Interior designer interview: Cheryl Torrenueva

Interior designer and host of HGTV's, Home Heist and Restaurant Makeover, Cheryl Torrenueva, tells us what’s hot in decor for 2010 and shares her tips and tricks on how to achieve a stylish home on a budget.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE DECOR TRENDS FOR 2010?
Commanding colour
I just got back from a fabulous vacation in Colombia where I was inspired to add some flavour into my designs. Colour is going to dominate this year and I encourage everyone to use neutrals as accents instead of the base for your design. Take risks and try colour combinations that take you out of your comfort zone.

We'll be seeing multi-coloured palettes with shades of amber, coral, pink, plum, emerald green, deep blue-green mixed with bold accents of black and white. Geometric patterns, abstract forms and grids will add visual interest through fabrics and accent pieces.  

Metallic
The shine factor is pushing forward and metallics are as hot as ever. In addition to gold and silver combined within one space, we'll see more finishes like champagne, pewter, oxidized copper and antique bronze starting to add dimension to even the most traditional interior.

Shine on
Crystal and mirror are not limited to finishes for lighting and accessories. We'll see these hits of glamour incorporated into tile, bathroom fixtures and even as finishes for kitchen appliances.  

Off-the-wall art
Art is very important in a space and it's time to showcase your photographic collections or purchase prints online from your favourite artist and frame them using inexpensive frames with wide mattes. Having said that you don't need to be limited to artwork when deciding on what to hang on your walls. For one of my clients, I used picture frames without the glass to showcase some of her vintage jewellery collection.

Hang your art in collections of three or more and you'll instantly have something to talk about when guests come over. As we continue into a more digital age, we'll start to see art show up in interiors as custom murals, light features and printed on acrylic to be used as a room divider, creating a more exciting focal point than just a painted wall.

Seamless technology
Incorporating technology seamlessly into the interior is huge. Lacquered white, high gloss black, exotic woods and even custom coloured finishes help to make electronics more like accessories instead of an eyesore.