The variation in colors, patterns, and textures in the 2011 home decorating trends is remarkable. While some of the colors are quiet and serene, others blast their way into a room with bold disregard for subtly. The four palettes to watch in 2011 move away from one particular trend, and encourage homeowners to express themselves through the design of their homes.
Color Trends for the Restless Nomad
This home decor trend takes design around the globe. Adventurous is the best word to describe the patterns in 2011, and diverse cultures from distant lands offer their patterns and designs to this palette. Paisleys, inspired by the Persian and Indian cultures, are gaining momentum this year, after becoming more popular during 2010. Tribal patterns from South Africa are another hot trend.
Islamic and Arabic patterns, including tile mosaics originating in Morocco, bring yet another culture into the mix. Clean and simple patterns found in Danish and Scandinavian design create a stark contrast to the intricacy of many patterns found on the African continent. Indonesian batiks bring texture and soft pattern to this palette.
No longer do patterns need to be used only with solids and textures. During 2011, patterns will be mixed like never before. Homeowners should not fear a mix of paisley, patchwork, animal prints and aged leathers; all of them blend beautifully when used together.
Colors to watch in this palette include deep, rich tones reflecting the eclectic origins of global patterns. Deep indigo, burgundy, charcoal and gold all evoke a tribal feel. Hues influenced by foods are also trendy during 2011, including eggplant and the yellow-green of cabbage. Hot pink, bright red and copper complete this globe-trotting palette.
A Gentle Medley of Color Brings Nostalgia Home in 2011
While some colors and palettes have design wandering the globe, another palette keeps color close to home. During times of economic and political uncertainty, soft colors become more popular; this year is no exception. Folks long for the comfort of home during times of stress. During 2011, this trend is reflected in confectionary colors, nostalgic patterns and ethereal tones.
Old-fashioned patterns and textures are kissed with femininity this year. From crocheted edges on pillows and draperies to ruffled pillows, a touch of the vintage is perfect for this year's trendy home. Repurposed furniture and accessories, often left with their original peeling paint, are even more popular this year than during 2010.
Relaxed fabrics and a simple lifestyle dominate this trend. Collections of items, often chaotic on their own, are displayed in groups to create order from a random collection of things. Birds, butterflies and dragonflies will be very popular during 2011. Vintage maps will make an appearance on everything from fabrics to area rugs, adding a look of age to any space. Sepia and hand-colored photographs will become important accessories this year, as well.
The pastel hues found in this color trend a best represented by the current trend toward confections and fun. Cupcakes are all the rage at bakeries around the country, and the minty greens, pale peach and soft yellows of their icing brings an air of fun to the palette. Chartreuse, light aqua, wheat and sand offer an airy, romantic ambience to any room. Deep charcoal and steel gray keep the color palette from becoming too pastel and bring a feeling of masculinity to a space.
Purely Refined Colors are Elegant and Understated
True luxury never goes out of style; this year, the elegance of the understated is the basis for a beautiful home interior. The British terms "bespoke" (which refers to a custom tailored item) and "atelier" (which refers to the studio in which such custom items are created) sum up this palette perfectly.
Natural hand-dyed fabrics, fine stitching, pleats and exquisite tailoring bring rich detail to home decor. Large, chunky knitted patterns contrast with textured linen and embossed velvets. Hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind art and accessory pieces will be desired for home decor; mass-produced art will lose popularity during 2011. Although fine details and sophisticated patterns dominate home decor, there is still a desire for a comfortable, inviting home interior.
A desire to escape has homeowners wishing for their entire home to feel like a spa. Refined colors reflect this desire with an emphasis on quiet, nuanced hues. Gray is a very important neutral during 2011, edging out beige as the go-to home interior tone. Forged metal and concrete bring a masculine edge to this trend. Paired with dusty sage, light buff and rich gold, this palette is anything but cold and drab.
A Bold Invention Brings Daring Color to 2011
In stark contrast to the meditative qualities of the "Purely Refined" color palette, "Bold Invention" blasts into 2011 with something to say. This is the palette of the city, full of energy and reminiscent of technology. With self-expression at the forefront, confident colors bring spontaneity to home interiors.
Graffiti is an original art form and will be found on fabrics, furniture and home accessories this year. Neon and fluorescent lighting will be important in interior design during 2011. Curvy plastics will contrast with accessories of Chinese influence, including cloisonné and porcelain. Traditional handcrafted techniques will be used to decorate modern objects, creating new and modern works of art.
The vibrant colors of Latin America, including chili pepper, turquoise, sapphire and teal, are tempered by steely grays and simple beige. Using these colors together, along with highly contrasting patterns, creates an energy that reflects the modern cities of the world.
More information on the color trends of 2011 can be found at the Sherwin Williams website.
Teri Larsen - Professional Interior Designer, Freelance Writer, Executive Editor of Metro Women Magazine, Mom of 2, Artist and Generally Creative ...
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