Predicting trends is no easy task. Yet there are companies and analysts dedicated to doing just that sort of thing, year after year. At RatedPeople.com we’re no fortune tellers, but we’ve had a snoop around to let you know what interior trends will be hot in the year to come.
Colour me orange
Colour blocking is a big trend for the new year. Focus on decorating a room in primarily one colour and enhance it with pillows, bed spreads, lamp shades, cushions and runners in different shades of that colour, this adds depth to a room and will also create interesting contrasts.
Image from Centsational Girl
Pantone, the global authority on colour, has announced that Tangerine Tango is the colour of 2012, so prepare to see hues of sunset orange everywhere. The colour has had a dedicated following already with fashion designers sending out celebrities on the red carpet dressed in the the warm and energising shade. Chances are that we’ll see the same shades appearing in furnishing stores throughout the year.
We’re wondering if the Halloween post we wrote in October, will be a good inspiration for orange-reddish key items?
Neons (or Nouveau Neon as Pantone labelled the new effervescent shades) and bright pastels are other colours to look out for, as designers are encouraging homeowners to go bold. Nostalgic shades will be making a comeback and Farrow & Ball predict that unexpected colour combinations will make an impact. Trend Bible director Joanna Feeley recommends the use of grey as a key backdrop to brights.
Pump up the patterns
Patterns in pastel that hint at the 70′s retro look, will make a comeback and can provide a fun and playful focal point. The Mix ‘n’ Match 11 collection by Kirath Ghundoo, above, is a seven pattern wallpaper design that can be used in a unique combination or as a single strip. Dimensional wallpaper is another trend to embrace, as the wallpaper fascination keeps steaming ahead.
Tribal-inspired, such as ikat patterns, bring back nostalgia and embraces our heritage, which is a reaction against the rocky financial climate. These eclectic prints will additionally make a space more individual and look less mass produced. Throws, cushions and upholstered chairs are furnishings to focus on to subtly incorporate these strong patterns.
Handmade and homemade
The rising craft trend, which also ties in with post-recession mode, is a perfect money saver and an excellent way of creating that one-off look. Interior designer Kelli Ellis predicted that ”most of next year’s trends are cost-conscious and budget-friendly with a focus on the basics as well as a few emerging products that can create the “wow” factor.” How about taking inspiration from Melanie Porter’s knitted furniture? Nothing says unique more than a knitted chair.
Eco warriors
Sustainable materials have been in the limelight for quite some time, but this year predicts an eco awareness like never before. Homeowners should think about reclaimed wood floors, salvaged furniture and nature-inspired materials for a quick and cheap update. Reclaimed furniture is hard-wearing as well as long lasting, so this is a sound investment for quality craftmanship. Check out architectural salvage and design business shop Retrouvius for unusual gems.
For those looking to replace their floors this year, bamboo flooring is a cheaper option to hardwood. It’s sustainable as it’s a rapid growing grass and it has also a very high fibre rating, higher in fact than hardwood.
The golden touch and Jazz Age come to life
What else? We’ll be seeing plenty of gold accents, reminding us about this year’s biggest sport event, the Olympics.
Other trend analysts say that there will be a fascination for the 1920′s, with chrome, glass, Art Deco and mirror designs taking over. Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, is due to be released in late 2012, which will certainly add an extra interest for the Roaring Twenties.
Along with the wallpaper trend, ceilings will come into focus with paintings, stencils and medallions dominating. Dark ceilings are the bold way to go, whereas a shade slightly darker than the walls can be a safer route if strong colours feel too much.
For more design trends, keep an eye out for the international furnishings fair IMM in Cologne, which kicks off January 16th – 22nd. The Milan furniture fair in April will also attract some design headlines.
Now, we know that you’re ready to transform your house in a jiffy after seeing these photos, but do you know any good tradesmen? We do. Post your job for free on RatedPeople.com and we’ll put you in touch with up to 3 quality, local tradesmen. They’ll quote for the job and you can read their ratings to pick the best of the bunch.
