Rocca discusses 2010 themes, styles and colours

Interior designer Ceri Rocca of The Style House advises homeowners on what to look out for in terms of themes, styling and colour in 2010.

According to Rocca, nature will be a prominent theme this year, as it was last year.

Influences of the Orient and the Far East remain, but, as creativity in the home repositions itself in 2010, there is a shift away from decadence, with earthy colour palates, simplicity and authenticity being the 'buzz words' in interior design, both this year and next.

Sustainability and the environment are now being reflected in interior design.

Simple materials processed to a high standard - such as a dark-oak coffee table, a leather couch or a deep-pile rug - will be popular this year, complemented by accessories in key colours, such as deep reds, moody purples and ochre and cactus greens.

Perhaps a reupholstered chair in neutral tones, such as grey, petrol or brown, could be balanced with cushions or a vase in bright colours including yellow, turquoise or orange.

Homeowners should look to nature for colour inspiration, such as those found in deep lush forests, the calming sea or vivid deserts.

Rocca claims that, this year, 'less is more' - influenced by the recent economic struggles.

Items with a unique, improvised feel, such as a fine weave throw with a silvery twist or accessories such as a beaten copper fruit bowl, can update a living area, combining the old with the new.

Another way to 'do it yourself' in style is by recovering cushions, picking out dark tones to avoid the risk of feeling overwhelmed by one colour.

A few well-placed plants, peacock feathers in a vase or some hand-painted glass candle holders can also complement a home.

Room dividers can transform any space and Rocca recommends that homeowners should consider oriental patterns, motifs and silks.

In the bathroom, homeowners should choose jewelled tiles, deep colours and mirror units.

Mosaics can be stunning in any bathroom but can also be used to transform a living area.

Those that cannot afford to update a whole room should just concentrate on livening up one area - wallpapering one wall, for example.

This year, there is also a trend, tipped to invoke playfulness at home, which relates directly to the release of Tim Burton's remake of Alice in Wonderland.

A strong theatrical mood, with pieces on an exaggerated scale, will be seen around homes.

These pieces could include an oversized lamp, gilt chairs or perhaps a new clock, resembling the one the White Rabbit carries in his pocket, or even a round table.

This theme could be subtly introduced into the bathroom or kitchen.

Back to top