2010 INTERIOR DESIGN TREND: PURPLE, PRACTICAL AND PORTUGUESE.

Purple, practical storage and Portuguese design are set to be the big trends of 2010 according to one of the UK’s leading home furnishings stores.

The buying team at Manchester-based Housing Units say there are three distinct trends developing for the new decade.

“Purple is the ‘it-colour’ for 2010 – there are so many shades that it goes with just about anything – while the practicality of modular shelving and storage is fast becoming a big influence on interior design,” said Nick Fox, director of Housing Units.

“But the really exciting trend is Portuguese design – we’re very excited about a designer and range we’ve discovered in Portugal.

“Horizon furniture really is something special. It has a simplicity and modern elegance about it that really does capture the essence of interior design for the 2010 home.

“It’s pretty minimalist, but it also looks inviting, warm and comfortable because of the very successful use of soft curves and materials combined with some striking patterns.

“A lot of minimalist furniture seems to be more for show than use, but these designs prove inviting and welcoming – they’ll be well-used instead of well looked at. It’s a rare combination of centrepiece furnishings meeting practicality and comfort.”