The GLT scoured SoCal for the hottest and latest trends in design this year. Thanks to the help of talented designer Raad Ghantous and his years of expertise, we have the latest cutting-edge design tips for your home – regardless of size and budget!

“Metallic finishes and wallpapers in tones ranging from silver, pewter, old gold and bronze remain hot trends,” notes Ghantous. “Though, their usage seems to be leaning more now towards a classic or subtle sophistication or elegance rather than a loud installation.”

“Scandinavian style is especially heating up in 2008,” says Ghantous. “The new twist this time around in its emergence is in the form of contemporary interpretations of some of the old masters of this style’s works. The likes of icons like Hans Wegner are providing inspiration for a rising group of young furniture designers who are bringing a more slick, sensual and clean metamorphosis to this style, and, equally importantly, providing it to the mid-market masses as well as to its traditional upper end.”

“With the increasing popularity of day and resort spas as a haven or escape from the rat race, many homeowners are now looking to incorporate that sense of retreat into their own homes,” Ghantous says. “While the most common reason for doing this is to expand the idea of the master suite into a more bona fide retreat for them to recharge their batteries, rekindle their self or joint intimacy and be an oasis in an increasingly fast and demanding world, there are other reasons that also are causing people to consider converting existing areas or assigning new ones in their homes to provide this sense of solace. Some more recent personal experiences with clients who have wanted to do this have ranged all the way from them being ‘empty-nesters’ with more room to now do what they want with, to cancer survivors who were looking for a space of solitude for them to reconnect with their spirituality and senses on their road towards recovery.”

“There is an increasing trend towards independence through ‘aging in place’ for the elderly,” says Ghantous. “In the past, if a person had difficulty living by themselves, families around them considered placing them in a home or a nursing center. This no longer is the case since most people today can live much longer on their own before needing others to help them with daily tasks.

“Aging in place as a concept promotes the providing of a safe environment that ‘fits’ the changing needs and abilities of an aging homeowner through modifications to their existing living environment that can extend the time they are able to continue to live in their ‘home’ independently and with dignity. An aging in place plan allows them the comfort of staying in familiar surroundings even as they develop possible health issues like diabetes, Alzheimer’s and arthritis for as long as possible aiding in their ability to possible better manage their condition without the added stress and anxiety associated with them being removed from their ‘home’ and placed in a nursing facility. An aging in place plan helps them stay in control of their own lives longer.”