2011 Home Decor Trends

The Stylist of the world have spoken, and their home decor trends for 2011 are as follows: (Do you agree?) I will give anyone $1 that knows what "steampunk" is!

Rediscovering nature- this theme is decor that could be used indoors and out.

Festive Ethnic- Ethnic colors and prints will play a role in furniture as well as window coverings.

Casual Chic- This is a simple style that has clean lines with personality.

Cheerful Playful- For brighter colors and whimsical accessories this may be the look for you.

Homefurnishings pattern and style trends for 2011 will draw their influence from the past, reports Michelle Lamb, chairman of Minneapolis-based Marketing Directions, Inc., and editorial director of The Trend Curve.

One of the home décor industry’s foremost experts in trend spotting, Lamb spoke to local retailers during the recent Dallas Total Home & Gift Market, offering insight into the designs and colors manufacturers will present in the coming year.

Shoppers can expect to see furniture and accessories which combine classic elements with contemporary details, incorporating texture into upholstery fabrics, metal and wood.

“Texture is apparent in every category and every material,” declares Lamb. Consumers can expect to see puckers, pleats, tweeds, frayed edges, woven-in ribbons and embossing. Patterned metals, etched ceramics and wood with scoring, stenciling and stamping will accent tables, chairs and decorative accessories. “Understated raw looks are rising.”

“Tactile texture will feel fresh again,” she adds, explaining that texture is “a counter trend to formality.”

In a nutshell, Lamb defines 2011 styles as a merging of vintage and modern.

21st Century Classical
“It’s a mash-up of styles,” Lamb explains, noting that traditional décor will be accented with surprising contemporary details.

A classic urn will be enhanced by metallic handles. A traditional lamp will be colored unexpectedly.

Vintage Vibe
The recent global economic slowdown has “nudged consumers back to tradition and formality,” states Lamb. Nowhere has this direction been more remarkable than with Gen Y consumers who will lean toward styles with longevity.

Steampunk accessories will make their mark. A marriage of industrial materials and 21st design, steampunk lamps, clocks and wall décor will move into stores.

Home décor products will also illustrate lace combined with plaids, fringe in unexpected locations and rhinestones on light fixtures. “Glass is key,” notes Lamb, “especially in luminescent looks.”

Tribal Wisdom
In 2011 manufacturers will create décor with traditional tribal design elements and colors as well as natural materials. Consumers can expect to see reclaimed woods, kilims, ikats, patterned and distressed leather and agate or geode accessories.

Structure
Adding balance to the trend toward time-honored design elements, is a movement toward simplicity. “It’s about making the most of a single element,” explains Lamb.

Décor will exemplify clean lines, geometry and a lack of embellishment. Products will be multifunctional and manufacturers will use transparent materials.

As far as decorating colors Pantone has introduced Honeysuckle for 2011. This is a vibrant, energetic hue, and a color for all season. Courageous, confident and vital they say. It is considered an everyday color but there is nothing everyday about it!