Spring Home Décor Trends

Jaded by the typical neutral-coloured furniture and generic tones in your home? Colours, textures and patterns, all inspired by European home trends, can turn your home into a happy and enthusiastic place.

If the film Marie Antoinette doesn’t inspire you to add colour to your home, maybe we can. Playing it safe when decorating often means many timeless pieces and a lack of colour and shape. For many years, the trend in Europe has involved experimenting with different designs, shapes and a mixture of bold colours. This year, add brightness to your home by letting go of drab colours.

Main Image: Kyklos vase by Venini. www.venini.com

“The European décor trend is definitely going back to contemporary designs,” explains Valerie Simone Georgiadis, co-ordinator and sales representative at Martin Daniel Interiors. “The trend is very clean lines, high-gloss lacquer finishes on both colour and rich wood grain, and lots and lots of colour.”

She explains that the European trend is always more advanced and experimental, while the Canadian trend tends to remain conservative and dare I say … boring. The reason for this is that in Europe, home décor is as important as clothing and cars, whereas in North America, furniture is seen as a necessity. This spring it’s time to change that concept by revamping your home with bold accents and movement between rooms.

“In 2008, we will continue to see a move toward contemporary designs with lots of colour. The use of clean lines and colour creates a happy and enthusiastic feeling, which is very inviting in the home,” says Valerie. Vibrant colours such as gold, mustard, cranberry, purple, lime green and orange are in this year. Accentuate these colours with large geometric patterns, mainly circles, for a more modern style.

To add style and elegance to your home, but still make itcomfortable and welcoming, it’s important to make sure your home reflects you! Your décor has to represent your personality and lifestyle so it is livable for you and your family.

When starting with a clean palate, as most new homeowners are, you have control over every design move. Before you begin, our expert advises that you measure the dimensions of the room and bring them with you everywhere you shop. Specialized décor boutiques have representatives that are able to assist you in maximizing space to find pieces that will accentuate every wall in your home.

What happens when you bring home all your new pieces and it just doesn’t create the same look it did in the showroom? “Space planning is key,” says Valerie. A home décor expert can help you find the best spot to place all your new items.

After space planning comes accessories. Even the most beautiful sofa and loveseat cannot make a room look complete. Accents, toss pillows, carpets, artwork, wall colour and lighting add the final touch to a room. If you have a basic room and don’t want to start from scratch, Valerie suggests adding accessories to add some vibrancy to the room.

Be careful not to change the style too much from room to room, but don’t make every room the same either. “You can definitely create a different feeling in each room with a variety of styles, but your home must have flow,” says Valerie. She advises that the easiest way to do this is by continuing the use of one colour, or using classic accents throughout the home.

Don’t get caught up in the fear of having to redecorate shortly after this trend has passed. It is something you can achieve by using classic pieces with contemporary accents. Basics are vital, but too much of them can lead you back to the conservative North American style we are all too tired of. “Trends are very important, but what is more important is to love the furniture you buy and to enjoy it,” says Valerie.

Gallery 1. Geometric prints add a contemporary twist to any room. Shown here is the Madera bedroom set by Excelsior Designs. www.martindaniel.com

Gallery 2. A dash of red adds a splash of colour to otherwise understated pieces. Cristallo collection by Excelsior Designs. www.martindaniel.com

Gallery 3. Interrupt conversation when you present guests with hors d’oeuvres served on these colourful translucent serving plates. www.theultimatespread.com

Gallery 4. For a cozy bedroom with a lot of personality, find furniture made of unique wood and accessorize with patterned throw pillows like this Ritz bedroom by Nicole Miller. www.martindaniel.com

Gallery 5. Fear too much colour on the walls? Try a bright red painting like this one from Pacific Art Group for a more subtle addition of colour. www.neimanmarcus.com

Gallery 7. Mini-jewel yellow diamond bouquet in Cymbidium Orchids. www.banchetflowers.com