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What industry experts expect to see in 2010
As 2010 opens, the world of design continues to transition. With choices driven by things as real and as varied as technology, demographics, the economy, and even politics, designers and homeowners face excitement and uncertainty, hope and pragmatism.
Hilton Head Monthly spoke with two people with their fingers on the pulse of the design world. Stephen Melman is the director of economic services at the National Association of Home Builders in Washington, D.C. Annemarie diSalvo is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers and is president of diSalvo Interiors in Manhattan and Oyster Bay, Long Island. Here is what they’re seeing as design heads into a new decade.
Smaller is Bigger
“Five to eight years ago retirees were trading in the homes they raised their kids in and moving into huge McMansions,” diSalvo recalls. “That just isn’t happening anymore. People don’t want to give up space, but they are no longer doubling their square footage.
Melman agrees, saying that the shift to smaller spaces has led to some fundamental changes in floor planning. “What you see is elimination of walls wherever possible,” he said.Distinction between rooms is made by architectural elements, like columns or arches. There are also higher ceilings so rooms feel like they are bigger, and lots of recessed lighting because you just don’t have space for all of those lamps.”
The critical thing people want out of their space is the ability to entertain, diSalvo says, and open floor plans, even in smaller spaces, allow flow, which is critical for hosting large groups.
“You don’t have the kid’s table and the adult table anymore. You have a series of smaller tables that can be broken down and removed after the party is over.”
Luxury over extravagance
With less space, extravagance is unaffordable, diSalvo says. “But, people don’t want to give up their luxury.”
An example of this, she says, can be found in televisions. “Armoires are a thing of the past. Every television can be hung on the wall.” But televisions are no longer just for catching prime time programming. “We are seeing the intersection of the television and the computer, where the keyboard is wireless and can be put away in a drawer somewhere.”
Another area where streamlined design has taken over is in window treatments. Gone are large swags and panels, and period window treatments.
“Everything now is much more simple,” diSalvo offers. “We are really liking that the window manufacturers are offering UV panels on the window, so that they don’t have be to be added after market.”
One area where luxury is clearly the choice is in landscape design, diSalvo said. “Outdoor kitchens are a staple, and people also want water or fire or both. It really is nice to be able to go outside with a bottle of wine on a cool night.”
Green is almost here
Melman said that homeowners seem to be interested in going green, but only to a point. “We see that people will go to a point, say 2 percent to 2.5 percent of the price of the house, but then they don’t want to pay the price. So, people want insulation, and lighting that uses less energy, and appliances. But, do they want the solar panel? Hopefully we’ll come out of this [economic] cycle soon and that is something we’ll see.”
DiSalvo agrees, saying many green products just haven’t arrived.
“I’m not having a lot of people looking for recycled floors. The bamboo fabrics just aren’t there yet. They have an industrial look and feel. Once the manufactures learn to make them softer and more luxurious, I think they will catch on. We’re just not there yet.”
