As we get set to close the doors on 2008, here’s a recap of all that changed in the living spaces during the last 12 months Till some time back architecture of houses and its interiors were for keeps. But now it changes just like fashion, with every season. The design elements do a little twist and tango, the colour palette goes from a muted cream to a loud red and the building materials add a new element just about every year. Let’s leaf through the trends that marked the year that is fast slipping from is to was. ECO CHIC: Eco-friendly and green. These two words emerged right on top of the interior design directory this year. Then whether it was about the CFLs or the solar heaters. Having penetrated the world of design, from houses, furniture to floorings, everybody wanted things made natural, organic and out of recycled products and materials. With the concept of ‘sustainable design’ too picking up, people this year sure adopted to a healthier living.ZEN FLAVOUR: Steering away from gaudy and overdone, this year luxury meant simple and concise. Clean surfaces and straight lines is what defined the Zen concept of interior decoration. It was also more of a futuristic look where less was definitely more. The Zen style not only flooded the stores but also found prized place in city homes.GLASS ACT: New materials and new technologies are reshaping the way we build. And topping the charts was glass and steel. From the IT Park to city homes, all gave the contemporary brick facade a miss to make the whole look a glassy affair.COLOUR ME BRIGHT: Brilliant and lively colours such as rich fuchsia, electric blue, bright ochre yellow and purple is what ruled the city homes. Then whether it were the walls or the accessories, it seems that people wanted to brighten up their living spaces and adding vibrant colours was just the way to do that. But here they all maintained a delicate balance that provided a striking appearance. SPARKLE & SHINE: While metallic tiles adorned bathrooms, fabrics in metallic sheen beautified the sofas. The traditional black, white and neutral shades took a backseat and it seemed that the bling from fashion world got transported into the world of interiors in 2008.WALL TO WALL: Wallpapers made a comeback, cool coloured ones at that. Highlighting the drawing rooms, the bedrooms and also the dining rooms, they were found their way in everywhere. Available in a wide price range, they emerged as a quick substitute for wall art. NATURAL BEAUTY: The natural look of wood, metal and other elements found through nature was a huge interior decorating trend for 2008. Gentle greens, earthy browns, rustic silvers, brushed coppers, sky blues, golden yellows and other nature-inspired colours added warmth to the interior decor. Courtyards with its green zones too found its due this year. DESIGNER’S WORLD: From Sabyasachi bed sheets, Versace tiles to Ralph Lauren wallpaper, this year saw the city get them all. Though restricted to the elite few, they also made way to restaurants and hotels including the bar at Hotel Mountview.
