One of my favorite things to write about is What's HOT on the market. Most of my What's HOT came from the REALTOR magazine, but just know I wouldn't have decided to write about it, if I didn't believe it myself from what I've seen in the marketplace. So whether or not you are just curious, are looking to remodel, are thinking of selling; all these tips can apply to you!

Everyone has their own sense of style and taste and being that your house is your home, you need to decorate based on your taste. If you don't know your style or decorating, check out this link at HGTV.

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/pac_ctnt_988/text/0,,HGTV_22056_33320,00.html

What's HOT!!! 

1. Color - Warm, Clear Colors HOT Colors: purples, yellows, burnt oranges Chinese reds, blacks, burnished golds, copper, silver tones (Evans, p30).

2. Metals - Crystal, Brass, bright silver look outdated. Brushed nickel & bronze gold are "it".

3. "Clean and Simple" - Fewer accessories, square arms and simple pointed legs for chairs and sofas, Leather and sleek materials (Evans, p28)

4. Textures: Chenile, Suede and Leather, textured surfaces/pillows                      

5. Green: Bamboo  in flooring and fabrics, Featured Paints with low volatile organic compounds for better air quality, Lighting with LED's. 

Here's some of the latest and greatest according to the staging experts. Go backing to the main point: It's ALWAYS better to personalize based on taste, not on what's hot! If the "HOT" items don't fit with your sense of style, then it doesn't make sense to use them.

References: Evans, Mariwyn. "House Sense." REALTOR Magazine. February 2008.

Other articles that you may want to read:

REALTOR Advice - Is it Accurate?

Staging - Is it the Key to Selling in Today's Market

Coming Soon: Be sure to check out my next GREEN article, "The First Step in Building a green home."