| Like the world of fashion, home décor trends | | | | Gone are the days of white and eggshell walls; the |
| change with every passing season. Here are some of | | | | days of brick red, mocha, and light green walls are |
| the top trends in home furnishings to help keep your | | | | here to stay (for 2007, at least). |
| home fresh and hip: | | | | 4. Home Oasis: Creating a tropical get-away at home |
| | | | will be a strong trend for 2007. Offering a balancing |
| 1. Wallpaper: Wallpaper? Yes, wallpaper. Arguably out | | | | effect against our increasingly hectic lifestyles, beach |
| of style for the past decade (or two), wallpaper will | | | | and vacation themed décor has taken off. |
| slowly, but surely make a comeback. This reincarnation | | | | Look for subtle tropical accents and furnishing to add a |
| is not about tacky patterns or stripes, it is about bold | | | | touch of the islands to your home's décor. A |
| scenes. Look for new styles of wall paper that have | | | | word of caution though: tropical décor should |
| very large patterns. For instance, some of the newer | | | | be used sparingly, as too much themed décor |
| patterns will make your wall look like an abstract | | | | can be downright tawdry. |
| forest. Also, this type of wall paper will be used on a | | | | 5. African Influence: As the world turns its' eyes |
| single wall to make an impact, without overpowering a | | | | towards the conflicts in Africa, many people are |
| room. | | | | looking for a way to help in any way possible. |
| 2. Bamboo Decor: As the world becomes more and | | | | Supporting the local economies of developing African |
| more environmentally aware, decorators are turning to | | | | nations through fair trade and commerce is an |
| eco-friendly design elements. Bamboo is a highly | | | | excellent way to have an impact. Through the advent |
| renewable resource that can grow up to two feet per | | | | of the internet, more people have access to authentic |
| day. Bamboo flooring is a beautiful and highly durable | | | | African home décor. Look for ways to add an |
| alternative to wood flooring from slow growth forests. | | | | African influences to your home décor in 2007. |
| Look for bamboo kitchenware and accents, such as | | | | These furnishings will make for excellent conversation |
| bamboo bowls, vases and picture frames. | | | | starters and help spread the word about the African |
| 3. Bold Colors: The trend away from boring wall colors | | | | conflicts. |
| and towards bold colored walls will continue in 2007. | | | | |