New year, new trends! Magazines and newspapers are all abuzz with their predictions for 2012, and I admit to getting a kick out of reading what's in and what's out. I usually find myself agreeing with some trends and really scratching my head at others. Here's what I think will be making it big this year, be it a trend continuing from seasons past, a redux or something completely new -- hello, 2012!
Herringbone Floors
This is Glamorous; That Kind of Woman
If you’re thinking of replacing or putting in new wood floors this year, consider herringbone hardwood. A perennial favourite of designers, this classic pattern (usually in oak) is typical of historic apartments in Paris. Best thing about these? They're incredibly versatile and lend any style of home a European, cosmopolitan flair. If I had the money, these would be my floors.
Painted Kitchens
Studio Ilse; Plain English
For years now, white and all wood kitchens have dominated the pages of design magazines. This year, we are going to start seeing a swing towards painted kitchen cabinets, in soft pastel hues. Think oyster, biscuit and mocha shades. When combined with brass or gold hardware they look sophisticated and stylish -- a welcomed change from the stark kitchens of late.
Plants
Wit and Delight; Pinterest
There was a time back in the '70s when everyone had giant plants in their house. In recent years, with the exception of the potted orchid, it seems plants have fallen out of favor. I think 2012 is the year of the plant. Look for plants with interesting foliage and exotic provenance. They’re an easy way to add a bit of living sculpture to your home.
Escher Patterns
House and Home; Design Within Reach
Bold, hyper-graphic patterns inspired by M.C. Escher (also known as tessellated), have been popular for a while now, but the trend is still going strong. I'm seeing patterns like chevrons and Greek keys popping up on everything from area rugs to throws, and they still look fresh and new. I love the the pattern on this kitchen floor (left), and look -- there are those painted kitchen cabinets again!
Old World Elegance
This is Glamorous; Rose Uniacke
While most of us will never get to live in a turn-of-the-century London mansion or Parisian pied-à-terre it doesn’t mean we can’t steal some of their great design elements. The most interesting homes these days are ones that combine an old world elegance with a stripped down modern aesthetic. To really anchor this look in your own home think about adding a few choice architectural details. Whether it's replacing interior doors with something paneled or adding trim to your dining room walls, these elements create a frame of reference -- a style -- on which you can build your eclectic mix. A touch of the old world is never a mistake, as long as you use quality materials. Imitation anything is the wrong way to go.
Do you agree with the above? What do you predict will make it big this year?
Emma Reddington is the lifestyle maven behind the acclaimed blog, TheMarionHouseBook.com, where she experiments with interior design, cooking, baking and do-it-yourself projects.
Related: