HEALTHY HOME
Melissa Birdsong, vice-president of trend, design and brand for Lowe’s, says consumers are seeking a healthy home environment and looking to reduce indoor noise and air pollution and add water-filtration systems and easy-to-clean surfaces. With our busy lives, homes are a sanctuary for us, so products that help us in this goal are must-haves for household health. Filters that eliminate toxins in water, appliances that incorporate noise-reduction technology and products that make our modern surfaces sparkle are necessary for the home arsenal.

ENVIRONMENTALISM
According to Birdsong, 60 percent of consumers would consider choosing or implementing green building options in their homes. Focused on family health and concern for the planet, many people are looking for ways to incorporate energy efficiency, water conservation and waste reduction in their everyday lives. From buying LED lights and recycling to landscaping with native plants and upgrading appliances for energy efficiency, green living is making its way from trend to standard.

SIMPLICITY
Storage is a major concern for any new couple who are balancing entertainment addictions and blending their plethora of possessions. With an increase in sales of home-organization items making it a projected $8.6-billion industry by 2011, adding customized storage units and concealed or multi-purpose furniture (such as concealed cooktops and pullout kitchen surfaces) is becoming an important part of many home renovations.

OUTDOORS IN, INDOORS OUT
The crossover of a trend that started inside and is moving outside has maximized the way that spaces are being used, says Birdsong. Interior-design trends are focusing on more tactile decor touches, such as the inclusion of wood, stone or glass in rooms, as well as textiles, wallcoverings and lighting that incorporate natural textures. Now the trend is going outside with the development of outdoor rooms: There’s no longer just a patio with chairs and a barbecue; outdoor spaces are starting to include fully equipped outdoor kitchens, indoor-quality backyard furniture and fabrics, outdoor fireplaces and several seating areas.