Story :  Celebrated Interior Designer Eric Leong   
Images : courtesy of Eric Leong

1. Modern Classic
Great for urban condos, this hip style is a fusion between, you guessed it, modern and classic. Think modern furniture with crystal lighting, for example. Add a gold touch to give a hint of luxury.

2. Modern Contemporary
Most of the Modern Contemporary designs have clean lines and no frills design and some European brands carry such designs; for example, Minotti.

3. Retro style
70’s design is back! It’s more colourful, funky and futuristic, and look out for hip, curvaceous designs.

4. Exotic style
A ‘tropical island’ feel is in, with clean colours including fresh whites and lush greens. Solid wood furniture with soft, comfy cushions, and surrounded by lots of greenery is the way to go.

Indian style is very exotic and very rich in color; mahogany, orange, red, yellow and turquoise blue should be used. Indian influenced furniture is usually solid wood, bulky and with many types of carvings.

5. Country style
Eco-friendly designs and back to basic living will be a big thing this year. Global warming is now a concern, so many designers are coming out with recyclable items. For example, you can find furniture made from recyclable materials.  Organic cotton is now used for fabrics and there are many more examples of this. Back to basics means basic living; minimal interior set ups with no wastage on the interior design.
 
Colours next year are richer, with more bright and vibrant hues involved in the mix.
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A few of the colours in trend
for next year are summarised below.

1. Red
A richer and darker red
this year compared to last year’s big colour, pink.

2. Yellow
Subtler yellows bring a more urban, modern feel, while gold is THE colour of 2008.

3. Green
Refreshing, spiritual greens will be preferred this year.

4. Orange
Rusty oranges with earthy tones are the way to go.

5. Blue
Oceanic blue such as turquoise, and deeper darker shades of blues will represent the blue hue.

6. Purple
This year’s key color for the purple family will be rich and deep, as well as more gentle tones.

7. Warm neutral (brown)
Use deep ivory to give your room
a warm and secure feel for the coming year.

8. Cool neutral (grey)
A very dusty pale cool grey is in this year and watch out! Grey is the “new” black.

www.ericleong.com.my