In my last post, I shared three of my favorite trends in home decor and design from 2011. (1) Bright & Saturated Color, (2)The Small/Local Movement, and (3) Wallpaper rocked my world this year. Here are four more of my favorites to total a lucky seven:
4. Gold Tone Metallics
In my last post I talked about wallpaper. Here’s another relic of the 80’s that’s being revitalized: gold-tone metallics. By which I mean gold-colored fabrics and paint finishes, in addition to gold and brass light fixtures and accessories. Gold looks stunning against grey, which has become the favored neutral of the past few years. It also calls to mind the Mid-Century modern style that’s come back into favor (thanks due to Mad Men!)
I took this photo at High Point Market. This gold-finished credenza is part of Dwell Studio’s new line for Precedent.
Brass Satellite Chandelier, new at Design Within Reach.
This room was selected in a “Best of” room round-up in Elle Decor for 2011. Note the gold chair and brass table decoration. Via Elle Decor, photo by Simon Upton.
I love this wall full of gold mirrors at Alexander Scott in Charlotte. See what I mean about how nice gold is against a grey wall?
5. DIY
More and more people are feeling empowered to try home improvement and craft projects on their own, and I think it’s awesome. I credit the amazing DIY bloggers out there such as Centsational Girl and Young House Love, combined with the tough economy. Increasingly, people are putting a personal stamp on their homes, creating spaces that are uniquely their own. Bravo!
I was inspired by the many bloggers who went before me when I tried my hand at upholstering a footstool back in October. Click the photo to read more.
6. Bold & Overscaled Prints
Exuberant prints like chevron stripes, ikat, oversized florals and geometrics are spicing up rugs, drapes and upholstery. I think this enthusiasm for pattern goes hand-in-hand with the trend towards brighter colors (#1 in my list). After years of the economic blues, we’re all in need of some cheering up. A fun throw pillow always works for me!
Vibrantly colored pillows in global-inspired prints. Pillows by FJS, image via pillowsandthrows.com.
I love Thomas Paul’s “Stockholm” print for Duralee, as seen on this upholstered headboard. Image via BHG.com.
Dwell Studio’s new Zig Zag rug. Image via dwellstudio.com.
Another bright global-inspired print on this chair at Hickory Chair. Note the fun painted stripes on the dresser, too!
Liora Manne specializes in vibrant colors and patterns in their line of rugs and fabrics. Read more by clicking on the photo.
7. The Art of the Mix
You know how it’s now considered passé to match your shoes and handbag? Or to wear an outfit entirely by the same designer? (I am guilty of this one. Yep, J. Crew. Make me stop!) Anyway, the same is true in the home. Matching dining sets, matching chairs & loveseats, and an overall “too many things from the same place” (AKA the Pottery Barn Catalog Look) is SOOOO OVER. The key words now are collected and curated. It’s all about creating rooms that look like they have evolved over time, with spaces that reflect your life, the trips you’ve taken and the good times you’ve shared with loved ones.
Inspiration found here: Slate Interiors in Charlotte does a stellar job creating interesting vignettes and spaces composed of new and vintage furnishings. Photo via Slate Interiors.
So there you have it, my favorite trends of 2011. I’m excited to find out what 2012 will bring! Wishing everyone a happy, prosperous and beautiful new year.