Category Archives: Trends 2012
Colour-Coded Inspiration: Mint & Coral
By Marica
Wow, we haven’t done a Colour-Coded Inspiration in ages – about high time!
The following beautiful colour combo has been trending for almost two years now, and we have been dying to use it in a colour-coded post. Unfortunately, the South African retail market is rather sluggish in introducing these amazing colours into our local décor and homeware stores. Even today I struggled to find local product in these colourways (seriously retail people wakey-wakey)! So, in order share this delicious combo with you I sourced all the products from Etsy!
Mint is a soft pale green with a tiny touch of blue – in other words it is not a lemony green. I have seen quite a few misinterpretations of the true colour of Mint. Just for the record – Mint should always be more green than blue, Mint is not a light Aqua. If you are ever in doubt go to the shops and buy yourself a tub of mint chocolate chip ice cream – now that is the right colour!
Coral is a pinkish-orange colour, however you get a variety of different shades of coral. For example, where Coral is a more orange than pink, Coral Pink is more pink than orange. There is also Light Coral (think deep peach or salmon) and Coral Red which is a bright red-orange.
Mint is fresh and cool, Coral is warm and lively – this is what makes this colour pairing so perfect. It reminds me of a cool spring day!
Featured Image via COCOCOZY. From top right: Origami Pendant Light – nellianna | Coral Crocheted Lampshade – MadeByMo | Burst Bowl – upintheairsomewhere | Retro Chair – Kitschdecors | Coral Pillow Set – ElemenOPillows | Mint Ferris Wheel Cushion – CarolineKollektart | Porcelain Cups – villarrealceramics | Mint Ampersand – ThePineNuts | Coral Wall Clock – DesignAtelierArticle
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Trend Watching 2012 – Part Two
By Marica
Last week in Part One of our 2012 Trend Report we discussed our most-loved Colour Trends of the past year. Today, we continue our discussion with a look at our favourite pattern and imagery trends of 2012…
As so many of the pattern trends we spoke about in 2011 are still hot (especially those gorgeous geometrics) and to avoid repeating, we have selected these three trends as our favourite pattern and imagery trends of 2012…
As one article on Apartment Therapy stated: “subtle and sweet or bold and dramatic, the ombré trend has taken off in a big way.“ You see this delightful trend everywhere, and we have already devoted a Décor Dictionary post to Ombre (see it here)! There is something altogether magical about this light to dark gradient colour trend. Whether it is “dip-dye” or “paint chip” ombre, we will see a lot more of this trend in the year to come…
Tribal patterns and ethnic designs are back! *hears a thousand South Africans tear their clothes in anguish*
Luckily, I’m not referring to tacky African masks, bowls and other general Greenmarket Square touristy junk or the drab dirt-coloured interiors of “Tribal” trends past. Nope, this trend is far more bohemian – exciting and colourful!
Most likely an extension of the ikat trend, we saw the introduction of other ethnic elements this past year. Beautiful Persian and Balkan kilims, Central Asian Suzanis, and gorgeous Aztec and Native American patterns – all in bright, non-traditional colourways. Imagine a beautiful geometric Navajo blanket or rug in shades of pink and lilac!
Quite interesting to note that these elements where often combined with unexpected room styles. For instance – a white Scandinavian bedroom with textured Aztec pillows; or a Mid-Century Modern Lounge with a bold kilim rug – a surprising fusion. Well, it has been said that Eclectic design is the interior style of the future…
In some way or form animal imagery is always (and probably will always be) trending. Think back over the past two or so years – birds – EVERYWHERE! Birds on fabric and wallpaper, décor and art, fashion and jewellery – sparrows, owls, hummingbirds, and whatever the Twitter bird is – you name it. Not that I’m complaining, ask Rose – I’m the first one to point out something with a bird on it… I love birdies.
And before bird trend there was the rabbit trend. Now? … foxes.
Often associated with folk tales, the sly fox is said to symbolize cunning and intelligence. However, I think they are just adorable and I adore the fox-inspired designs I’m seeing all around the web. I wonder if this trend is a delayed homage to the beautiful imagery seen in Fantastic Mr. Fox?
Trend Watching 2012 – Part One
By Marica
Just like last year, Rose and I sat down earlier this week to discuss our favourite trends of the past year. We might not be good at predicting future trends (yet) but we love to observe the evolution of current and past trends – we call this little exercise “trend watching”.
As predicted many of the 2011 trends we wrote about last year continued on into 2012. Since most of these trends are still relevant and to refresh your memory you can read the 2011 trend reports here: Part 1 (Style), Part 2 (Colour), and Part 3 (Pattern).
Interesting to note that the primary style trends have not changed much over the past year. Trends like Industrial, Mid-century Modern, Scandi, and Vintage are now more popular than ever – especially since trend-related items have finally reached the retail market. More and more emphasis is also being place on designing green and buying homemade.
Rose and I also read a fascinating article on Freshome recently concerning the link between fashion and interior trends. In recent years the world of interiors has seen about a 2 year lag from runway to living room. Now that gap seems to be closing in at a much faster rate. The article also addresses Pantone’s Colour of the Year and its trend influence – it’s a very interesting read.
Now, today we’ll be looking at our favourite colour trends of 2012…
The most surprising colour trend of 2012 would have to be Neon! First hitting the runways as part of Spring/Summer 2012 fashion collections – my first instinct was to run for the hills. However, this current neon trend is not a rehashing of the horrible, unmentionable neon trends of the 80′s. It’s contemporary, it’s refined, it’s balanced – it’s interesting!
Within months (maybe even weeks) this bold trend made its transition into the world of interiors and décor. Vibrant and eye-catching, pops of fluorescents adds an unexpected element to any interior. I’m not saying you should go paint all your walls a shocking pink – just add one or two bright accent pieces. It’s cool, it’s brave, it’s not for everyone – I totally love it.
Pastels are by no means a new trend – it has been around for yonks. However, we have noticed a pastel evolution over the last handful of years. No longer restricted to kid’s bedrooms or fluffy girly spaces, we have moved away from the predictable cotton-candy pastels. The current pastel palettes – including those of 2011 & 2012 – have a lot more depth. We saw the introduction of “bright pastels” – think corals, salmons, mints and aquas. These spring-coloured pastels where much the rage last year.
A new addition, which I’m sure we are going to see a lot more in the year to come, is what I like to call “dusty pastels“. Not as saturated as “bright pastels“, it has an almost time faded appearance – think dusty lilac, faded rose, or powdery moss.
Another delicious current trend is to combine pastels with pops of neon – the result is absolutely stunning!
Various metal finishes have once again made a comeback. However, it is not the shiny, glam, and gaudy metallics of trends past. It is an aged, faded kind of metal trend – no blinding, polished golds and silvers. Old gold, antique silver, and especially brass and copper have seen a revival. There is just something about these rich, warm-hued metals that adds dimension and a sense of vintage luxe. I have seen some gorgeous brass and copper light-fittings and décor accents, and it works so well with our other colour trends!
Stick around for Part 2 of our 2012 Trend report where we discuss the past year’s pattern trends…
{So, what colour trends did you notice in 2012? We would love to hear about your favourites colour!}
Related articles
- Pantone Colour of the Year 2013: Emerald (thedesigntabloid.com)
- 2011 Trend Watching – Part One (thedesigntabloid.com)
- 2011 Trend Watching – Part Two (thedesigntabloid.com)
- 2011 Trend Watching – Part Three (thedesigntabloid.com)
