This Year's Trends - Stuff

4 Manawatu Standard Tuesday, February 9, 2010 www.manawatustandard.co.nz
TRENDS
Colourful new decade
What trends can we
expect in the home this
year? David Killick
looks ahead.
The global financial crisis hit hard
last year.
Although New Zealand escaped
the mass layoffs and mortgage
foreclosures that bedevilled
other countries, notably the United
States, our property market remained
in the doldrums, and those in the
building and design industry reported
decidedly mixed results. Some did
okay; others struggled.
But if you visited some homeware
and entertainment product stores last
year, especially during a sale, you would
have been hard pressed to see any
downturn. Crisis, what crisis?
Our homes remain a constant. We are
always seeking ways to improve them
(which isn’t the same thing, of course, as
being able to actually afford them).
Many commentators predict greater
optimism in 2010. However, I believe it’s
unlikely the markets will surge back
suddenly. It’s more likely we will see a
gentle upswing.
Bolder colours
Dulux predicts that 2010 will be ‘‘the
dawn of a colourful new decade’’.
‘‘The strongest emerging colour
trends reflect the recent more positive
consumer outlook,’’ says Andrea Lucena-
Orr, Dulux’s leading colour forecaster.
Resene is forecasting a move away
from ‘‘basic earthiness’’ towards
‘‘warmth and comfort’’ and colours that
‘‘pack some punch’’.
Although the environment is still a
focal point, we will see ‘‘contrast and
contradiction’’, and a blending of layers,
Resene says.
My view: Many new colours have a
dusty, muted denim look. They may be
strong, but they are not harsh and
bright.
You should also look out for aquas,
blues, and more intense greens. We
haven’t seen them for a while, and they
could be due for a comeback.
Contrast
Reacting to the financial crisis,
homeowners sought refuge in the past.
For this reason, retro chic set the tone
last year.
Many new releases from top fabric
houses – Christian Fischbacher, Gaston y
Daniela, Harlequin – are recreations of
classic designs.
The same is true of furniture. Wooden
arms and legs are back in vogue.
Expect the focus on classics to
Big-screen televisions: Prices have never been so good. You don’t have to pay top dollar for a quality product.
Keeping fit: We’d all like to be healthier and fitter, and
making time for at-home exercise makes sense.
continue, but with a new twist and a
mixing of old and new – as, for example,
in the covering of an old chair with a
bold, modern fabric.
Recycling
More people are hanging on to stuff,
especially if it is well made. More people
are also seeking out designer classics
online or in stores.
If it still works well, why chuck it out
it? Furniture – especially quality wooden
furniture from the 50s and 60s – is
popular.
Renovating
Last year, people were reluctant to
buy a new place, and often preferred to
stay at home and improve their existing
property.
Even if the housing market improves
this year, doing up a home yourself will
Dig this: Growing your own veges has been a huge trend in
response to soaring grocery prices.
remain a Kiwi tradition – despite
tougher DIY regulations.
Downsizing
Architects around the world,
including those in the United States,
have begun to ask just how much house
a person needs.
Houses have become bigger over the
decades, and may now be too big in
some cases. What’s the point of two
people rattling around in a mansion?
In Europe, where land is in short
supply, architects are looking at more
innovative, mixed-use dwellings and
communities. This has not caught on in
New Zealand so far.
Big-screen TVs
If there is one consumer item in hot
demand, it’s the big-screen television.
Prices have never been so good. We
have spotted 32in LCD televisions for
under $800, and a 42-inch one for
$1000.
Television promises relaxation and
new horizons. But escaping from
technology altogether can be refreshing,
especially in summer.
Eco-friendliness
If you recycle, you can give yourself a
pat on the back for caring about the
environment.
But as more products use
environmental slogans as marketing
tools, beware of ‘‘greenwashing’’.
We’ve still behind the EU, for
example, where the material that goes
into products, the energy used to
produce them, and the working
conditions of those who manufacture
them are all coming under increasing
scrutiny.
There are some real advances being
made – in LED lighting, for example.
Choosing the most energy-efficient
appliances, such as washing machines
and fridges, will save you money.
Such appliances are now being
promoted on the basis of their energyefficiency.
And for the first time, homes
are being marketed with their energy
rating prominently mentioned.
Eating in and growing your own
Entertaining at home has become
more popular, to the detriment of
restaurants and cinemas, as people have
tried to save money.
There is increased interest in making
meals memorable, not just casual
gobble-and-go affairs.
Growing vegetables has become
popular, as grocery prices have soared
and as the health benefits of chemicalfree
produce have been recognised.
Health and fitness
Home gyms, exercise machines, or
simply a quiet place for relaxation are
antidotes to stress and the rigours of the
working world.
Coming soon, too, are a host of
machines that look like kitchen scales,
but which also measure your blood
pressure, hydration, body mass ratio,
and overall fitness level.
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