Ring in the good vibes this year with the latest trends to hit home. Learn what’s in and what’s out from Ethan Allen’s design pride, George Foster, as he shares with Velvet his excellent ideas on decorating and re-decorating your house. Repeatedly recognised for his creative, conceptual and analytical talents, George Foster’s ideas will help turn your visions for home interior into refined level. Read on!

Art in Threes

The trio of panelled art, which has been rising in popularity in commercial interior design, is now on the residential harm, this look can create a simple way to make your home looking expensive.

Wall Drama

Paint one wall a dark colour or cover it with grass cloth. The textured accent wall behind the bed adds warmth to the room and gives it a polished look. Re-doing only one wall is perfect for a flair of drama.

Less Is More

Rather than jamming shelves full of knickknacks, I would opt for a minimalist look: several books standing upright along with tall vases that fill the space without overcrowding it. The introduction of objects of various height and colour will give the book case personality. My favourite part of decorating home is turning wasted, unused space into a functional reading nook that can be enjoyed by many by simply adding a chair.

Giant Rug

“The bigger the area rug, the bigger the room will feel.” I love to make spaces feel larger: the neutral palette, mirrors behind the sofa and giant rug look perfect together and make the small room appear bigger (and better).

Pillows for Accent

As you know, we are lucky enough to have a home that bathes in sunlight. I’m stuck with neutral colours to let the home’s best asset — natural light — shine. To prevent the room from becoming boring, my advice to you is to throw in one zing by way of a chevron pillow or a distress chest. The trendy unfinished furniture and zigzag textile adds just the right graphic touch.

Trends From 2014 to Continue

There are a few trends from last year that will see through to 2015; for example, creation of dramatic living spaces impacted by simplicity will continue. Colour blocking/popping will continue into 2015 for a pop of individuality and culture in living spaces. Grey walls, as the new neutral, will continue; we are just adjusting the intensity base on the home lighting. Finally, the use of oversized photography artworks as a focus point in small or large spaces is going to definitely be a must in 2015.

Must-have Accessories

I recommend homes to have these:

proper lighting, white florals, a side table with the proportionate table lamp, decorative box in the TV/family room to hide all the remote controls in, candle holders, and appropriately-sized area rug.