UPPER SADDLE RIVER, N.J.—Good times or bad, understanding the latest home decorating trends is essential for a retailer. Not only does this knowledge help in making sure the store is stocked with the types of products and designs the homeowner is seeking, it allows the staff to service customers in a professional, helpful manner.

Most retailing experts stress these two things alone will boost a consumer’s trust and confidence in the store, and create more satisfied clients as they know they are getting the right product for their needs and tastes.

To help retailers get a better understanding of today’s top decorating trends, the design experts, such as those at Hunter Douglas, have selected their top 10 along with tips on how to achieve a more on-trend décor without making your customers take out a second mortgage.

1. Comfortable and cozy. In tough times, more than ever, people want their homes to be a sanctuary— soft, serene, private and relaxing. A few down-filled pillows and some soft rugs can add comfort to any room. Window fashions are key to achieving privacy. If noise is a problem, fabric window coverings offer significant sound absorption to add to the serenity of your home. They also help keep the cold out and warm air in, thus helping to reduce energy costs.

2. The modern mix. Clean, contemporary furnishings remain popular but now mixed with traditional and organic elements. A contemporary glass coffee table looks fine placed in front of a soft, curvy sofa. Natural, organic elements— bamboo, cork, wool—add warmth to contemporary décor.

3. Personal chic. Consumers want their homes to be all about them. Use this individuality to help them create a truly personal environment. Don’t be afraid to mix an inherited piece of furniture with art collected in travels.

4. A more colorful world. According to Jaime Stephens, Color Marketing Group’s executive director, purple is king right now, ranging from grayed-out violet to plum purple. Other color trends include “blue as the new green” with ocean and sky blues being especially desirable. While the interest in green as in the environment is strong, as a color it is winding down with the exception of the deeper hues, such as a mature leaf green. Also, look for other natural colors from the garden such as radish, tomato and eggplant. Yellow is becoming the main accent along with orange and turquoise.

5. Light and airy. As homes become more colorful, more light is needed to illuminate a room, and nothing compares to natural light. Window fashions beautifully filter natural light as it enters the home to achieve a relaxed and serene atmosphere.

6. Luxuriously green. With the growing awareness of saving energy, manufacturers of home décor products are developing furnishings that are both green and luxurious. As already noted, hand-woven fabrics as well as window fashions provide the type of decadent style consumers desire along with the energy conservation capabilities they need. When it comes to window fashions, one of the innovations salespeople can easily explain and show to consumers is the use of more air pockets than traditional honeycomb shades. When properly installed these can reduce heat loss and gain at the window by up to 50%, thus lowering heating and cooling costs.

7. Couture counts. Over-the-top, ostentatious looks are definitely out for both clothing and home fashions. It’s the details, not the glitz, that counts. People want well-tailored, classic clothes that will last and are looking for the same quality and attention to detail when shopping for their homes. With budgets becoming tighter, consumers want products that do more than just meet their lifestyle. They also want them to be durable enough to last a long time.

8. Artistic accessorizing. Using accessories is one of the simplest ways to update a room. Adding artwork to a wall or a luxurious throw and pillows to a sofa can make a room more welcoming. The same can be said for a stylish new rug under the coffee table. New window fashions can make a world of difference, as well, especially when they offer a dimensional, layered look at the window.

9. Responsible living. While seeking the best for themselves, today’s savvy customers want the reassurance that their hard-earned dollars are going to responsible companies that care about their employees, communities and the world at large.

10. Quality counts. More than ever, people want to invest in quality products that last, especially when shopping for their homes, because buying on the cheap really isn’t a bargain if you have to replace items a year later.

For more on trends, contact Hunter Douglas at 800.274.2985.