Now is the time to get a head start with your home improvement plans for the new year, by looking at potential 2009 home decorating trends! It’s never too early to plan for the future. According to Carmen Natschke, editor of “The Decorating Diva”, and other famous trendsetters, there is much to look forward to in 2009!

With the economic stresses that we’re currently facing, the home is expected to be marketed as a stress-free sanctuary. Calm, neutral colors and elegant satin or comfy cotton furniture should fill the home. These ideas coincide with the feng shui design ideas of placing furniture in a way that will bring peace to the energies around us.

Fashion in home decorating tends to follow the trends of clothing fashion. Home accessories, such as pillows, are expected to flaunt belts, sequins and bold colors! Check out the trendsetter clothing magazines to stay ahead of the curve.

Popular furniture for 2009 includes old-fashioned pieces with a contemporary pattern. Take trips to the local antique shops and find some quality-built furniture. Then, fix it up with bold, bright patterns. Bringing old-fashioned and contemporary styles together creates a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

Green living has become more popular than ever and will continue to surge in 2009! We will see a rush of eco-friendly materials, such as cork flooring, bamboo countertops and organic wool slipcovers. To get a fuller knowledge of eco-friendly materials for the home, check out our green-living blog entries!

Art Deco is experiencing a resurgence of popularity in interior design. Art Deco is usually based on a variety of geometric shapes. Fill your home with all types of patterns, from animal print to geometrics to modern floral. It’s nearly impossible to go wrong with the unique appeal of Art Deco.

Wood is also experiencing a resurgence of recognition. It is expected that in 2009, wood will be displayed in more places than just the flooring. Turn your home into a ski lodge or log cabin with hardwood wall coverings, beadboard ceilings and even wooden furniture.

Neutral colors have always been used in abundance, but they aren’t what they used to be! The “drab tan” in only one shade is no longer what neutral coloring refers to! Now you can find every shade that is visible outdoors, whether it be leaves, nuts, foods or grasses. Each room could include a different shade of tan, one wall could shine more than the others or the ceiling could add some color. Bring the calm colors of nature inside for a look that everyone will appreciate!

Colors that are expected to gain fame in 2009 include rich browns, bright pinks, indigo and sapphire, spiced orange, saffron, gold and silver, all shades of green, soft blues and purples, fuchsia, salmon, lavender, deep blue and even yellow!

In order to show off all of these stunning color palettes, more complex lighting fixtures will be in order! Chandeliers are expected to grow in size and wall fixtures will gain popularity. With such a color craze on its way, people want to show off their new rooms as much as possible!

Wall murals will soar to an all-time high! A wall mural can completely change the mood of a room without you spending a fortune. With some time and talent, a wall mural could transform your family room into a beachfront or your den into a sunny park.

A blend of cultures comes together in 2009. Furniture patterns or art pieces can show off multiple cultural influences at one time. Turn your home into an international wonder without buying a single plane ticket! Your guests will appreciate the history and recognition of cultural variety.

Any sort of one-of-a-kind accessory can set your home apart from others. Buy a piece of furniture from a local builder, purchase a painting from the actual painter and grab an antique tea set from a nearby antique store. You’d be amazed at the unique, original opportunities awaiting you in 2009!