My favorite Decorating Trends of 2011-2012

As a decorative artist and lover of design, I try to stay on top of decorating trends and keep images and ideas that are fresh and exciting at the top of my head to use as inspiration for upcoming projects. As we come to the end of 2011 and start to look ahead to the coming year, I feel like it’s a good time to review some of my favorite design trends, interior and otherwise, and to look forward to see what will be popular in the coming months and plan accordingly.

One big look that has really made an impact across the board is the “Industrial Chic” look. Fueled by Restoration Hardware‘s gorgeous new line of furniture and accessories, this handsome and interesting style is full of rich textures, colors, and lines. It is distinguished by repurposed “industrial” items like gears and metals, vintage signs and clocks, and anything with time-worn patina and hardware. This look is a particular favorite of mine. Shows like American Pickers and Picker Sisters have added to the industrial chic craze.

a page from the latest Restoration Hardware catalog

industrial side tables

warm and exciting, cool and chic!

The next trend I love is the “Soft Modern” decorating style. This look blends traditional, modern, eclectic and contemporary pieces within a neutral color palette. It’s a style that is pleasing to most people and is easy to live with. It’s a hybrid of styles that is very warm and inviting while still being “sleek” and contemporary.

This modern bedroom is so serene

I love the retro wall

"roundabout" stencil by "wallovers" looks a lot like the wall in the previous pic

I don't typically think of modern as having so many interesting textures! It's gorgeous.

One color trend that has been hard to miss and can be seen across all decorating styles is the use of gray. Monochromatic gray rooms can look chic and elegant or vintage and shabby chic. I like both of these looks very much and love the freedom it allows homeowners to move accessories around their homes.

elegant gray zebra stripe stencil

The warm gray chinoisserie on the walls and ceiling are stunning and classic

Expect gray to stick around in the coming year. Yellow and “greige” a green/beige hybrid are expected to be popular, while purple and brown are out.
Finally, I love the use of burlap and other rich textures. I used unprimed linen sewn to another canvas for a custom piece of artwork for a customer this past year and was really pleased with the result. According to Beasley and Henley Interior Design, the hot look in furnishings is “Paris Flea Market meets Driftwood Salvage” Think reclaimed, rustic, vintage. Again, Restoration Hardware’s influence here can’t be denied.I particularly love the combination of old and reclaimed with classic and refined.

burlap fabric, reclaimed wood and hardware, vintage accessories

love the mix of burlap and french design on these chairs shown on apartmenttherapy.com!

detail of "burlap" canvas I created earlier this year

Clearly, there is an abundance of material to use as inspiration for new finishes in the coming year…stay tuned:)

Get Plastered!

The plastered finish on the walls provides a rich background for the Garden mural in this kitchen

There are so many cool plaster products on the market these days! From plasters that look like limestone, marble, granite, and concrete to cool metallics

This entryway was transformed to look like it was all limestone.

Metallic Snakeskin powder room

My Review of Ampersand Hardbord 2″ Deep Cradled Panels

Originally submitted at Jerry’s Artarama Art Supplies

For maximum support and frame all in one!If you want to prepare your own panel, start with unprimed Hardbord and apply your own oil or acrylic primers! Hardbord is the finest pressed wood panel available anywhere. Made in the U.S. from quality hardwoods, this panel resists warping and moi…

Ampersand Hardbord 2″ Deep Cradled Panels

 

Good quality and versatility

By Bonnie from Chicago, IL on 11/6/2010

 

 

4out of 5

Pros: Best

Cons: Good

Best Uses: Work

Describe Yourself: Professional

I really love these boards for their durability, quality, and versatility. The gessoed surface allows for many applications and they hold up when a regular canvas would be too flexible or delicate. I would definitely recommend them. I also really like the 2″ depth because your finished piece does not need a frame and looks clean and modern.

(legalese)

Design Inspiration

beautiful bedroom idea from House Beautul.com

When searching for design inspiration, my first place to look is the internet. There are so many sites, such as housebeautiful.com and HGTV.com, that are chock full of ideas. Books and magazines are usually my next stop. Amazon.com has many, many decorating books from which to choose. I also often visit my local library.
Decorating magazines are a terrific source for images that you can tear out and put in a folder. Elle Decor, Architectural Digest, Luxe Home, and Traditional Home are some of my favorites.

this Elle Decor issue had a beautiful mural idea on the front cover.

Once you find some pictures of rooms you like, begin a file and add things such as pieces of fabric

some websites give great advice on mixing fabrics, textures and colors

, paint swatches etc. and you will be armed with everything you need to start decorating your room. Keep your folder handy when you consult with your decorator or painter and certainly take it with you when you head to the furniture store. Pretty soon your room will start to become a reality. Decorating can be fun and rewarding if you go about it the right way. Stay organized and focused and don’t be afraid to consult a professional if necessary. They can help take your vision to new levels if you really are up for something spectacular (or even if you just need a second opinion).

 

Kid’s Rooms that Delight for Years

When designing your child’s space, consider imagining what your son or daughter’s likes or dislikes may be a few years from now. Disney princesses might sound good when your little girl is 3, but not so appealing when she is 8 or 10. There are so many options when decorating a child’s room! Take a look at the web and decorating magazines for inspiration. Wrapping paper, fabric, bedding and more hold ideas for an incredible wall mural or design. In addition to murals, there are a lot of new stencils that cover the entire wall much like wallpaper and provide interesting design solutions. You can use repeated use stencils, one time use stencils, or modellos. Faux finishes such as linen or LusterStone are also a sophisticated option for kid’s rooms that will last for many years.

funky overscale hand painted shapes make this little girl's room really fun!