Chic Interior Design Trends in 2008

Realtor Magazine reports in its March 2008 issue on hot trends in interior design. They include an eclectic mix of cutting-edge materials, building products and equipment that will make a new home or an older home a hot commodity:

1. Bathrooms as Spa-Like Retreats: Customized bathtubs with Wireless Waterproof Headsets such as the Bain Ultra Elegencia Tub. Just the ticket to drown out the squabbles over the remote in the family room. 

2. Garage Transformation: I love this: during the long, cold New England winters, send the kids out to play in the garage on your radiant-heated, Garage Tek covered floor. It can be an “activity center” for children and adults to play games, pursue hobbies, or just hang out. Except that I will have to find a place to stash the snow blower, plastic toys, and recyclables….

3. Wire Mesh Fabric: Hmmnn… I am not sure I am on board with this one in the Wellesley/Weston market where classic Colonials prevail. However, for stylish minimalists, metallic mesh makes funky window shades, room dividers and even wine racks. Better yet, pricing starts at $6 a square foot at Cascade Coil Drapery.

4. Hot Hue: Add Blue: Good bye, beige, hello blue! The Pantone Color Institute has voted Blue Iris its top color choice for 2008. For an abundance of beautiful blues, go to FinePaintsof Europe.com. Look for “mystical and magical” purple undertones.

5. Faux Wood Trim: What a great idea: vinyl planking, wainscot, molding and chair railing in moisture and mildew resistant vinyl, ideal for baths.  Prices at Plastpro start at $19.99.

6. Reclaimed Wood: Ahh, beautiful countertops and flooring made from reclaimed wine barrels.  Fontenay Woods offers the “ultimate in cool:” a winery’s stamp on the wood starting at $32 per sq. ft. for flooring, $85 a sq. ft. for countertops.

7. High Speed Wall Oven: Just when I’ve grown immune to the sticker shock on commercial ranges designed for high end kitchens, along comes the Turbo Chef double wall oven, a jaw-dropping $7,895 for a 30 inch double wall speedcook oven. Realtor Mag reports that it cooks a deep-dish pizza in ten minutes.  At this price, I expect a mighty tasty Kraft mac and cheese!

8. Sustainable Furniture: Green seating with style is available at Montauk.  For deep pockets only: sofa prices start at $3,500.

9. Recycled Vinyl Wall Coverings:Way cool: patterns can mimic cork, linen, damask and even weathered plaster.  Wallcoverings are made of at least 20% reused materials with low voltage water-based inks. About $17.95 per linear yard at Second Look.

10. Hybrid Water Heaters:The Eternal Hybrid Water Heater combines the best of conventional water heaters and the greener tankless options. Here is a money saver: reduce utility bills by 35%. Grand Hall USA’s model will cost you to save: it costs double the traditional water heater.

Jane Neilson, CBR

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