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Working hand in hand with the colour choices for 2008, decor trends are leaning towards a natural environment, cultural flare and sophisticated simplicity. So if you’re considering redecorating your home, get some inspiration from these themes!

Natural Environment

Living in an eco-conscious world, many decorators are leaning towards more "green-friendly" decor. With inspiration being drawn from nature’s soft greens, earthy browns, sky blues, golden yellows and colour-tinged grays, many decorators are bringing outdoors indoors. Here are some other ways to create that “natural” environment:

• Textured painting is leaning towards marbling or creating more natural appearing finishes.

• The notion of creating a feeling of “space” indoors is growing which means getting rid of unnecessary walls, creating balconies off of rooms, and adding large windows to bring in more natural light and open rooms up to the outside surroundings.

• Explore unique natural materials either as a furniture, flooring or as accents such as rustic wooden or leather furniture.

• Flooring options are expanding as well, with stone becoming a popular option in rooms other than the bathroom and kitchen. Granite, marble, slate all offer a range of colours and can create both modern and traditional looks, and a thick rug in the cooler months can help keep feet warm. Cork tiling is a popular, attractive and environmentally friendly option for kitchens as well. Hardwood floors are expanding into wider planks and hand-scraped versions give a weathered look.

• Heavy wools, raw or old barn wood and leafy prints all help to accentuate the natural feel and create the popular Scandinavian look.

• Renovations with recyclable or eco-friendly materials are a must.

Cultural Flare

Thanks to the Olympics in China in 2008, you can expect to see a lot of Asian influence in decor. Much of this is taken from China, India and some elements from Japan. You’ll find bright reds, magentas, purples, pumpkin oranges, peacock turquoise, jade greens and royal blues being used as both as main and accent colours. Here are some options to consider:

• Textured painting could include striping, where two colours of the same paint but different sheen are alternated in stripes to create an exciting look.

• Satin and silk materials blended with natural cotton add that cultural flare and other global textiles are garnering more attention.

• Gold or yellow metal accessories such as brass stand out beautifully with the strong jewel-colours.

• Neutral stone flooring compliments the bright colour palate.

• Following the stripe theme again, furnishings no longer need to be plain as stylized floral themed prints and stripes are returning as upholstery options.

• Accent cushions in softer reds or pumpkin orange add some flare to more subtle coloured rooms.

Sophisticated Simplicity

Hints of old Hollywood are helping to bring some glamour back into the home. Colours include classic black and white, as well as metallic sheens and accents. All of these help to accentuate both the bright Asian-inspired hues and the softer, natural tones. Too much can get gaudy, but the right amount can truly compliment the room. Here are some other simple yet sophisticated ideas:

• Exotic yet classy glass accents or furniture which could include glass mosaic tiles, recycled glass countertops or artistic glass accent pieces. Translucent glass is also appearing in many modern appliances.

• Eco-friendly modern appliances such as smart taps or low-flush toilets to help conserve water are growing in popularity. As well, as technology advances, you’ll find more modern appliances in unusual places. Kohler’s DTV showering experience allows people to create personalized ambiance in the bathroom from water temperature to lighting and music!

• Purples and grays reminiscent of that by-gone era are now coming back in full force.

• Metallic finishes are still a popular choice, including gold, silver or copper accents. Brushed nickel is now an attractive option. Metallic wallpapers are even coming back on the scene. As well, metallic accents work nicely. Consider an antique silver lamp stand, a gold wall hanging or a copper sink!

Like the colour palate of 2008, the decor options range from one extreme to the other, but all the options work together to create dynamic, exciting rooms.

By Robyn Burnett of HGTV.ca

Tired of that peeling wallpaper or the faded paint on your walls? Looking for something new, trendy and elegant? Then consider choosing from the top colour choices for 2008. The new themes include nature, Asian culture and a touch of classic Hollywood and range from the soft and subtle to the bright and bold.

Back to Nature

Green is the new "neutral." With all the focus around living an eco-friendly lifestyle, it’s no surprise that both renovations and decor are embracing the "green" theme – bringing outdoors indoors. The new green choices are more botanical, drawing from sage, pine and moss. The browns are reminiscent of soil, sand and deep rich earth. Other neutral colours found in nature are being embraced as well, such as the beautiful hues found in stones, the beiges found in sand and wood, soft watery sky-blue tones and even the subtle hues found inside of shells. The golden, warm hues of sunrise are also in play. Paint colours include fern greens, warm, red infused browns, tan-tinted yellows, mushroom inspired colours, and gray or brown neutrals with hints of green, pink, yellow and red. These calming colours are great choices for bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms and more open-concept living spaces.

Asian Influence

Think "vibrant" and "spicy." Thanks to the upcoming Olympic games in China, a lot of eastern influence is appearing in 2008’s colour palate. Drawing from the strong hues popular in both China and India, expect to see clear reds, strong jade greens and bright yellows. These colours really punch when contrasted with the more environmentally-inspired neutrals. Warm pinks and fuchsias, bright purples, peacock turquoises, pumpkin oranges and gold with hints of green or brown are coming into play. Some of the paint options are not quite as bold as the colours favoured by our Eastern neighbours, but still play on their jewel-like tones?from teal to coffee browns, darker blue-tinged violets to pinkish brick. The brighter end of this Asian-inspired colour palate can really brighten up a kitchen. Or use these vibrant hues as accents in your more neutral rooms. These Bollywood-inspired colours are a new way of infusing new energy into your home.

Classic Hollywood Elegance

Drawing from the black and white movies of old, these two timeless shades help to enhance your living space. Metallics, high sheens, silver and gold highlights also add to the sophistication of this era. Rich purples from orchid to softer violets are growing more popular. Paints are drawing inspiration from black, delving into deep, dark purples, navy blues and inky grays, to accent the bright Asian-themed vibrant options and more neutral eco-inspired colours. Metallic tones add that touch of elegance to the more neutral colours. Just remember, a "hint" is all you require. Too much metallic influence overwhelms the space and turns your classic Film look into a campy flick.

2008 is offering a palate that goes to extremes, but with our more extreme lifestyles, it’s no wonder we’re finding ourselves drawn to a range of colours. Whether you prefer softer hues or brighter colours, you’re bound to find something just right for you.

By Robyn Burnett of HGTV.ca

It takes no less than a small army of helpers and countless hours of preparation (and an ample supply of duct tape and glue) to prepare for family holiday celebrations. From hoisting outside lights and pinning mistletoe overhead, to marathon-like shopping trips and speed-wrapping gifts; it’s a wonder the tasks get done in time! Yet after all the celebrations have finished, the eggnog carton is empty and the reindeers have left – it’s time for some heavy-duty household clean-up! This guide will show you how to pack up, recycle and return the home to its natural splendour.

Wrapping it up!

If mountains of torn gift wrapping paper have started to collect dust bunnies in your home – chances are it’s time to tidy up. Here are some ways to help you and your family plan a strategy to pack up the decor. Starting as early as the week after New Year’s, hauling down the Christmas tree and dissecting the light cords can begin!

• Start the packing process with the ornaments by grouping each into categories such as: fragile, glass or special collections. Give kids their own box of non-breakable decorations to wrap for next year. Use acid-free tissue papers to deter discolouration, and keep all breakables in hard cases (shoeboxes can easily hold 3-5 medium sized baubles). Label the contents in each box or colour-code boxes if you have multiple trees to decorate.

Tip: Use egg cartons to store Christmas tree balls, and keep bubble wrap close by for delicate pieces.

• Untying tree lights can be a painstaking task. Group coloured lights and single-coloured lights separately, and outside lights together. For packing, if you cannot navigate through the original light packaging, try tying light cords around an empty paper towel roll to keep it tidy.

• Artificial trees can be as prickly as a real spruce! Wear worn leather or close-pored gloves for extra-tough pines. Use yarn or twine to tie down sticky branches and avoid possible scratches while opening the box next year (trees can shift while being moved into storage). Wrap the tree base and place it inside with the tree, making sure all the nuts and bolts are inside. Finally, tape the set-up instructions to the outside of box to avoid mishaps next year.

• For any remaining household odds and ends, create a scavenger hunt where kids seek out remaining pieces like holiday candles, tea cozy’s or serving platters. Kids can pass them to the parents to wrap up as they find the remaining pieces!

• Store all boxes and supplies in a dry area of the house that’s free from any possible water damage (like leaky pipes or hidden drains).

Waste Not, Want Not

The holidays are as much about giving as they are about receiving, as we reflect and think consciously about our environment there are many ways to give back to Mother Nature during this decadent time. Here are some ideas to help you and your family give back by recycling some of the resources used during the holidays:

• Watch for local recycling listings to determine what your neighbourhood waste management centre can accept and keep these in a visible location (fridge or home office).

• Most resource centres can accommodate the following items: greeting cards (and envelopes), paper gift bags, wrapping paper and rolls, shopping catalogues, cardboard boxes, paper egg cartons, pop cans and bottles, aluminum trays that have been rinsed thoroughly and wine bottles (some beer or liquor stores can accept these in some provinces).

• Organic food recycling is available in some areas, which can help reduce the amount of waste leftover from entertaining.

• Local tree recycling is usually announced to areas ahead of time, be sure to mark the appropriate dates.

Planning Ahead

Consider some alternatives for next year’s planning to help reduce overall waste produced by holiday decorating.

• Purchase generic wrapping paper to wrap gifts as-needed throughout the year (great for crafters and kids). This reduces the amount of holiday-specific ribbons and bows needed too! Or use the comic pages of the newspaper for gift-wrapping (it’s both recyclable and funny!)

• Decorate a potted plant rather than a traditional Christmas tree, the plant can stay in your home throughout the year and this eliminates having to purchase an artificial or real tree altogether. Or if you do purchase a new tree each season make certain to mulch, compost or recycle it through your neighbourhood waste disposal.

• Sift through your greeting cards and pick out the most meaningful ones. Consider making a scrapbook, and besure to recycle the others!

• Consider re-using gift bags for the immediate family to use for gift exchanges year after year.

Being organized and environmentally conscientious for the holidays starts where you left off, just as opening up holiday boxes neatly packed with all the memories of years past can present as much of a surprise as the gifts bring themselves.