Real Talk!

According to a study by the Canadian Real Estate Association, one out of every 100 jobs depends on spending associated with resale housing transactions - on things like renovations, furniture and appliances. This study also found the average resale housing transaction in Ontario generates more than $47,000 in economic spinoffs.

Having been a designer/decorator in one of my previous incarnations, I like to keep my finger on the trend pulse... so, I thought I'd share the predictions for 2010.

Let me be clear… the following information is NOT to be used by Sellers… studies show that it takes less than a minute for prospective Buyers to size up a property… that first impression is a lasting one. Sellers need to ask the advice of an objective eye… and remember that Buyers probably won’t care for a bubble-gum pink kitchen- even if it looks cool.

Sellers need to opt for neutrals and de-personalize their spaces- offer up a clean, clutter-free, pleasant smelling, fresh canvas. It’s very difficult for folks to imagine their belongings in a room with strong décor… while you might love bold accents, they can turn prospective Buyers off.

If you have too much stuff, store it… there’s nothing worse than crammed storage- so you may have to find a place away from your home for things. “Febreze” your home or apartment daily, and open windows. Remember, kitchens and bathrooms are dealmakers and deal breakers. Simple things, like nice fluffy towels, fragrant soaps, a fresh shower curtain, crisp tea towels… shiny new faucets… can set the tone.

For those folks planning to stay in their place a while, there are some interesting colour trends for 2010. Experts argue that the 2010 “it” colour is green… or purple. Most lean toward green. Not the sage variety… a yellow infused green. Purples range from periwinkle to deep aubergine. Blue is making a comeback- primarily in midnight shades of navy and denim- although aqua and teal are hanging in.

In 2010, yellow will still be still prominent, although moving toward the gold and carmel- bronze tones and orange is moving toward copper. Creamy, butter-tinted beiges are now taking the place of white for a softer look. Carbon greys and earthen browns are hot.

On the runways, we are to expect urban-themes: black, brown, maroon and dark blue… and “techno” colours like lime, violet, white and silver. In furniture, shiny surfaces are all the rage. Strong, streamlined shaped furnishings in singular pieces with plain or geometric fabrics. Flooring selections include abstract designs in linoleum, the classic black and white checkerboard tile or polished wooden floors with an overlaid, geometric patterned rug.

The overall influence, in 2010, is Art Deco. Clean, simple and elegant. Art Deco often features aluminum, lacquer, stainless steel, animal skin patterns, inlaid wood and elements of zigzags or stepped patterns, lightening bolts, sweeping curves, lines, chevrons and sunburst. Geometric and angular, the use of chrome, glass and mirrors exude the Deco feel. Flowing natural forms and female imagery are highlighted in lamps and carefully selected ornaments. Lamps with geometric glass shades work well with art deco interior design.

Stylized images of airplanes, cars, cruise ships, skyscrapers or simple nature motifs like shells and flowers are connected to the style. All things Egyptian, Chinese and theatrical contrasts like glossy black lacquer, satin and fur, exemplify the highly fashionable elements of the Deco trend.

The fusion of old and new is an opportunity to create original recycling chic. Go for symmetrical, repetitive shapes and use glass and stainless steel. Bold, highly contrasted and interesting shapes and colours make things seem light and kind of fun. It will “open up” your space, too.

The look can be achieved on a small budget. Visit second hand stores for original art deco pieces that can be refinished. Indulge in some fabulous, but inexpensive poster art, film and entertainment memorabilia. Spruce up an old dresser by painting the main frame gloss white or gloss black- you can paint the drawers another colour- or each a different colour. Change handles to chunky, prominent shapes or bold colours.

Art deco style features primary colours like red, yellow and blue or Miami colours like pink and green and fabrics and materials like velvet and leather. Wood pieces should be stained in light colours. Add intriguing and unusual accessories. The Art Deco - 30's look can lend an elegant Hollywood-style glamour and can be achieved on any budget.

Think: Pizzazz. Go with crisp, modern, sensual and seductive lines. Dramatic Deco undertones catch the attention with highly-stylized, luminous, geometrics and splashes of luscious reds should be desaturated in places and then pumped with luxurious decadence. Originally, the movement represented modernism turned into fashion. Individually crafted pieces would exude luxury and create a sleek and anti-traditional elegance intended to symbolize wealth and sophistication.

Ornaments should be geometric or stylized from representational forms; and unusually varied, between man-made substances (plastic- especially bakelite; glass; and concrete) and natural elements (jade, silver, ivory, obsidian, chrome, and rock crystal).

Outdated kitchen cabinets- especially the ones with center panels can be easily updated and transformed into deco-friendly glass paneled doors. Simply remove the cupboard doors. Use a chisel and rubber mallet to remove the lip that holds the centre panel and it should be easily removed- measure the panel and order glass in that same size, to replace it. To install the glass, put it in place, then carefully install glazing points approximately every five to six inches to hold it in place. Fill the seams between the edges glazing putty and smooth it with a putty knife. Once the putty has dried, reinstall the cabinet doors.

With its natural geometric look, art deco style can also give a bathroom a touch of glamour. Uplighting will make the most of light with pearl grey or white walls, glass and chrome. Octagonal or hexagon patterned tile is perfect for flooring. Cabinetry should be stand alone pieces of interesting furniture and wall sconces will cast an evenly diffused light around the mirror, for grooming. Set the room off with a glossy oval mirror and streamlined chrome towel bars- with some luxurious, plushy black and pink or mint green towels.

& Don’t forget that artistic exterior doors will increase the value of a home AND provide a focal point with enormous curb-appeal. One fastest growing trends in doors today is the art deco door. The deco style door includes elements of geometrical form, curved twists and smooth, sharp, uneven lines, etched glass or mirrors and is painted in the appropriate gloss colour. The result is a door that is truly a work of art.