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When posed about recent trends in the design market, designer Alana Villanueva of Dallas Design Group Interiors was right on target with the first two phrases that came to mind: “budget-minded” and “environmentally-responsible.”

In a recession, families are moving and traveling less, Villanueva says. Rather, homeowners are investing more time and attention to developing their home into a Mecca for entertainment and creating a space that reflects their personal values, interest and customs. Interestingly enough, not buying into a certain trend or style has become a trend in and of itself. This aesthetic, which she refers to as the “American look” – a customized and personalized combination of different time periods, cultures and design styles - is about adding to a collection and accumulating and acquiring pieces over time. For example, “pair an acrylic Lucite table with a pair of antique regency chairs and finish it off with a piece of abstract art.” Inspired groupings like this, she says, are cohesive, blend beautifully and keep things interesting. Anchor pieces should be classic in design with clean lines and tailored finishes that will prove to withstand the test of time, making it simple to update and refresh a space with bold accessories, bright pops of color, interesting fabrics and distinctive details. But whatever your design inclination, it’s important to plan your home for your particular family and lifestyle… while simultaneously creating a space that expresses your uniquely individual style.

With the preservation of our environment on the minds of homeowners and designers alike, Villanueva continues to cater to an ever-growing crowd of both ‘green’-savvy and ‘green’-curious clientele. There’s been a surge of interest, she says, and homeowners are inquiring more and more about energy efficient products, options and solutions for their homes. People are seeking out environmentally friendly building materials, recycled and refurbished furnishings and fabrics and energy efficient window products and treatments, to name a few. As the environmental campaign continues, designers like Villanueava and Dallas Design Group remain committed to serving as a valuable resource for sustainable living.

Yes, design trends will come and go – some lasting longer than others- but one thing is certain in 2010: The “home” has become home again. A place for family, friends and entertaining – and thanks to a budget-minded and eco-conscious community – brilliantly beautiful design will continue to flourish and inspire - one room at a time.
 

  Our Expert: Alana Villanueva

Designer Alana Villanueva, graduate of a nationally accredited college holds a degree in interior design, has honed her skills working under Dallas Design Group’s own designers and has accumulated experience through working on a wide variety of projects spanning from luxury custom homes throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Arizona, and North Carolina and also through commercial projects ranging from corporate to healthcare. Alana brings a fresh mix of classic lines and elegant sophistication to her projects and strives to create spaces that are tailored to each client’s personality and way of living. By blending her passion for art, textiles, and interior design and her love of architecture, she creates settings that are as equally functional as they are beautiful.
 

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