2008 trends for your home

With the start of each new year typically comes the emergence of new trends for your home. If you are planning on redecorating or selling your home in 2008, it is important to stay up to date on the trends potential buyers will be looking for. With this in mind, here are some 2008 trends for your home:
Color and Lighting
Color is the biggest selling point for your home this year. For 2008, colors are more muted and natural rather than highly saturated and bright. Here are some tips:
The dining room is where you entertain friends, share the holidays with family and celebrate the big and little events in your life. So, when it comes to color, you want a warm, yet energetic feel. Choose a softer hue and then, if you'd like, you can incorporate brighter colors with accents.
The bedroom is all about creating personal space. For most of us, this means a place where we can relax and rejuvenate. Stick with any neutrals in a medium to dark brown. In 2008 you will see beiges, browns and tans that all resemble rock, stone and soil. The green and brown combo is big this year for any room in your home.
This year, inject new life into living rooms by bringing your color and décor up to date. Living rooms in 2008 are all about adding something unexpected like an accent wall or cushion, rug and other accessories.
Floor lamp lighting is out for 2008 -- this year it is all about natural light. If your home lacks natural light, consider installing recessed lighting or new sconces so a potential buyer won't struggle in trying to figure out how to brighten up the space. This will really open up space and upgrade your home. Change out old light bulbs and use halogen bulbs, which give a cleaner and more modern look to any home.
Flooring and Appliances
Hardwood floors are definitely a must for a 2008 home. Realtors agree that most buyers are hunting for hardwood floors. They have the longest life and are not predicted to go out of style. If you can't afford hardwood, go for a synthetic like Pergo. It won't look exactly the same and some buyers may notice a difference, but it is your best bet for a look that is similar.
Having fabulous fixtures this year can add value to any home. Doorknobs, faucets and cabinet knobs that coordinate will add to the overall appeal of your home and keep it updated. For a cost of $60-$70, you can dramatically update your faucets. Replacing old knobs and drawer handles is the quickest way to update your bathroom or kitchen.
The most expensive trend in 2008 occurs in your bathroom. Marble counters, whirlpool baths and steam showers are a big update to the traditional bathroom. If you can't afford these luxury items, there are some trends you can incorporate on a smaller scale. Get rid of sheet mirrors and globe lighting and replace them with framed mirrors and sconce lighting. This year, choose a lighting scheme that is more flattering to the face.
Whether you are buying, selling or just looking in 2008, it's a good idea to be on top of the trends for your home. If you are ready to put your home on the market, contact a professional real estate agent who can help get your home ready to sell and create maximum exposure of your home using Web sites, direct mail, home book magazines and other marketing tools.