7 hot home trends for 2013

It's 2013. Time to say so long to the country kitchen, wallpaper borders and matchy-matchy furniture.

The latest trends in home décor are all about embracing distinct styles and bold designs. In addition, watch for homeowners to seek practical ways to make their homes more enjoyable and affordable.

According to industry-watchers, here are seven of the hottest home trends for the coming year.

1. The blues have it

Let's talk about color. Mauve had its day in the sun in the '80s and '90s, and neutrals such as browns and tans seem to be perennial favorites. However, style mavens are saying blues -- or, more precisely, blue-greens -- are the colors to watch for the upcoming year. Pantone has selected emerald as its 2013 color of the year while Sherwin-Williams gave its nod to the color aloe. Other hot colors according to Pantone include its Monaco Blue, Dusk Blue and Grayed Jade hues.

2. Affordable home updates

The housing market may be rebounding but you still probably aren't going anywhere anytime soon. With prices still depressed and many homeowners underwater on their mortgages, experts expect reasonably priced remodeling and redecoration to be the name of the game in 2013. The trend appears to be global as even the UK's Trend Bible notes updating with paint or storage and space solutions will continue to be a priority for property owners.

3. International and ethnic décor

Anyone can have white walls and beige carpet, but you can give your house a healthy dose of character by adopting some international flair. The National Association of Realtors notes British and European themed décor continues to be popular. The Trend Bible taps "tribal society" as one influence to watch in the spring and summer of 2013. A perfect example is Pantone's "Footprints" palette -- sandy brown, bright tangerine, peacock blue and fiery pink -- a collection of colors based on tribal influences.

4. Repurposed and refinished furnishings

A perfect marriage of the green and DIY movements, repurposed items are making an appearance in many houses this year. Cutting boards turned into wine holders; kitchen cabinets transformed into headboards. Fueled by our love of Pinterest, repurposed and upcycled items are likely to be all the rage in the coming year. Why buy a new dresser when you can strip, paint and distress the one sitting in your basement?

5. Sprucing up your great outdoors

With money still tight for many families, the "stay-cation" may be here to, well, stay. To make the most of time spent on the homefront, experts forecast an increase in outdoor beautification projects. House Beautiful says informal garden designs and outdoor rooms will be among the top trends for 2013 while the National Association of Realtors has its eye on an increase in the number of veggie gardens and outdoor kitchens making an appearance in American backyards.

6. Art Deco returns

The Great Gatsby is coming to theaters this year, and art deco may be coming to your living room. Modern enough to fit into today's homes but retro enough to make an impression, art deco accents can add a touch of distinction to an otherwise bland room. Watch for bold graphics, black and gold coloring and geometric designs. Even Pantone is getting into the act with its Art Deco-inspired "Glamour" color palette -- Rio Red, Monaco Blue, Tap Shoe Black and Chinchilla, Gray Moon Mist and Jasper Teal.

7. Integrated electronics

Americans love their gadgets, and 2013 will bring new ways to integrate your favorite device into house system controls. Look for whole-house automation systems to come down in price and become more accessible for the average homeowner. These systems can allow individuals to control their home's lighting, temperature, security and more -- all from a touch of their iPhone, iPad or other device. Not only are automation systems convenient, they can help conserve energy, a bonus for those looking to increase their "green cred."

Whether you want to revamp one room or your entire house, this year offers many options for finally getting the look you want. The hot home trends for 2013 offer inspiration for every taste and budget.

About the Author

Maryalene LaPonsie has been writing professionally for more than a decade on topics including education, insurance and personal finance. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Western Michigan University.

【Source:Improvement Center】