Interior design and decorating trends for 2012 will reflect the mood of the nation and the re-emergence of comfort and confidence.
Americans have been looking forward to the current economic recovery and want to reflect that optimism in their living spaces. They are using bolder colors, prints and graphics and designing eclectic rooms that reflect their family’s unique lifestyle. Below are some areas of home decorating that will see fresh new changes throughout the New Year.
Colors of the Age
Look for rich colors like emerald, ruby, amethyst and sapphire to appear in interiors. Also, 2012 will see the return of golden-yellow tones paired with exotic coral shades, vivid turquoise and luscious cream colors.
Other color combinations to be on the lookout for are gray paired with yellow, navy blue and soft gray, deep-red paired with chocolate-brown and raspberry-red with kiwi-green. Black and white will continue to be popular but look for the stark white of the past to become a softer creamy white. Light gray and warm white will continue to be a hot combination throughout the year.
Metallics will remain popular, especially brushed and matte gold and silver. Sparkly, shiny finishes such as mercury glass, mirrors and glass tiles will remain in vogue.
Furniture Trends to Look Out For
• Reclaimed wood—primarily on floors, furniture and accessories
• French-inspired pieces, particularly with script and handwriting details
• Withered or charred-wood finishes—artisans are experimenting with new finishes that are unique.
• Vintage 1940’s mahogany furniture—often solid and well-made with a great aged-patina.
• Rustic styles—ski-lodge and bentwood furniture that invite casual living
• Softly worn fabrics—antiqued or faded fabrics that convey comfort and relaxation.
• Painted furniture—colorful, cottage-inspired looks are popular again.
Accessories for 2012
• Aesthetic and more naturalistic e.g. antlers, grasses, felt, wool, linen, burlap pillows
• Bright pops of color that add a punch to neutral rooms—colors such as turquoise, tangerine and yellow.
• Floor lamps in wrought-iron, lucite and metal.
• Antiqued-glass will be hot in lamps and accessories and so will natural materials such as marble and alabaster.
Home Remodeling Trends
• Outdoor rooms
• More home offices, craft rooms, yoga practice areas
• Textured walls—not the Tuscan-themed finishes of the past but wall coverings, tiles and fabrics that are made to texturize walls and add personality and flair to a room.
Other Trends to Watch
• Graphic-motifs such as chevrons or zigzags, swirls and bold, colorful stripes.
• American made products, especially furniture from North Carolina and Maine.
• Products made from local resources and craftsmen.
• Home-organization will continue to be a popular trend with Americans who are seeking order and less chaos in their living areas.
Patrice Munden is an Interior Designer located in Ellisville, Missouri. Visit her web site at www.PatriceMunden.com
