8 Best Decorating Trends of 2011
2011 has flown right by, and with it's passing came a number of decorating trends (good and bad). Here are some our favorites.
1. Global Goodies
I remember visiting my great-aunt Irene and great-uncle Irv's apartment as a kid, and being totally amazed by the artifacts they had adorning the place. Sculptures from Paupua New Guineai, pillow covers from India-the place just had character. Nowadays, it's no longer necessary to leave the comfort of your own computer to find Indian block-printed linens (above are from West Elm), or woven blankets from Peru. Shops high and low were saturated with vibrant ikats, sunny suzani styles. Thankfully, this trend is showing no sign of slowing down.
2. Gray Gone Wild
Starting last year, people started referring to gray as "the new neutral". Seeing that it's not going anywhere and continues to show up everywhere. We love it on everything from casegoods to uphostered pieces to bedding.
Related: 50+ Bedroom Decorating Ideas
3. Plum Crazy
Once thought of as just-for-little girls, purple has had a strong showing in 2011. When Ikea carries a piece of purple furniture, you know a trend has ARRIVED. Their ISALA side table is a particular shade of purply-grey, that we at Good Housekeeping has coined "gurple". You heard it here first.
4. Into the Woods
The woodland trend has continued to rear it's antler-adorned head through the year. Owls, antlers, and foxes, plus mysterious/magican Scandinavian creatures will be roaming around into 2012.
5. Not-Just-For-Menswear
Who doesn't love a good suit? Plaid, houndstooth (we covered this in the magazine) and reminiscent-to-wool-suiting pieces have been making a statement for the past year. This trend will never go out of style, and is pefect for balancing out a too-girly space.
6. South by Southwest
The sun-baked geometric designs so popular in the Southwest have made their mark all over the country this year. THe biggest inspiration-Pendleton. This over 140-year old company started with blankets, and now has a bunch of home accessories. Go straight to the source for this one.
Related: 52 Home Organizing Tips
7. Mid-Century Modern
Will this trend ever go away? With it's clean lines and pure form aesthetic, likely not. We're not complaining'-I have my parents' Eames lounger from their 70s apartment and it makes the whole living room! Keep on keeping on Mid-Century modern style.
8. Thinking About Pink
Pantone's 2010 Color of the Year was Honeysuckle, a mid-toned pink that everyone was confused about. Isn't honeysuckle yellow? It took a while to catch up, but finally, pink arrived! Look for even more in 2012.
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