What's HOT and what's NOT!

So here is a little top ten teaser list of what is hot and what is not....I will update after market in April.

HOT....

1. Natural Products - stone, marble, plaster, bamboo, silk, metals.
2. Monochromatic Neutrals - this has never gone out of style..always classic and calming.
3. Being frugal - not cheap, but spending your money on those great impact pieces.
4. Blues - rich and deep with lots of depth.
5. Mixing - especially traditional and contemporary design elements.
6. Family photos - I love a family wall framed in different moldings.
7. Function over form - this coming from a designer...It can still be amazing!
8. Dining Rooms - entertaining is back or try using it on a Tuesday with your family!
9. Uplights - use them behind plants, screens, or sculptures to create interesting shadows.
10. Hiring a designer - what could be cooler that saying, "Hold on, my designer is calling!"

NOT....
1. "Jetson" contemporary - too cold, too uncomfortable.
2. Flame stitch - is wasn't even good in the 80's!
3. Faux in every room - it is overkill and doesn't make the one room special.
4. Builder beige walls - add some color already!
5. Huge speakers - I will admit, my husband brought them home too. I am trying to figure out a way to camoflauge them. No luck yet!
6. Corian counters - So many great alternatives on the market now.
7. Animals with clothes on - this has always been one of my pet peeves. It's just not right to
put clothes on a monkey.
8. Poster art - go to your local gallery or art's festival and support an artist and you never know,
it may even be worth something someday.
9. Clutter - Order in your house will equal more order in your life!
10. HGTV - I don't mean stop watching, I mean stop thinking you can do it all yourself! Great
for ideas, but know your limits, don't make costly mistakes, hire a professional!