We have the best tips from the people that know
Combining a contrasting mix of textures within the home can create a comfortable, contemporary, elegant and luxurious vibe.
Decorating our homes can be a stressful time; budgets tend to be stretched and there is a whole lot of mess, but before you even get to this, you have to decide on what you're going to decorate your home like.
This takes a lot of planning, a lot of visiting home stores and a lot of bickering.
To help you on your quest to find a new look for your home, we asked a number of experts on what they predict to be the biggest trends for homes in 2012.
Pick which one suits you most and get hunting for the perfect objects which are going to complete your home.
Linda Levene, Design Director at Light & Space, an eDecorating interior design company, says: “Wood will not be confined to floors, wooden clad walls will be seen as an emerging trend , as a focal point for walls, whether it’s distressed, polished or stained, wood helps to accentuate the warm atmosphere in your home.
“Colour wise rich jewel colours are key - think emerald, ruby, amethyst and sapphire, topaz and rich turquoise along with silvery greys and warm whites.
“The key look is still comfort, comfort, comfort. It’s all about cocooning, protection and warmth, making your home feel luxurious comforting and inviting a refuge from tough economic times.
“Reflective surfaces are important created through mirrors, mirror tiles or wallpapers with tiny crystals and glass beads as well as metallic finishes.”
Amanda Ayers, founder and “interiors connoisseur” of leading mirror and frame specialist, Ayers & Graces, says: "Mirrors are undeniably the easiest way to create an airier and more spacious feel. They generate a perception of increased depth in the room - useful when trying to “open up” a smaller space.
"This reflective tool cleverly combines functionality with style; with a multitude of designs available. Wall hung mirrors are not only a practical piece of furniture but are striking pieces of wall art in the home – utility just got pretty! My expert tip would be to use unusual frame materials such as crushed and cut glass that can be wall-mounted and used to bounce the light around the room.”
Sara Pomfret, founder and interior designer of luxury bedroom furniture company, Raines & Willow, says: “Combining a contrasting mix of textures within the home can create a comfortable, contemporary, elegant and luxurious vibe. Smoked glass furniture has reflective surfaces that fuse effortlessly with both monochrome colours and vibrant interior tones. Reflective furniture surfaces assist in opening up the home and create a fresher feel without having to fully redecorate and change the colour of walls and carpets. This modern design trend for 2012 adds unrivalled depth perception to the interior and boasts the flawless expression of sophistication and personality in the home…”
Rachel Edmonds, Marketing Director of French-inspired furniture company, Newtons, says: “Mirrored tiles and metallic wallpaper reflect more light and are useful tools when attempting to brighten the interior and mirrors deliver an instant and inexpensive “make over”. Irresistible gold and silver furniture surfaces defuse light around the room and evoke an overwhelming feeling of opulence.”
Louise Smith the Senior Global Colour Designer at Dulux, says: "Colours for 2012 are full of take charge optimism. Paler tints of colour seen over the last few years have grown into a desire for colours which are more confident and robust."
Carl Richardson, head of refurbishments at aspect.co.uk, says: " Due to the current economic climate more and more people are deciding to remain in their existing properties rather than moving in to new and are taking the opportunity to create luxurious rooms with exotic wall papers, unique colour combinations and vibrant colours to totally transform spaces, where previously they may not have done.
"Use bold colours that you may never have thought of using and even think of introducing painted patterns on feature walls, rather than the safe colour choices/designs of the past.
"Also, the use of texture will be popular in 2012. Combinations of fabrics such as silk and wool alongside materials such as wood, marble and leather with enable you to create a comfortable and luxurious feel."
Finally, Ben Rousseau of Rousseau Design uses LEDs to add impact to rooms and he thinks more homeowners should wake up to the potential of lighting in the home. In fact, he has designed art suites at the Ice Hotel in Sweden using lighting effects.
He says: "The control of lighting is also one of the most exciting directions for a designer of modern times. The creativity you can now apply to a scheme and how it is controlled has moved on in huge strides. For the gadget freaks and people with a decent budget the scope for artistic license is now really pushing the boundaries.
"Hidden light sources that can be controlled remotely, which consume very small amounts of power and deliver an almost cinematic display are of the times in high end residential and commercial interiors and exteriors. The concept of a lightbulb and shade being positioned in the centre of a room has long died a death!"
Femalefirst Taryn Davies
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