Design 2011: 8 Home Decorating Trends to Play With

Watch for More Silhouettes, Fiery Color, Creamy Tones, Aged Wood, Updated Classics and a New Way With Gray

Hello there! I'm Erika Ward, Owner and Principal Designer of Erika Ward Interiors. It's my greatest pleasure to inspire you to live well, to live in style, and to extinguish the myth that style and budget are mutually exclusive. Read more about my design philosophy and my work at http://www.blulabelbungalow.com

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January ushers in a new year as well as new trends in home and fashion. Along with the excitement of something fresh comes the dilemma of making these styles approachable and livable. Last weekend I spent the day at the AmericasMart Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market and The Atlanta International Area Rug Market. What a mouthful — and the multi-building complex told the same story. You would have to possess super-human powers to complete the tour in one day, but I saw enough to say that you are already on the right track and on-trend. Here's what's happening:

by Zuniga Interiors

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Fiery red-orange invigorated displays in the form of paint backdrops and small-scale accessories. Notice how this hue plays well with all finishes, from the studded mirror to the warm wood tones.

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by The Old Painted Cottage

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Silhouettes continue to appear on pillows, in wall art, and on wallpaper patterns.

Tip: Think outside of the traditional silhouettes and go mod. Imagine the above wall decor in a contemporary space, accented in lime green as opposed to black.

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by Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc.

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Textured wallpaper was also a big hit in showrooms. Seagrass is still all the rage, but I do believe creamier tones are on the rise. Remember, you heard it here first!

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by Castro Design Studio

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Wood reigns supreme, especially in its natural form and aged, washed, or antiqued. Swedish influences like this mirror remain highly sought-after pieces.

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by Chambers + Chambers Architects

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Fill your home with investment pieces. Consider purchasing one or two items each year at the best quality you can afford. Furniture like this timeless Louis XV style has maintained its popularity for eons and will only vary in color and/or finish.

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by Chambers + Chambers Architects

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The starburst mirror will never die, it will just evolve into larger and small scale versions and will also appear in groupings. Trendsetters must have a gross overstock of these mirrors or believe that you can never have too much of a good thing.

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by Amoroso Design

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A modern take on classic furniture will be a trend for many years as new generations embrace and update inherited pieces.

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by Dillard Design Group, LLC

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Gray paint is still a consumer favorite for walls, and now it is finding a home on ceilings. This neutral base allows for any color combination you can dream of while maintaining a look of easy sophistication.

What trends have you spotted in your city? Please share in the comments section.

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Comments

lindseyakin says:

My hubby and I bought a fixer-upper 1915 gingerbread style house last summer and are working on our remodel.

Good to see the gray and fiery hues - we put grey (SW's proper gray) below the chair rail in the living room just last weekend, and are going to take it up the whole wall and ceiling cove in the dining room (the two rooms are open plan - ish - large archway between them), with the trey/pocket of the dining room being an orangey color (sw's earthenware jug). I think it is such a beautiful combination.

16 months ago · Like

mark s chapman says:

Bolt oversized damasks take on a fresh contemporary look.

16 months ago · Like

kenkathryn says:

The Swedish-influenced mirror is too large for its space and much less interesting than the beautiful stonework of the fireplace.

16 months ago · Like

dinamight says:

Way too busy, too much stuff crammed in rooms, where is the peace? These rooms would make me scream.

16 months ago · Like

lee6336 says:

I really like the small personal touch the silhouettes give to the calm white and beige bedroom. The Louis XV chair and ottoman are beautiful & appropriate pieces in a room with classic, white traditional molding. Incorporating some luxury & beauty into a modern, or transitional, decor is so inviting in today's living.

16 months ago · Like

kmmealey says:

I agree with kenkathryn. The stone fireplace is beautiful but overshadowed by that mirror. Also, sound several rooms to be way too busy/cluttered looking.

16 months ago · Like

Hickory Furniture Mart says:

These are really great suggestions for the new year. I particularly like the mix of modern and classic pieces. This eclectic look is sure to be a big trend in 2011. http://bit.ly/fpVswp

16 months ago · Like

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