Much like we can expect from the American people in next year’s election, the votes among the nation’s top interior designers and manufacturers are split when it comes to forecasting what will be “hot” in home decor in 2008.
The good news is that there’s no mudslinging or veto power. In fact, design bipartisanship is encouraged, as it results in a myriad of choices for today’s style- and value-conscious consumers.
Here are the top 10 trends on the ballot for 2008:
1. The Incumbent – Wall murals are always a hot ticket, particularly those produced by Hopkins, Minn.-based Murals Your Way (www.muralsyourway.com), the industry leader in the production of decorative wall murals for more than 35 years. “Personalization is the key driver in mural selection,” says Todd Imholte, president of Environmental Graphics, the company that operates Murals Your Way. “We are finding more and more people choosing a mural that fits their personality.” With a gallery of more than 5,000 wall mural images, as well as the ability to create a custom mural from a personal photo or artwork, the possibilities are truly endless. Some of Hollywood’s celebrities are using the murals from Murals Your Way like Madonna, Julianne Moore and Woody Harrelson. (more…)
For Ross Farrell, color is key when it comes to design. Take, for example, his guest room, bathed in a single hue of chili pepper red.
“It took about 15 coats to do the ceiling,” Farrell said. “My painter almost walked off the job.”
His 2,100-square-foot 1920s California Spanish-style home is one of six on view today and Sunday, as part of the Pasadena Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers 20th annual homes tour. (more…)

