Retro, checks, black and white...looks like MOD is back. A color explosion - bright tomato red, tangerine, lime green and even yellow - is what’s hot. In Europe, designers are using opt-art checkerboard patterns. The 60’s mod influence that practically defined fall has gone back in time about 40 years and it’s now very much a 20’s thing. Patterns and prints are back in a big way. Color prevails.

How can we integrate these trends in our design process? There are several ways to liven and update the look of your room. Today, people want something colorful, bright and fresh. Contemporary design is gaining popularity with more & more individuals opting for the clean lines and sleek furniture.

So, where does one without expert design skills and limited budget begin? Here are three simple & inexpensive ways to revive your room decor.

Colorful Accessories
Lets start with a room that has a basic solid color couch or furniture with sparse pattern fabric. Rooms need not be limited to pale colors; color palettes in various combinations can speak volumes. By simply hanging picture frames with abstract art that compile color and geometric shapes, one can change the look of the room instantly. A low-cost approach would be to visit websites selling framed art of impressionist artists such as Mark Rothko, Wassily Kadinsky, David Bailey and others. Once you have selected a painting, choose a rug that complements the painting. There are a number of modern rugs available in variety of colors and designs. Pick an inexpensive hand tufted rug, which has the look and feel of a hand knotted area rug.

To complete the look toss some bright colorful throw pillows on the couch. These bold ingredients distract the eye and give the tired old room a new lease on life. For example, a David Bailey 36" x 24" print retailing for $31.99 can be complemented with a solid color rug or minimum pattern area rug.

The blue shaded rug is fresh and appealing and can enliven any living space. The retro rug has clean lines and style in a contemporary look that is today. The vibrant red area rug borrows inspiration of Scandinavian contemporary designs. In addition to the Tibetan weave; sophisticated detail is integrated in the construction to enhance the motives in the pattern.

Paint
This spring put the color back into your interiors. Paint, it's cheap, you can often do it yourself, and can create a lot of effect with color. Use bold colors. Emphasize with accessories like rugs or by adding a stripy cushion or throw. How about a hand crafted twentieth century decorative arts inspired stripe area rug or 1950’s Abstract expressionism contemporary design rug with circles? If you decide on bold wall paint color and a bright pattern area rug keep furniture pieces and other accessories simple.

Black & White
Another very popular look these days is the monochromatic, black & white look.
This look can be achieved easily. Instead of opting for a solid white or black rug, one can add texture by integrating another trend of 2004, animal prints. A wilton woven, 3.3 x 4.8 rug cost as low as $79.00. In fact, this rug is light in weight and can be alternately used as a wall tapestry. This is one economic way to update an otherwise uninteresting room. To restore an old worn out couch use either plain solid white or black slipcovers- a smart alternative to purchasing new sofas.

Incorporate these elements of design to create an updated, modern and comfortable living space.

All the area rugs shown above can be sourced at www.exquisiterugs.com