So we’re well into January, but we can’t pass up a look at Manhattan interior designer Christopher Hyland‘s predictions for decorating trends for 2010. Here’s his list as we received it:

1. An increasingly creative use of seemingly incongruous elements such as sheets of studded metal over plastic or in tandem with silk damask as wall panels
2. Metal tubing in lieu of turned wood as feet, legs and arms of furniture
3. Sculptural forms inspired by nature such as tree trunks and the human body reinterpreted as abstract plaster shapes that may be used for architectural/sculptural effect, perhaps dividing a room, diverting traffic, providing lighting or a meeting point
4. A shift in perception — smaller rooms are just as desirable as wide open spaces
5. Couches with higher backs
6. A good, long look at African style, colors, artifacts and art
7. Painted furniture rather than the ubiquitous, heavy and ponderous brown furniture, however modern the form might be
8. Materials traditionally used on the exterior of a home now being used on the interior
9. A re-discovery of moldings
10. Frosted glass
11. Family memorials, plaques, quotes, etc. as decoration and works of art in both residential and public spaces
12. 18th Century Gustavian design
13. “Millennium” (beyond modern) incorporates the cutting edge with the rustic, rural and country
14. Alternative energy: i.e. solar, thermal, wind
15. Vegetable gardens

What do you think? To be honest, we’re not entirely sure we understand all of it. (“Beyond modern”? Vegetable gardens = decor?) Number 9 intrigues us, though, because we noticed that folks who discussed the TV show V on Twitter kept mentioning the wonderful moldings at the home of characters played by Morris Chestnut and Lourdes Benedicto, above (direct your attention to the walls behind them). We’ve also just noticed this article on solar shingles. As for number 4, well, that’s fortunate for most of us!

Gustavian sofa via 1stdibs.com; V photos via IMDB