2011 ended with a bang with an exceptionally busy period over the last few months. It was an endless whirl of designing interiors and launching new products including our online design service.
After taking some time off over Christmas to recharge it is now the time of year when we begin to think about trends and what is going to be hot in the next 12 months. The recession has had a big impact and economists have been talking about the continuing uncertainty and market volatility. In these tough times people are considering what is truly important to them: their families and their lifestyle.
Unsurprisingly the key colour for 2012 is going to be grey. You will see it being used on everything; wall coverings, polished plaster, art and furnishings. The great thing about grey is that it’s a color that works in most palettes so can be easily incorporated into a variety of concepts and designs.
Despite the changing times people want sustainable and modern luxury. Not surprisingly consumers are holding on to their classic and timeless pieces hoping to feel a sense of comfort during these difficult times.
This combination of modern minimalism and classic elegance will play an important role in upcoming seasons. With our love of travelling we will take inspiration from different countries and cultures which will remind us of our happy times in this grey period
What’s hot in 2012
Furniture:
- Old reclaimed wood is coming back. Discarded pine strips are colour washed in different shades or combine weathered wood with polished walnut for a subtle effect. Whatever texture is used for part of the piece it will be mixed with the completely opposite texture as part of the finish.
- Stylish luggage inspired furniture is in. Versatile leather trunks in all colour shades will be used for essential storage and to brighten up rooms. They also make handy side tables.
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Fabrics/ upholstery:
- Traditional furniture such as bergere armchairs are revamped with irregular colour blocked designs and clashing pattern blocking in striking combinations.
- Texture will be a big as people place more importance on comfort so Hungarian and Swedish linen mixed in with silks and velvet.
- Waxed fabrics, rough Swedish linen and sacking will be used for upholstery to give furniture a contrasting modern and rustic feel.
- Small, regular polka dots across bedlinen. Bolder designs for bedlinen feature more random patterning of dots.
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Hessian Postcard Pouffe | Wingback chair with irregular colour blocking. Coming soon to House of Interiors |
Windows:
- Slatted blinds and shutters are in – they look sleek, make it easy to give keep out light and are easy to clean in comparison to curtains which gather dust.
Bed linen/ cushions:
- Pattern fabrics such as Paisley and Brocade are making a comeback and will be used for bed linen and cushion covers.
Wallpaper:
- We have seen an increase in patterned and textured wallpaper over the past year and interest will keep rising over the next season. Some of the must have prints will include oversized geometric floral and vintage patterns.
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Oversized geometric with Fired Earths Alhambra Palace |
Colours IN:
- Grey isn’t the only “must have” colour for 2012. Combine greys with yellow to lift the palette and bring zingy freshness to the room. Undoubtedly the yellow trend in schemes is probably a reaction to the difficult economic environment we are in. Perhaps by using yellow we will all benefit from the positive psychological qualities – happiness, optimism and confidence.
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| Mid Century Elting Yellow Chair |
- Other colours that feature heavily in 2012 include indigo blue, greige (a beige/green hybrid) and monochrome.
- Influenced by fashion, splashes of pastel pink, emerald green and burnt orange will be the shades that will dominate this autumn and winter.
Colours OUT
- Purple is finally on its way out (kicking and screaming). Although Lilac is in with its pastel pink sister.
- Brown, which had a very long season, has finally gone. RIP.
Art:
- Sculptures are making a comeback with pieces being inspired by nature and driftwood.
- More and more people will look to invest in valuable photography and art.
Accessories:
- Mix different shaped and sized vases with different types of flowers to soften room settings in a straight and neutral interior.
- Clusters of candles will be used in rooms instead of a few lined up candles.
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