From raw natural materials to mesmerising murals and tantalising textures – 2012’s décor forecast is full of exciting inspirations that will no doubt provide homeowners with an array of interesting options to give their homes a fresh new look.
Focus on furniture
Today’s furniture coverings are moving away from prints – instead plainly coloured coverings that are highly textured are increasingly popular.
The actual design lines of the furniture is also becoming more streamlined.
For example, yesterday’s bulky sofas are giving way to smaller styles with lower backs and sleeker looks, preferring to cluster them into conversation groups for added flexibility. All things natural remains a popular focus, but instead of the dark Mahogany and espresso-coloured woods, lighter and mid-tone woods are fast gaining popularity, such as natural Walnut, Cherry and White Oak being especially dominant.
Stunning statements
Not new to the décor wall, feature walls are here to stay, being popular creations in almost any room in the home, but especially in the bedroom, living areas and office.
Feature walls can be created using a multitude of materials that vary in cost for a wide variety of different effects, including natural stone cladding, tiles, mosaics, paint, wallpaper and decals.
Tantalising textures
Soft furnishings and fabric are at the heart of any good décor composition, and the range of fabrics set to be introduced in 2012 will not fail to impress.
The most popular fabric trends include iridescent metallic, strong patterns and bold prints, modern florals, richly textured woven fabrics, velvet, silk and faux fur. Mother Nature is never far behind in inspiration, with natural fibres such as bamboo, jute, eucalyptus, cotton raw silk, wool and cork making their presence felt.
Colour contrasts
As mentioned before, décor compositions comprise mainly plainly coloured items and materials, but spruced up with the addition of interesting textures, and the odd soft furnishing or piece that boasts an interesting pattern or bright colour.
As such, neutral hues, such as taupe, beige, cream, grey, black and stone, as well as a range of various off-whites remain ever popular. These are then accented with boldly coloured accessories to pack a punch – vibrant colours that are especially popular include bright yellow, royal blue, deep teal, fuchsia, scarlet, lime green, coffee and gold.
Life light
As before, lighting remains an integral part of any décor scheme – with the emphasis being on layered lighting design for a full and complex aesthetic result.
Popular lamps include those styles that boast linen shades, clean tailored lines and a play towards texture. Lamp bodies that celebrate nature, such as those made from reclaimed woods that showcase the soft raw wood grain for example, remain a popular choice. Feature light fittings that add a touch of glamour, such as chandeliers for example, remain bang on trend – playing the part of the piece of jewellery in the room.
Tread lightly
Currently, there seems to be a move away from wall-to-wall carpeting, and a more towards easier to clean materials, such as tiles, laminate or wooden flooring, which are warmed up and accented using a variety of rugs.
There is renewed interest in rugs that are hand-woven or with chunky knotted textures. Popular rugs include those that make a design statement and serve as an interesting foundation for rooms with a neutral base and upholstered or casework finishings.
Bang on budget
Times are still tough when it comes to finances, and in the light of this, people are continuously on the lookout for unique, but cost-effective ways to improve their homes.
As such, DIY decorating remains ever popular, as does upcycling old, used furniture and décor items and investing in budget décor accessories. – Antonella Dési
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