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A Perfect Marriage of Contemporary and Traditional Styles(ARA) -
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. The
hallmarks of a memorable wedding, these are also the cornerstones of next
year's home decorating trends. "As
Americans continue to focus more on spending quality time at home, how their
houses look and feel will become increasingly important," notes Todd
Imholte, president of Environmental Graphics (EGI), an industry leader in the
production of decorative wall murals. This "cocooning" lifestyle
will be clearly evinced in warm color palettes, nostalgic accessories, and
classical textures. "Next
year's color palette is already happening," says Gwendolyn Lewis
Huddleston, academic director of design at The Art Institute of California -
San Francisco. "One of the hottest colors, literally, is 'golden
yellow,' which nicely complements the equally popular jewel-toned purples,
blues and greens." Americana-inspired dark reds and blues will remain
popular as well. "Neutrals
are out," echoes Lou Manfredini, a home improvement/do-it-yourself
expert and Ace Hardware's new "Helpful Hardware Man." The
new-and-improved harvest golds, terra cottas and avocados create homes that
are not only pleasant to be in, but also offer tremendous flexibility in
terms of accessories, wallpaper and carpeting. The key is to use the warm
colors as a background in which to showcase the rest of your house."
Manfredini also recommends "decorating like nature" by using darker
colors on lower parts of the house (the trees), then going lighter as the eye
moves up (the sky). The contrast between vibrant walls and white ceilings can
be both dramatic and soothing. But
decorating your home in warm, feel-good colors is just the first step. The
next is to truly make them your own by incorporating family pieces that evoke
fond memories of the past. "Antiques, heirlooms, photos and items we
treasure are greatly influencing our home décor," explains Sharon
Hanby-Robie, interior designer, author of the "My Name Isn't Martha"
book series and spokesperson for the Wallpaper Council. "Laying
Grandma's old piano scarf across the back of our sofa, for example, helps
keep loved ones part of our everyday lives. It also gives us a much-needed
sense of belonging." Frank
Ponterio, of Ponterio Interior Design in Lake Forest, Ill., also sees a trend
toward classicism and the traditional, with physical texture like crewel,
visual texture like warm plaid, and color that leans toward oxblood,
chocolate and tan. And according to Hanby-Robie, patterns will play an
important role as we decorate our homes "to stay, rather than
resell." Florals, botanicals, tropicals, paisleys, damasks and classic
stripes will be particularly visible in wall coverings, upholstery, area rugs
and murals. The fact that
murals remain popular comes as no surprise to EGI's Imholte. "Like a
soothing color palette or comforting knickknacks, our wall murals give a room
that warm, personal touch while, at the same time, reflecting a very
contemporary style," says Imholte. "The murals are affordable and
easy to install, and work equally well in a living room, family room, child's
room or office." Environmental
Graphics' eight-panel, 8-foot tall by 13-foot wide murals are available in 21
nature- and sports-themed styles. Popular designs include Lighthouse Cove,
Desert in Bloom and River Portage, as well as the company's newest addition,
Dolphins Paradise, that recently won the 2001 ADEX Award for Wallcovering
Design. For a
full-color brochure that includes wall mural designs and local dealer
information, call toll-free (800) 328-3869. To purchase wall murals, visit
your local Lowe's, Sherwin Williams or Home Depot store. Internet users can
visit Environmental Graphics' Web site at www.primoproducts.com to preview
all 21 murals, receive installation tips and learn more about the company.  Become a Decorator and Earn Top Money Decorating for Others Earn Money as Decorator  Redecorate Your Home, Using the Furniture You Already Own Instant Decorating  Decorate with Art, Pictures, Mirrors, Plants & Stuff Decorating with Art  Learn How to Hang Anything and Do It Correctly Hanging Art
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