As with fashion, art, and music, home decor trends are always changing to reflect what is going on around us. Today, a bad economy and the green movement are driving forces in the world of home decorating. A revival of the “less is more” attitude has influenced many people to downsize their homes and reevaluate their conspicuous consumption of the earth’s resources.
Lately, Americans have been bombarded by the word “downsize.” Companies are downsizing by laying people off, the government is downsizing funding for programs, and homeowners are downsizing their living spaces in order to live more affordably. You may be asking yourself what this has to do with trends in home decor. Well, everything. In addition to downsizing their homes, American consumers are cutting back on spending and decorating styles are reflecting this.
In a small space, every square foot counts. Furniture that works double-duty is becoming more popular. For example, a desk can be a vanity. A living room can double as an office if the secretary folds out to expose a work station. These pieces are functional, and they allow people to purchase half as much furniture. Creative storage options are also necessary when outfitting a downsized home. Currently, decor is simple and fuss-free as opposed to the opulence of the past.
Going green is a movement that challenges people to change their lifestyles. There is cause for concern as we realize the impact that humans have on the environment and the world’s natural resources. In an effort to reduce the amount of damage that our daily activities have on the planet, people have started to act more conscientiously. From appliances to eco-friendly fabrics and sustainable woods, recent décor trends are a sure sign of the times.
Washing machines, refrigerators and water heaters are made to use less energy. This makes them run more efficiently, which is good for the environment and saves the homeowner money in operating costs. Bamboo and cork are sustainable materials that are quickly becoming popular flooring options. Even cleaning products for the home are moving away from toxic chemicals to eco-friendly ingredients.
The status of the economy and the environment are challenging people to live more thoughtfully in every area of their lives, including when it comes to interior design. Home décor trends are a reflection of the world going on around us. Expect them to continue to evolve as we make our way through these uncertain times.
