What's Out for 2009?

THESE ITEMS ARE ON THEIR WAY OUT, ACCORDING TO SOME INTERIOR DESIGNERS

I read an article over the weekend in the LA Times Home section that I just had to share with you. Titled Oh, please get over it, by David A. Keeps; LA designers are asked what design trends are coming to an end and what household items need to be purged and/or donated. Some of the answers were quite humorous as well as interesting...here's what they said:

"If I hear one more client say they want a huge chandelier over a table, I don't know what I'm going to say," says Joe Lucas, co-owner of the West Hollywood store, Harbinger. He suggests a more"dialed-down" version of luxury for a fixture. As for the use of coral, we should "toss it back into the ocean." Designer Linda Allen says, "painted - natural - embroidered... OK, I got it! I'm coraled out...can we get on to other organic items as accessories?" Designer Betsy Burnham seconds that statement when it comes to using coral for home decor and suggests using turquoise as an alternative. Another tired trend is Hollywood Regency, including the overdone lacquered Chinese Chippendale chairs. Opt for a beautiful antique which can have just as much Hollywood glamour. Designer Kenneth Winegard says, "please, in the kitchen, no more granite countertop. It came to vogue in the 80's, and it makes a place look dated instantaneously." He suggests using other materials such as honed white marble, soap stone, poured concrete and Corian. Designer Craig Olsen said he's "tired of seeing the oversized sleigh bed. If you have a team of Clydsedales, drive this old chestnut straight to the barn." He suggests a more sophisticated headboard using nailheads and fine fabric or soft leather.

Other items that made the list:

• Reflective and damask patterned wallpaper is out - opt for glamour and refinement found in nature - look to Viennese patterns rooted in Art Nouveau for wallpapers and fabric
  
• Residential kitchens that look like commercial restaurants and overuse of stainless steel appliances
  
• Overhead lighting without a dimmer - (example via India Hicks: recessed bulbs that illuminate the center of a dining table as if some sort of surgery is about to be performed)


• TV's above the fireplace - not chic and should be centered at your line of site, not above your head


• Little cubed ottomans - instead, try hexagons or oval shapes which instantly add impact and interest to a room


• New complete sets of furniture - mix and match for a more layered look


• Outrageously elaborate gold frames - opt for an elegant, simple hand-finished wood frame to enhance the art; not distract from it

What design trends are you over? What do you still love, regardless if it's "in" or "out"? Please, share your thoughts! I'll be doing some research on the suggested alternative ideas to post about later this week.