Curious about coming trends in interior design? Just take a look at last year’s fashion magazines. Chances are what was walking down the runway last year could be dressing up your living spaces this year.

Design trends get their cues from the fashion industry. There is a strong connection between all forms of design as all designers essentially work with the same elements and principles –tone, texture, line, color, repetition, shape, and proportion, to name a few. 

However, when it comes to staying power, the interior design industry far exceeds that of fashion, tending to hold onto ideas longer, letting them evolve more gradually. Thank goodness for that, as a chaise lounge usually costs a bit more than even the latest pair of Manolo rhinestone stilettos.

Design tendencies in general are reflected by what is going on in the world around us.

“Design trends interpret broader social and economic trends, tapping into the heartbeat of our societies, and expressing them in visual and functional terms,” says interior designer, Danielle James, of Janssen James, Pty. Ltd., and a regular contributor to Upworld.com.

Two major influences affecting current trends for 2010 include our focus on protecting the environment and our struggling economy.

One of the ways you can already see these themes taking shape in showrooms across the world is in the color palettes – mixing earth tones, which tend to be more neutral, with cheerful global tones, which tend to be more vibrant and bold, thus mood-lifting and revitalizing.

Don’t be surprised to see, for example, browns, greens and other neutrals in combination with pinks, blues and yellows or purples.

“The whole design scheme for 2010 is eclectic,” said Annie Nichols, interior designer for Madison Country, in Spokane. “Not only will we be adding color back into our homes and mixing it with our neutrals and earthy tones, but we’ll be mixing styles as well. Uniform design will yield to a more unique “pick-and-mix” design that better reflects our personalities.”

One of these unique design elements will be prints, rather than solids, and a return to the art deco and art nouveau look, as well as paisley, botanical and bold geometric prints. An easy way to add these bold prints to your home, says Nichols, is in pillows, curtains and rugs. Also, one-of-a-kind, lovingly-crafted (or what appears to be) handmade pieces will take the place of that homogeneous look, creating more warmth and comfort in our homes as opposed to the fast-paced, modern and minimalist trends of recent years.

Not only on the surface will our homes reflect our environmental focus, but in the manufacturing of the products we choose. An increasing number of green products are available for the home today, such as paint that is completely non-toxic, organic fabrics where only natural dyes like berries are used, and wall art made from recycled goods. In fact, big in 2010 will be metal wall art, a great look for any style interior, adding interest to a room in a simple way.

One of the most exciting trends for the year ahead will be multicultural design, embracing the traditional and cutting edge cultures and designs of countries like Russia, China, Japan, Morocco and Mexico, and bringing the exotic back into our homes. As far as lighting, track is out, and hidden track lighting is in.

Also out – recessed lighting which has been overused in years past, creating what designers have referred to as “pock-marked obtrusive ceilings.”

Instead, look for actual light fixtures, particularly of Asian influence; art deco, once again, which is timeless and fits in with all interiors, from Victorian to contemporary; and environmentally-friendly fixtures, such as those incorporating bamboo or wood veneers.

So what is the one main rule of thumb to follow for 2010 in interior design?

“The rule right now is there are no rules,” says Nichols. “It’s all about what makes you feel good, what brings you comfort. Your home should truly reflect your unique personality through the details.”