Go Crazy With Your Decorating — You'll Fit Right In
Go bonkers. This year, it’s totally OK. In fact, it’s a trend. With people no longer as nomadic as they were before the recession (buying and selling and buying), they want their homes to reflect who they are.
Before, the moving around meant owners kept their homes virtual blank slates. Or at least a slate they would not get attached to, as well as one that was easy to stage for the next sale.
Now designers are seeing more riskiness, adventurousness and boldness. Lidewij Edelkoort, a trend forecaster in Paris, voiced a similar message at a recent Trend Union conference in London, noting more playfulness in colors and patterns. People are also now attracted to ultratactile materials, like brick and fibers and furnishings such as the voluminous Edra sofa.
The Edra sofa is matched by curvaceous Harper chairs and a bold swirly matching pattern here. The twig art lends texture. Because people are spending so much time online, in a nontactile environment, they are craving texture in their surroundings, Edelkoort says.
Another example of plump furnishings is these Orion swivel chairs by Dellarobbia. They add a splash of bold orange.
Even though this room has a striking amount of white, it is anything but plain. Geometric shapes add dimension, and the chairs are upholstered in fabric that's blue with white branches. Branches are a popular choice today; it reminds people of that environment they so miss.
Dublin, Ireland, designer Julianne Kelly says she uses wallpaper to add dimension, depth and texture. In one of her recent projects (shown here), Kelly's client let her teenage daughters have a hand in choosing this Elitis wallpaper for their rooms. Kelly agrees that people are choosing bolder decor because they don't move as often, but also because people are more adventurous and confident in their choices than they used to be.
Another room in the Dublin townhouse has a feature wall of Elitis wallpaper.
Here Kelly used Cole & Son wallpaper, tying in the pattern with the table. Some of her favorite picks for textured wallpaper are from Manuel Canovas, Nobilis, Jim Thompson, the Zinc collection and Thibaut.
Interior designer Denise O'Connor also cites the economy as a catalyst for bolder choices. "Homeowners must make the space fit them. Now they can put their own mark on it," she says. The O'Connor-designed space here has bold wallpaper contrasted with a yesteryear Venetian-glass-style mirror. Quirky.
At the Trend Union conference in London, Edelkoort also noted that baby colors, like pinks, yellows, baby blues and pale greens, are making a comeback. They have a youthful feel.
This room shows all the trends. Definitely tactile. Plump furniture piece with a dash of bold color. Light blue wallpaper that adds dimension and a hint of nature. A natural-fiber rug and basket. Tufted velvet. Perfection. On point. Personality galore.
Where have you let yourself play in your house? Tell us about (or show us) your bold rooms below!
More: 8 Ways to Tailor Your Home For You, Not Resale
