Remember all the hype about Y2K  back in 2000?  The fear of the unknown had us all a-tither.  We were concerned that all computers were going to crash therefore affecting every aspect of our lives.  We would have no electricity, all traffic lights would go crazy, planes would come crashing out of the sky.  It was the only New Year’s Eve I was able to stay awake to ring in a new year, a new decade and a new millenium.

Think back to how you decorated your home for the new millenium.  The trend for 2000 was to organize your home and your life; get rid of all the clutter that had accumulated during the casual 90′s.  Neatness and tidiness were all the rage.  Furniture lines were  tailored, mirrors and metal were in and the popular colors were white, lilac and gray.  Sounds like we were going to be decorating for the Jetsons!  But this was all before 911, the war and a new president.

Fast forward to 2010 and a new decade.  Did you follow any of the above mentioned trends?  Did the trendsetters adhere to their own advice?  Interestingly enough, metal is experiencing a resurgence of popularity and purple and gray are still considered to be the new neutrals in home decorating so they got a couple of things right.  But white has gone the way of much softer buttery and creamy whites for a softer look.  Streamlined furniture may be in for some, but upholstered pieces, while not overstuffed, are covered in inviting fabrics like suede and chenille.

We enter this new decade in turbulent times and that certainly affects the way we decorate our homes.  Forecasters are predicting that neutral colors will remain popular.  They have a calming affect and make us feel safe.  They can also save us money because they “go” with everything, eliminating the need to buy new items as trends change.  For a mood lift, use the newly popular turquoise in accessories such as pillows or accessories.  As times get better you can paint a wall in bright yellow or add a red rug to support your feelings of optimism.  And the good news is that history shows us that times do get better so we all have something to look forward to.