'Designer is like a mind reader'

Plants and flowers grow in popularity

Beginning in 2008, naturalism became a fashion in decoration. Its essence is using plant and animal prints as elements. Materials are natural, with subjects such as shells, rocks, flowers the prominent features using the colors of sand, stone, water and plants.

This year, the concept of naturalism will be broader. It's about applying natural objects in designs and living an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Indoor plants and flowers are becoming more popular this year, said French graphic designer Cederic Allemann. "Apartment buildings are integrating window boxes where people can plant fusion flowers. This is a major change over the past years," said Allemann, who runs A+design company in Beijing with his designer wife Bing Estelle Luo.

While purple dominated interior design in 2009, both designers believe natural and pastel colors will take control in the new year.

Furniture designed by artists has been popular for the past few years, but not in 2010. American style, such as dark color furniture, heavy wallpaper and walk-in wardrobes, will become less dominant, said Allemann.

He also sees Chinese designers become more influential. "I think 'made in China' will be replaced by 'designed in China'," Allemann said.