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Interior Designer Robin Baron shares her trend predictions for 2009, including metallics and nail heads.

From “Trends 2009: The World as We’ll Know It, Robin Baron of Robin Baron Design”, By Pamela Graves:

Baron is an ASID Allied Member, an interior designer and owner of Robin Baron Design Inc., a full service, high-end residential interior design firm.  Although she counts her clients the elite of the residential, business and entertainment communities, Baron makes interior design more accessible to the general public.

[Robin Baron of Robin Baron Design Inc. says the living room is the new “IT” room in the home.  Baron uses her design experience to help people realize the impact their homes have on their lives.]

“There is always something new, even if it is old and new again!  One of the freshest and newest things that inspired me at the [Fall 2008] High Point Market was nail heads being used every which way…on everything from headboards and bed frames to mirrors and tissue boxes to garden stools and ottomans.  Nail heads were everywhere, making it all look new!

Meanwhile, sustainable and eco-friendly concerns are inspiring many manufacturers and designers to ‘Think Green’.  Not only am I seeing more products available, they’re sophisticated and luxurious while using sustainable and eco-friendly materials.

In addition, at Fall Market I noticed an abundant use of metallic and reflective surfaces such as chunky hardware as drawer and door pulls, mirrored furniture and accessories, metal detailing, and metallic fabrics and beads.  Metallic is everywhere!

At home, no longer is the living room the ‘formal’ room of the house.  It’s not your grandma’s living room that’s stiff with plastic covers; the new living room is usable and functional for people to enjoy.  Traditionally, the living room was considered a formal living space only used for entertaining; now it’s another room for the family to enjoy.  Currently, I’m seeing the use of flat screen TVs, more comfortable and inviting furniture and hands-on fabrics…the living room has finally been re-discovered!

What’s ‘Old News’ for me?  Over-the-top trim on everything!  With the trends over the last few years being clean lined and rich texture, over-the-top traditional trim can take things down a notch.  I love the new, more contemporary spin on traditional trim that incorporates glass and metallic beads, great textured tape trim, and simpler trim with fewer tassels that are made of wood and natural materials for a more subtle look.  I still love trim just with a more contemporary twist.

In accessing 2009’s trends, I’m inspired by nail heads in interesting and unexpected places on different pieces.  Another inspired look is bold splashes of color in places I wouldn’t have thought of, like the inside drawer or cabinet.  This exciting trend is just beginning to make a splash in the market.”