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A Publication of WTVP

The events of this past year, both foreign and domestic, created a new sense of spirituality and a more closely knit family structure in many households throughout America. With this new ideal of old-fashioned family values and togetherness comes a new way of looking at our homes and how we use them. Rather than just a roof over our heads, the home is again thought of as a member of the family, with a value beyond dollars. It’s a place for our families to grow and thrive.

A lot of people are staying home more and moving around less, causing them to take a closer look at their interiors. The need for areas where the entire family can come together are now more important than ever; activity centers, great rooms, and game rooms seem to be on the upswing.

Today’s families need casual, comfortable areas with sturdy, quality furnishings where they can relax together—without worrying about maintaining everything. Distressed furniture, durable but soft upholstery, and clever storage pieces will be the most sought after items this coming year. Larger, eat-in kitchens will make a comeback as home cooking becomes popular again.

Along with this, quality craftsmanship and investment buying are back. The throwaway merchandise of the last 20 years is slowly being replaced with heirloom quality pieces that offer some constant and stable additions to your home. The instant gratification and cookie cutter look of the 1980s and 1990s is slowly giving way to a more individual and specialized approach to interior design that takes both longevity and personal style into consideration.

Warm and inviting color schemes, comfort, and reliability are paramount to achieving a nurturing and loving environment for your family. Wood, leather, and other sturdy, easy-to-maintain fabrics and materials will help create a low-stress environment. Wood and laminate flooring with area rugs for warmth will be a growing trend due to their easy upkeep. Arts and Crafts, Williamsburg, and other “all-American” styles will continue to flourish, while exotic and Mediterranean looks will go by the wayside.

Family mementos, photos, and children’s art will be used as accessories with other pieces chosen for their sentimental value, rather than color or price. Antiques will be popular again, and long-forgotten heirlooms will be pulled from storage to take center stage.

Faux finishes and subtle prints in muted colors are popular for wall coverings because of their timeless nature, with floral prints, plaids, and casual paisleys on the windows and upholstery to liven things up. Eclectic, individual taste will become the basis for interior planning, rather than one particular look or style of décor. A color or texture will tie things together, rather than having everything match perfectly.

Floor plans will focus on conversation and family togetherness, rather than on media centers and computers, which will take on a secondary emphasis and be out of sight. Armoires and hideaway computer desks that conceal all of these modern technologies will give homes a more traditional feel while still allowing for modern conveniences. These and other personalized, custom options that fit your individual needs will make your home as unique as your own family. TPW

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