2009 Green Design Trends Home Improvement

Trend Watch 2009 Brought To You By Atlanta Home Staging Pros - Homes Designed To Sell

In a commitment of preserving our earth's resources to ensure the needs of

generations to come, the design world has taken on a new life. Manufacturers in

all facets of home building and design are developing new Eco-friendly products to

enhance our homes as well as our lifestyles.

The most visible eco-design trend is the extensive use of "earth-friendly" products.

Fabrics and textiles made from all-natural and organic fibers, as well as chemicalfree

materials are becoming increasingly available. From upholstery to wall

coverings, you can create a feeling of luxury or simply a natural comfort haven

using environmental friendly products. In something as small as selecting paint,

choose from one of the many companies that now offer "green" paints, which are

Low- or No-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds).

If paint isn't your choice, there are many ways to treat your walls. You can find

wallpapers that are printed on a 100% paper base (not vinyl), using water-based

inks low in VOC. You can create faux finishes on your walls using recycled paper

that take advantage of making old into new. A myriad of items such as antiques,

metals, tiles, glass, cabinetry, and light fixtures can be reclaimed from other uses

to give them new life and keep them out of landfills. Mohawk Carpets is just one

of the companies who has developed a way to recycle plastic bottles. Not only are

they reducing waste, they have created one of their most popular carpets in the

process. It's luxurious, soft, plush feel fools the eye and the hand making it hard to

believe it was once a 2-litre of soda.

Probably the most significant design trend is Sustainability- designing in a way to

conserve energy and natural resources. One example is quality flooring made

from natural materials such as reclaimed wood (from an old barn), cork or

bamboo. Bamboo is especially renewable since it has a rapid rate of growth. Add

a touch of warmth to your floors using rugs made from sustainable materials such

as jute or hemp. Vegetable dyes are now being used to provide the color creating

the beautiful patterns we love.

Sustainable design techniques can lead to greater Energy efficiency. A few

important steps to take are listed below.

o Use of Energy star appliances

o Lighting: Use of Compact Florescent light bulbs; more task lighting,

which reduces the need to light large areas of rooms; designs with

lots of natural light

o Heating and cooling: use of cellular window shades (trap air keeping

room heated or cooled), ceiling fans, Low-E energy efficient

windows, high efficiency HVAC systems

The bottom line is you don't have to sacrifice your style or taste if you want to go

Green. Due to a sense of eco-consciousness and social responsibility, all parts of

design are being improved upon daily. Make it your goal to see how you can

contribute.... Future generations are counting on you.

Color Watch

Provided by the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute.

Living Southern Style Magazine

"Fashion runways have long been the inspirational source for home furnishings

and decorating color choices. Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert with The

Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute, shares her suggestions for a trendy color

palette for 2008. "Consumers' increasing color confidence and personal style

makes any color fashionable for 2008", Zimmer says. "From glass-like blues,

botanical greens, dramatic black and white and whisper soft pink, color directions

will drive towards individual self-expression, glamorous living experiences or an

increasing awareness of important environmental causes." "

Green is becoming the latest neutral color. Shades of olive, pine, sage, and palm

bring a sense of eco - sensibility and when paired with shades of icy blue or aqua,

create a calming effect.

Go more daring... bring in shades of red. From the warm sunset red to the orange

glow, gather a feeling of warmth throughout your home for a hint of safety.

Go glamorous with black paired with white adding in a splash of bright color or a

hint of subtle color for the mystery. Add in metallic with mirrored shimmer for the

Hollywood feel.

For other home improvement, staging, redesign, or for interest in home staging certification training programs ideas visit www.AtlantaHomeStagingPros.com

Special thank you to DMD Designs for allowing us to redistribute this article.