living space, 2008 will be the year that people extend their interior design passion to the home's exterior. Homeowners will focus on building their own personal versions of paradise, creating a backyard oasis with a renewed focus on outdoor living—including gardening and grilling. Says Ann Mack, director of trendspotting at advertising agency JWT, outdoor patios and kitchens will rival their indoor counterparts with "more investments in big-time grills." Additionally, solar-powered landscape lighting is another bright idea forecasted for the 2008 year.
2008 will be the year that people extend their interior design passion to the home's exterior.
Unlike years past, the New Year will see a shift from minimalism to more eclectic and worldly design. Chandeliers will add the right element of grand sophistication in the dining room or entryway. Though many predict that blue is the best hue for 2008, also look for culturally inspired colors like Asian reds and jade or Caribbean oranges and yellows, to spice up the color palette as well. Similarly, the warmth of gold will make a comeback as the preferred metallic color.
2008 will carry on the 21st century tradition of innovation in the Information age. Trendsetting technology will find its way into the home via light-emitting diodes, or LEDs. Boasting longevity and energy-efficiency, LEDs will lead the popularity contest for green-conscious consumers. LEDs are now available in a number of home lighting fixtures, from recessed lights to under-cabinet lighting.
2008 is predicted to be a solid year for sustainable practices, outdoor living, global unity and technological innovation. Encompassing the industries of fashion, construction and interior design, the New Year promises to bring a diverse blend of colors, materials and design together to create a bold and refreshing new look.
Implement some of 2008's trends in your own home:
- Art Glass Sconce
The color blue has always been a favorite color and in 2008, it is no different. Try this art glass sconce for a bright and bold edition to your living room or hallway.- Nine-Light Chandelier
This chandelier is a fine, decorative piece that effectively uses a natural color palette. The Sonora finish embraces the golden hue of desert sand while the Savannah glass shades emit soft, diffused light.- Solar-Powered Flood Light
Energy-efficiency is a dominant theme for outdoor decor. Try this flood light: it is powered by LED technology, utilizes a solar panel and also offers great security with its built-in motion detector.- BBQ Grill Light
Shed some light on meal preparation and impress your guests with this LED grill light. Save money and help the environment while you embellish your outdoor cooking space. - LED Downlight
Bring the latest technology into your home with this truly trendsetting, green-friendly product. Using LEDs to source illumination, this recessed lighting fixture can be used in any room of the home that requires bright, general lighting.- Oval Table Lamp
With a rich color and equally intriguing design, this table lamp—which integrates the ADA-friendly Clever Lever Switch™—is bound to give any room a great, eclectic feel. The Merlot finish answers the call for warm reds in the interior for the 2008 year.