2010 is bringing in new home decorating and interior design trends, while carrying over some of the old.  For home environments stuck in the doldrums, easy and affordable updates can create a cozy spring haven. We explore three of the top home decorating trends this spring.     
 

Exotic Infusion  "We're expecting people to stay closer to home this year, so we're seeing a lot of decor inspired by travel to near and faraway places," says Nancy Bohnett, academic director of Interior Design for The Art Institute of Las Vegas.  Imagine the exotic places you'd like to visit and be inspired by their native styles.   Yanic Simard, principal designer at the Toronto Interior Design Group, says the trend this year is one that blends elements from Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe to combine for a culturally chic look.  Simard recommends starting with a neutral color like grey on the walls, which creates a perfect base for bringing in vibrant colors and bold patterns from around the world.  And there's no need to stick to just one particular international influence, he says: "You can have [an] African furniture piece mixed with Chinese silk brocade pillows and an Egyptian mother of pearl storage box. That's the beauty of it." In keeping with this international trend, exotic carpets, such as the faded Kilim are very on-trend whereas last year we were seeing really graphic carpets with bold high-contrast colors. Now the trend is more home-spun and handmade.Wallpaper has made a comeback and is strong this season with designs inspired by Islamic architecture and infused in vibrant hues like orange, purple and teal.  The patterned paper is even being used to decorate ceilings.  When you wallpaper a ceiling, it's less of an investment and easier to change down the road.  For those seeking to add a punch with colorful patterns or bold hues, they may consider heeding the call of the wild.  Animal prints are back for 2010, but are being used more in small doses, like a zebra-print ottoman or throw pillows worked into a monochromatic scheme.  And, velvet reminiscent of far-away kingdoms is emerging as the fabric of the moment, from a covered sectional in one featured look to another with crushed velvet cushions. Infusing exotic elements into your home has never been easier to implement thanks to the Internet.  You don't have to travel far and wide to get the look you desire.  You can select items from far and remote locations with the simple click of your mouse.

Eco-Chic Is On the Rise  Increasingly consumers are becoming aware of green alternatives in home decorating.  From bamboo kitchen cabinets, recycled countertops and cork or reclaimed wood flooring to eco-friendly furniture and fabrics, homeowners are starting to request more and more environment friendly materials as they modify and upgrade their homes this spring.  Popular choices include bamboo, cork and reclaimed wood flooring, no-VOC paint, eco-friendly fabrics, thermal window treatments and energy efficient lighting and appliances.  As we move forward into late 2010 on into next year, we will see this trend expand into new construction where even more products can be cost-effectively incorporated into a whole green eco-system in newly constructed homes. This future trend will be more far-reaching than the current one of retrofitting existing homes with green alternatives.  

Nature-Inspired Color Schemes  Soft hues, intricate patterns and fresh scents bring the feeling of spring indoors.  As the weather continues to warm and nature starts to awake from its winter slumber, the world around us embraces spring. This time of renewal is also the perfect time to update home decor with the fresh feeling associated with the change in season.Home decor that takes cues from nature and the serenity of the spring season is inspiring designers across the country. This involves an abundance of flowers and greenery, soft color palettes and a feeling of peaceful tranquility throughout the home. Soft colors are key for spring decorating and you can find inspiration right outside your door. Blossoming flowers present shades of lavender, pink and tangerine. Sky blue coordinates well with the green shades of fresh grass and budding leaves. Warm yellows and browns are inspired by the sun and add a sense of peacefulness