Tag: Trends 2011

2011 Trend Watching – Part Three

Design Monarchy6 Comments

By Marica

Throughout this week we have been chatting about the various trends we have observed in 2011. We kicked off Part One with our favourite Décor Style Trends and discussed our most-loved Colour Trends in Part Two. Today, in Part 3, we continue our Trends 2011 discussion with a look at our favourite Pattern trends of the past year…

Pattern Trends:

Pattern, textile and other surface designs play a larger role in the establishment of interior design & decor trends than we think. It is also no secret that current Fashion Trends have some influence on future Décor Trends. Since Pattern makes bold visual and stylistic statements, it is one of the first elements decor gleams from fashion (after style, of course). Where in the minimalist contemporary trend of the previous 5 years pattern was rarely used, interiors are now filled with gorgeous pattern.

Geometrics:

For the past year everywhere we looked we saw geometric patterns – fabrics, rugs, decor pieces, even in elements of furniture design. This funky change in pattern was a breath of fresh air to the tired trends of yesteryear that contained mostly organic shapes (that is if it contained pattern at all).

The beauty of these trending geometric patterns is that they can take up an array of shapes, forms, scales and cultural influences. For instance – we saw a lot of chinois-inspired lattice, links and brickwork geos; some beautiful and bold nautical stripes; Greek Keys; Moroccan Quatrefoils; Tribal African Geos; and even beautiful rustic Navajo geometrics.

The most popular geos of the 2011 were a lot less complicated – bold chevron and thick herringbone patterns and solid triangles – most of course, in bright daring colours or contrasting black on white.

And while most bold patterns have a definite contemporary vibe, they also signify a return to tradition as most of the geos are historical significant. You know what they say – trends are cyclic and bound to repeat (hopefully with a contemporary twist).

Truly my favourite trend of the past year and happily still going strong – we are going to see a lot more geos in 2012. It’s definitely hip to be square…and triangular…and rectangular…

Toile:

 

Toile has been around for centuries (from the 18th century to be exact) and this highly detailed pattern has always been a favoured addition to traditional and classic interiors. Usually consisting of a white or off-white background on which a fairly intricate scene is printed in a single colour. Toile patterns generally tell a story in pastoral themes such as a couple having a picnic by a lake, fisherman in their boats, or farmers working the fields.

Toile has however received a contemporary revamp in the past couple of years that has boosted it to trend. Now, not only limited to fabrics anymore – we see beautiful toiles on wallpaper in surprising and bold colours. Gone are the boring black/brown on white prints – think pink, shocking pink! With this trendy adaption Toile can now look stunning in even a funky cotemporary interior.

Florals:

The floral trend is back in full force – and it’s probably got the nostalgic trend to thank for it! Entering mainstream trends a year or two ago (although florals has always been on the backburners), the runways are now an explosion of florals in all shapes and sizes.

Bright 80s prints, dainty romantic florals in pastels, big florals in watery brushstrokes, and beautiful vintage prints all provide just the right amount of whimsy. I’ve even seen some interiors that took a rather “Victorian” approach in their use of florals – that is to say florals EVERYWHERE…and bizarrely enough I quite liked it.

Ikat:

Ikat patterns were hot, hot, hot last year.  Essentially a dyeing technique, and similar to the tie-dying process, it is originally produced in several pre-Columbian Central and South American cultures. The technique has however been adopted by many eastern countries. Ikat weaving styles vary widely and many design motifs may have ethnic or symbolic meaning.

One of the main reasons why Ikat enjoyed so much popularity in the past year (other than the fact that it’s deliciously ethnic) is once again bold use of colour. Exotic tie-dye patterns in hot pink, deep blue and bright orange – beautiful! I however think that Ikat has a “shelf-life”, we best enjoy it while we can.

Oh, there are still a good handful of trends we really enjoyed this past year, but since we don’t want to bore you with a long spiel, here in closing are a few images of some other favourites…

Other Favourites…

Use of Typography
Illustration and sketching
Chinoiserie
Animal prints - especially birds and rabbits
Image Sources:
Geo 1, 2
Toile 1, 2
Floral
Ikat
Typography
Illustration and Sketching
Animal Prints
Chinoiserie
.
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2011 Trend Watching – Part Two

Design Monarchy2 Comments

By Marica

Yesterday we discussed some style trends we observed in 2011, highlighting our favourites. Today we’ll be looking at our favourite 2011 colour trends…

Colour Trends:

{source: 1 & 2}

At the beginning of 2011 various berry colours did the rounds – luscious shades of purple, red and pink. Pantone’s colour of 2011, Honeysuckle Pink, probably had a large role to play in the berry-coloured trend. Since the trend is to draw our inspiration from nature in terms of colour, it comes as no surprise to find that the rich, warm and comforting colours of berries have unfolded onto the artist’s palette. The colour red hit the stage of fashion and design a number of years ago. And like most things that evolve, so too has the tones of red. This evolution has moved from being bold striking reds, to the more gentle tones of berry, cherry, pink, purple – and the most awesome part of it all, is that these same colours are boldly and effectively, being coupled with teal blue, deep aqua blue, chartreuse yellow, grey and black. Adding exciting and adventurous flavours that allows the man-in-the-street to dabble with colour in a manner not seen for a long time.

{source: 1 & 2}

Another awesome colour trend was the use of sunny yellow. I’m instantly drawn to the warm, friendly colour. We observed a good few beautiful yellow interiors – most often paired with another trending colour – grey. The predominant trend is to use pops of yellow as accent colour and the contrasting grey as a neutral base. Splashes of yellow adds some instant sunshine and statement to an interior as the use of such a bright yellow is quite bold. The combo of warm (yellow) and cool (grey) really complements contemporary interiors.

{source: 1, 2, 3}

A colour trend that is still going strong, is my much-loved shades of blue. Blues of all shades and hues has been trending this past year – strong cobalt, bright ultramarine, deep indigo, sea-foam, aqua, turquoise, robin’s egg. Jeez, thinking of all the beautiful inky blues is making me all excited, lyrical even! Rose also agrees that this blue trend was by far her favourite colour trend of 2011 – lets hope it sticks around for another year or ten…blue is timeless.

{source: 1 & 2}

There is one of the past year’s colour trends that Rose and I really had to get used to – the all-white phenomenon. Hugely popular, we now see it in every other interior –  white walls, white floors, splashes of accent colours and textures. Our problem, you see, is that we view walls and floors as an integral part of “layering” – an interior with white walls and floors is therefore missing “layers”. Rose and I have however grown to love this fresh and open style of decorating (when somehow refined) – it must be the Scandinavian influence.

{source: 1, 2, 3, 4}

Towards the end of 2011 we saw gradual migration towards fresh spring colours – especially corals and salmons, usually paired with aqua and turquoise blues. I found the introduction of the coral and salmon hues quite surprising and unexpected. I can remember telling Rose “I will never like those – it’s just another name for shades of (dreadful) peach!” Luckily, I soon changed my mind – I can honestly say that the coral-aqua combo is one of my favourite colour trends of 2011. This pastel-coloured trend is also said to be one of the strong colour trends of 2012.

Stick around for Part 3 of our 2011 Trends report where we discuss the past year’s pattern trends…

So, what colour trends did you notice in 2011? We would love to hear about your favourites colour!

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Decorex 2011: Talking Trends With Dave Nemeth

Rose McClement3 Comments
Dave Nemeth’s Trend Talk at Decorex CT 2011

One of the interesting features of the recent Decorex Cape Town Expo was the Trend Talk given by Trend Forecast guru, Dave Nemeth.  Here in our office, we seem to inadvertently watch the trends by being avid bloggers. Nevertheless, it was fascinating to listen to Dave open them up like the expert that he is.  He has been a player in the interiors trade for many years and it seems that the last few years have seen him trotting around the globe, trend watching.  I like that we have our own proudly South African Trend gurus.

This beautiful Salvatore Ferragamo crochet number can easily influence future Interior trends, for example, this gorgeous chair for Casamento

How is a trend established?   I guess most of us are aware of the fact that Fashion and Interiors walk side by side, in terms of pattern, texture and colour trends, particularly the Cat Walk.  However, trends are not just established willy-nilly.  Other factors that influence the establishing of a trend are:  What is the consumer experiencing; how are global politics and economics impacting consumers and then of course what impact is technology having on the consumer?  Research Information coming out of these influences is collated by Trend Forecasting Agencies for the benefit and application by Interior Designers, Retailers and Manufacturers who develop it further.

Scatter Cushions by Henry Road Fabrics
Pink & Berry Colours

FACT – Two types of trends – micro trends and macro trends. Micro-trends are those that fleetingly come and go.  Naturally, that would make a macro trend the stayer- for a good few years, much like the few I am about to highlight.

Colour – the impact of the recession in our global economy was reflected in the muted colour palette of grey and neutral tones.  (Mood influences colour).  Now that the movement in the economy is more optimistic, the inclusion of strong pinks and berries colours are evident.  We are feeling upbeat and even if you aren’t at that place yet, indulge these colours and you soon will.

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Scatter Cushions by Henry Road Fabrics

Industrial Cabinet via Weylandts
Upcycled & Industrial Cabinet from Weylandts

Furniture:  Dave highlighted the fact that coming out of the recession, the consumer has become a cautious and conscious buyer.  As such quality is a strong determinant in the furniture we buy, with the resurgence of solid woods.  Solid woods in the form of recycled furniture, or up-cycled furniture (vintage, heritage or retro second-hand pieces, that get the conversion treatment to a snazzy modern furniture item).  Handcrafted furniture is also very big, as is the industrialised look and feel.

It seems that tactile is the buzz word – we are experiencing a great deal of texture in our furniture, with open grain tables being more the rage. (I personally love this trend, as authenticity is one of my values in life).

Have you noticed that there is a lot of deep buttoned upholstered furniture to be had? And listen, don’t let you mom or aunt throw out that old suitcase or trunk, or even the crate she stored the cool drink bottles in. (there are still a few of those cool drink vendors that drive around the suburbs – they have loads of those crates – convince them to part with it).

Decorex Trends 2011 - Upcycle - Recreate - The Design Tabloid
Decorex Trends 2011 - Retro & Upcycle - Restore - The Design Tabloid
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Open bulbs or bulb-shaped lighting

Lighting:  The shapes we find in table and standing lamps are both organic and angular.  That was seen in the products on display by Newport Lighting, a local-is-lekker company. Expect to see more lighting that feature exposed bulbs (frosted bulbs – not your standard bulb).  Wire caging surrounding the bulb is apparently also the way to go.  Nice.

Accessories:  Now this is the exciting part – it’s affordable.  Textured scatter cushions – embroidered, felt, cable knit, plenty of bright colours.

Handcrafted is so big.

Then Typography – words, letters, phrases all available to you to display in your favourite rooms.   Add into this collective mix, Anglophilia – all things Brit.

Green: There is however one distinct characteristic that runs through all categories – sustainability.  Green is here to stay!!!

Knitted Decor

Dave presented a bucket load of information and I could go on and on.

However, from my observation, Decorex actually nailed the theme of the show – basic and beauty.  We are living in a time where the superfluous has been and gone.  We want to get back to our roots, our heritage and in doing so, find that grounded, safe and secure place again.

So, we turn to the past and the heritage that is connected to that.  We surround ourselves in colours, crafts and textures that add optimist depth to our being, bringing hope and meaning to our lives.

What the future holds – we will allow the trend gurus to unfold that with each passing season.