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The master bedroom is no more. The largest bedroom in the house is now referred
to as the “owner’s suite.” And, while it may have been time to revamp an archaic term, the name change
illustrates one of the ways in which home design evolves. Similarly, the
traditional home library became “the study” in the 1950s, and that study became the home office of the ’90s. Utility rooms are now called mudrooms, and patios have become “outdoor kitchens” or “extended living space.”
Home design is influenced by architecture, fashion, technology and even the mass
media. In the 1950s, the series I Love Lucy launched an Early American design
craze. Ten years later, The Dick Van Dyke Show introduced a generation of
Americans to mid-century modern furniture styles. Everyone remembers Laura’s sectional sofa, split-level living room and of course Rob tripping over that
contemporary ottoman. In the ’90s, Sex and the City featured chandeliers over bathtubs and “girly” closets.
I recently asked three area professionals to predict the future of home design
in Houston and the direction they would take if designing their own home.
“By far the biggest change in the design industry, in my opinion, has been the
green movement,” explains Lynne T. Jones, ASID, former president of the Texas Gulf Coast Chapter
of ASID. “Thank goodness people are becoming more aware of their carbon footprint and how
that impacts everyone. Manu facturers are providing fabrics and furnishings
from recycled materials that are much safer to live with.”
“I think that the design style for Houston is heading toward a much more
streamlined, clean and simple direction,” Jones continues. “Clear colors, no-fuss window coverings, rugs with more modern patterns and
furniture that is less complicated. If I were a new homeowner, I would go in a
more contemporary direction. Simple, clean lines everywhere. Very open, yet
functional spaces. Large scale windows that expose wonderful views. High
ceilings, natural stone or wood floors and lots of walls to display artwork.
Definitely less clutter, fewer accessories and a more serene approach to each
room.”
According to Cantoni design consultant Gena Sylvester who specializes in ‘man caves,’ “Houston has gone international. As a result, the ‘Texas’ look is beginning to take a back seat to a slightly more ethnic design.
Neutrals are giving way to bolder colors and hard angles are softening in
construction and furnishings. Eco-friendly products such as bamboo flooring and
hemp fabrics are becoming the norm. Consumers are downsizing, recycling and
buying vintage more than ever. Consequently, multi-functioning furnishings are
now key elements in design.
“At the same time,” states Sylvester, “our homes are functioning more like George Jetson’s — allowing us to open drapes, drop the temperature, secure our doors and water
our lawns from a remote location.”
By Design owner, Peggy Fuller, ASID, agrees that room décor is becoming more open and natural. “The interior design trend in 2011 will continue with cleaner lines, lighter
colors and a new twist in antique gold for hardware, lighting
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and plumbing. As always, trends should not dictate the look of a project — the client must feel comfortable in their home.”
Building a custom home offers homeowners many difficult design choices. Hiring a
professional interior designer saves time, money and a good deal of stress.
“When I have a hesitant client who is having trouble deciding on a design style,
I will ask them a series of questions to access what their priorities are,” states Jones, “Do they entertain a lot? Do they have young children and/or pets? Are there any
family heirloom pieces that must stay and can those pieces be revamped with new
fabrics or utilized in a new way? I also have them pull pictures from magazines
of rooms that they are attracted to. Usually this interview with the client can
give you some direction of their design preference.”
Sylvester encourages her clients to “research, research and research. Buy every periodical you can get your hands on
and start pulling pages of things you love: colors, accessories, furniture,
gardens... everything. After a while, you will see that you keep selecting the
same things. A pattern emerges. That is your look, the lifestyle you’re drawn to, the feel that inspires you.” She also points out that “a designer is worth every penny when it comes to cutting through the options and
keeping you on task.”
Fuller believes the Internet and reality television programs have helped
homeowners to get a better perspective on what styles are available in the
market place and which ones appeal to them. “There has been a big change as the Internet and HGTV have influenced today’s clients more and more. They are better informed and exposed to more options
than ever before.”
All three designers see a return of applied wall coverings and rejuvenation in
paint colors. “My favorite new trend for walls are the fabulous new wall coverings with amazing
textures and patterns,” says Jones. “These aren’t your grandmother’s wallpapers anymore!” Fuller adds, “Wall coverings come in a wide variety — from grass cloth, silks and heavy textured vinyl to a very large scale motif of
dramatic impact. With amazing depth and texture, wall coverings add quality and
durability to any wall.”
“Red is dead in dining rooms,” adds Sylvester, “unless you live in a restaurant.” She continues, “My favorite wall color at the moment is coral. The sunset shades are back and
big: oranges, pinks and purples.”
The cluttered, over-decorated look of the ’80s and ’90s has been replaced by the “less is more” style of 2011. In Houston, green is important, technology rules and comfort is
essential.
By Amy Ahlbrand Robinson
Fort Bend Publishing Group
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