As 2012 is upon us, it is a great time to look at designer forecasts for what are the hot colors for modern home decor in this new year. Benjamin Moore's 2012 ColorPulse event showcased an interesting trend in Preservation due to the current economic climate and a desire to connect with our past.
What is being called "Fabulous Foliage" includes shades of greens, and homes are even once again being decorated with botanical prints. Green and white fern fabric can be seen in home furnishings, such as accent chairs, throughout the home.
"Global Safari" brings in unique home décor with ethnic accents, especially with the use of Indian and Moroccan textiles - lots of color and patterns going on there.
"Mixed Metals" heralds back to the unique decorations of 70's retro, so not so much the shiny silvers, golds and bronzes seen lately. Think of mirrored, but not like in mercury glass that has been so big in 2011.
Another modern home décor trend, "Modern Art," includes bright, bold hues and patterns, youthful-looking furniture and watercolor patterns - all with that IKEA feel. These splashes of color will also be found in housewares and gifts, like hostess and housewarming gifts.
And the unique décor, "Yacht Club," trend can be achieved by throwing in red as a home interiors accent, along with weathered wood, anything rope-covered, and products incorporating a flag influence.
Modern home décor design trends will include native geometrics, fossils, Southwest influence, totems and stacking elements, handcrafted lace and embroidered items, recycled and repurposed items, damask, and rugs that look worn.
Watch for unique home décor cues from nature, and a move towards functionality and a self-sustaining lifestyle. Elements to look for include blueprints and maps as art, graphics, mazes, 3D art, digital art, terrariums, and food growing and canning. Big colors are blues, modern neutrals, layered greens, whitespace, pixilated colors, gray/charcoal/black, and red/orange as contrasts. Look for high contrasts, oxidized shine, and silvery and mirror effects in unique decorations.
Fashion for 2012 harkens back to those 70's unique décor appliance colors. It's almost hard to believe that we will once again see "Harvest Gold", "Avocado" and "Almond" (this last one is still lurking in my kitchen). Maybe these colors will look better being worn than cooked on. We can only hope.
"Layered Neutrals," with tones of oatmeal, brown, tan and grey are making the jump from wall accent colors to layered combinations in outfits.
"Pastels" will be seen in blush pink, mint green and robin's egg blue. "Graphic Prints," especially in black and white will be everywhere along with "Tangerine Tango."
Jewelry collections will be chunky and large in metals, and antique and vintage/retro but in new combinations. Dramatic necklaces will include bibs, feathers and lace. Bracelets will be ornamented and bold like leather and metal cuffs. Jewelry will be eclectic, ethnic and tribal. Rings will be taking over the hands, and earrings will include huge hoops and chandeliers. There is an eco-friendly trend to reuse and recycle.