Design Trends of 2011

By Kate Riley November 10, 2011

Greetings all!  Today I have the best conversation for you to savor. Settle in with your beverage of choice cause it’s just like a group of your favorite gal pals are here with you and we’re all sharing our opinions on trends in design for 2011!  Michelle of Ten June is back for her monthly contribution and she has asked six experienced DIY and design bloggers (including me!) our thoughts on design trends, including what we’ve observed over the past year, and our predictions for the future.

So glad to have you back this month Michelle, take it away!

“Believe it or not, 2011 is coming to a close. Before we get too wrapped up in all things holiday, I thought it would be fun to chat about design trends in 2011- the good, the bad, and the ugly. And I’ve got a little surprise, as I’ve lined up six of our favorite shelter bloggers to discuss the highlights of design in 2011.

Everybody give up a big welcome to Sherry from Young House Love, Mrs. Limestone from A Brooklyn Limestone, Cristin from Simplified Bee, Janell from Isabella and Max Rooms, Jennifer from Rambling Renovators, and our very own Kate from Centsational Girl.

blogger panel

I know, right? This is a superstar team of DIY and design bloggers! So without further introduction, let’s get started and dive into the world of design in 2011!

What was your favorite interior design trend in 2011?

Sherry: Hmm, it’s a tie between Ikat and chevron I think. I love everything from tone-on-tone chevron curtains to brightly painted furniture with those playful zig-zig patterns worked in there. And anything Ikat = love for me. I like to say that I’m happy to hang out behind the trends. Ha ha. I’m rarely ahead of that sort of stuff and I usually love it far longer than most trend forecasters do. But it works out because if I work something "trendy" into my house I’m not over it a season or two later – I tend to enjoy things for a nice long time. Like my Ikat curtains in the dining room. Here’s hoping I still love those babies in ten years. So far, so good.

Mrs. Limestone: I tend to think the best trends last way longer than 12 months, so while this isn’t particular to 2011, my favorite just might be using maps in decor.  Everything from turning a globe into a light to map patterns showing up in all kinds of small accessories to repurposing old pull down school maps as art – the world is hot!

framed map bhg

Better Homes & Gardens

Cristin: Wallpaper and wall coverings have been trending. I found that more and more of my clients were willing to take the plunge to commit to wallpaper in 2011. All different types of wall coverings are popular, but I am finding that coverings made of natural fibers such as sea grass, hemp, or arrowroot are leading the pack.

schumaker grasscloth

Natalie Clay Design

Janell: Even though the term is becoming overused, I love the trend of embracing eclectic design. I think it helps dispel the idea there is a right and wrong way to decorate and gives people the freedom to explore and embrace their own unique mix of favorite items, both new and old.

Jennifer: The use of paneling/molding/trim. It’s a great way to add architectural detail and is a classic look that will never go out of style.

Kate: My most favorite trend is the growing use of reclaimed wood, especially when the designer makes efforts to truly showcase the beauty of the wood itself.  Whether polished, whitewashed, stained, or rustic, exposed wood is back and it’s looking fabulous!

house and home rustic wood

House and Home

 

In your opinion, what was the worst interior design trend in 2011?

Sherry: See, here’s where I’m lame. I don’t really hate much. I like to think that there are about a million "right" answers in design (as opposed to just one) so I’ve seen tons of things that might be considered to be trends that are over and have still loved them as much as the day they were "in." Cop out answer, I know. But really, I can’t think of anything.

Mrs. Limestone: This is just a personal preference, but I really don’t like the use of rough materials for furniture, rugs, pillows or anything that comes in contact with skin.  Wicker furniture and sisal rugs come to mind.  They don’t look bad – they just don’t invite me to want to stay in a space.  And really, isn’t that goal of any room?

Cristin: With some exceptions, industrial-inspired décor was a miss for me.

Janell: I saw a lot of mirrored pieces of furniture, as well as mirrored accessories and accents. To my eye, unless these items are very well made they can begin to look cheap and bring down the overall look of a room.

mirrored furniture

via

Jennifer: Building furniture out of wooden pallets. It only works in certain décor and really seems like a lot of effort for a piece that looks unfinished and temporary.

Kate: It’s a personal preference but I confess, I’m starting to feel just a bit of chevron overdose.  Maybe it’s just me.  Personally, I prefer a more classic subdued and traditional herringbone pattern – that never gets old.  Neither does Missoni’s iconic zig zag pattern, especially in muddy tone on tone hues.

   

What house-related design trends from this year will stick around in 2012 (whether you like it or not!)?

Sherry: Gray and yellow seems to be a pairing that’s still going strong, so I think it might stay around for a while. I think pops of color in general might be here to stay for a nice long time. The whole monochromatic/neutral/tonal thing seemed to be "in" a few years back, but now it seems like even high end designers are playing around with everything from plum and pink to cobalt and orange a lot more. I love it!

yellow barn door

Southern Living

Mrs. Limestone: Chevron is everywhere right now and I couldn’t be more pleased.  I’ve seen a few people say it’s a new fad but trust me – this pattern is anything but new.  Chevron is a trend that is never going to go away – you’ll find it in 1970s clothing, 18th century Paris apartments’ herringbone floors and the inlaid marble at the Taj Mahal.  If it’s made it this long, I think it’s safe to say it is here to stay.

Cristin: Brass accents, hide rugs and chevron patterns will be back in 2012.

Janell: I am a fan of the Belgian style and I do think it will continue to grow in popularity. The worn wood pieces popular in this trend, that often are limed, evoke a lived in feeling that can create very welcoming spaces. However, when taken to the extreme, as seen in some catalog layouts, it is a trend that can become trite looking rather than inviting, and can begin to seem out of place.

Jennifer: Painted furniture. I think people want to incorporate more colour into their homes and this is an easy and bold way to do it. Plus, the trend of recycling/upcycling will continue and painting vintage pieces really breathes new life into things that otherwise go into a landfill.

Kate: Gold is timeless and we’re seeing it everywhere again. I adore the use of antique gold finishes and patinas but I just wonder if we’ll also see the resurgence of shiny brass that we saw so much of (too much of) in the late 80s and early 90s.

gold table lonny

 Lonny

 

Did you find that any design trends from the past made a comeback in 2011?

Sherry: Grellow!  Aka: greeny-yellow or chartreuse. It’s such a fun throwback to the 70’s, yet it still feels totally modern and clean in the right pairings (CB2 has been using it for a while along with clean white furnishings and dark wood for texture). This is definitely an inspiration for green-loving folks like us. It’s such a great color because it’s modern and crisp without being cold (thanks to the warm golden yellow undertones).

Mrs. Limestone: One of the biggest design trends of this century is absolutely bringing back anything vintage – even mundane, functional items like cameras and telephones are hot décor items now.  I don’t know if I can call it a comeback or a breakthrough but I am all over it. One thing I wish would definitely go away is the color mauve.  I could totally do without that coming back.

Cristin: The chevron pattern has made a huge comeback this year. From pillows to rugs, that bold zig zag can be found in various sizes and endless color schemes.

chevron pattern sofa

My Old Country House

Janell: Wallpaper continues to make a comeback and I adore seeing this trend! Not only new styles, but many well-loved styles from the past are being reintroduced with success.

Jennifer: The use of gold-toned metals in interiors made a huge comeback. Like the gilded days of the 1980’s, gold adds warmth and luxury, but today it’s more subdued in hues of brass or with an antiqued patina.

Kate:  Hello, mid-century modern!  It’s been back for a few years but it’s still going strong and we can all thank the hit series ‘Mad Men’.  One thing I do love about mid century modern is the deliberate use of clean lines – it gives permission to use more eclectic accessories.

 

What design trend from this year do you think will pop up again in twenty years?

Sherry: Hmm, maybe the whole handmade/DIY trend? Right now making things yourself to save money and be creative is really popular thanks to the economy and the growing interest in local/eco/working-with-what-you-have initiatives. I hope that’s something that doesn’t go out ever again – so it’ll hopefully still be cool in 2031. Certain eras felt more like people bragged about how much things cost instead of bragging about how much they saved by making stuff themselves – so here’s hoping that handmade/DIY enthusiasm is here to stay! Or at least that it pops up more often than not.

Mrs. Limestone: Everything repeats itself eventually it seems.  Once you get far enough away from a generation to appreciate it, it all comes back.  (PS: I’m still resisting the 80s – let’s make a stand against neon!)

Cristin: I wouldn’t be surprised to see wallpaper cycle back in 20 years.

Janell: The sunburst mirror. It is one of those items that has becomes so well loved that it is verging on overuse, if it isn’t already there. The fastest thing that happens when something is overused is that it becomes tired and people start to shy away from using it. I suspect this is a trend that will be tucked away in the closet in the near future only to reemerge with great popularity in another twenty years, if not sooner. (We just need a break for a moment so that all the great options can become fresh again!)

Jennifer: Chevron! It’s a great graphic pattern and, like animal prints or stripes, will no doubt come back in style again.

Kate: I think it’s bold color high gloss furniture.  Right now we’re seeing old pieces reinvented in brightly painted colors with glossy sheens and I love it.  We may shy away from that in a few years but I predict it will come back, as we all crave color and a fresh coat of paint on a tired piece is the easiest way to update.     yellow dresser

Honey & Fitz

 

In your opinion, what was the most overused design trend of 2011?

Sherry: I can’t really think of a single thing that I think was overused to the point of wanting to see less of it. Because even if things pop up repeatedly (chalk board paint, maps, birds, jute), I always seem to appreciate them in all different applications. So I’m glad they keep coming back in different surroundings/colors/uses because each time they’re applied in a new way. I think I’m one of those "the more, the merrier" type of people.

chalkboard wall

via Piccsy

Mrs. Limestone: I really do think that nearly anything can be done well, but if I had to pick one thing – it would be the Moroccan pouf.  They seem to crop up in every décor magazine in the most random ways.  I’ve had enough of the pouf to last a lifetime.

Cristin: Ikat and zebra patterns were a bit overused in 2011. I am predicting we will see them fade away a bit next year.

Janell: This is not specifically a "trend", but the idea that we must rush through the process of putting together a room to cross the finish line in a record pace is becoming tiring for many, myself included. Wanting a room complete yesterday often doesn’t allow for a thoughtful design process to take place, one in which there is the freedom to slowly find and acquire meaningful items that have a true purpose and can be treasured and enjoyed over a long period of time. I see interior design trends beginning to mirror the pace of fashion design trends, and this can’t be a good thing. Interiors are far too expensive and time consuming to put together to have our efforts become dated before we can even being to enjoy the outcome.

Jennifer: Definitely starburst mirrors. I love the look of vintage starburst mirrors but all the DIY versions out there have turned this stylish accessory into something kitschy and not so glamorous.

sunburst mirror wisteria

Wisteria

Kate: I brought this up a few months ago in a timeless or trendy’ article, but my best answer is sunburst (or starburst) mirrors. They’ve been around for centuries, but sunburst mirrors have definitely have their periods of popularity, then they fade from view. I’m loving them now in my own home, even making a DIY version and recently buying a retail version for our master bedroom.  They’re just such a pretty focal point, and it doesn’t matter to me if they’re trendy. I think that’s what’s most important, finding what you like and then decorating with your personal preferences, regardless of what other’s deem ‘timeless’ or ‘trendy’.

Wow, isn’t it incredible how much beautiful design passes through our lives in just one year?! It’s clear that 2011 was certainly a year for interior design hits (and a few misses!). Thank you to our blogger panel for taking the time to chat about this year in design. I think I will speak for all of us when I saw that we’re looking forward to what the world of design holds for 2012!”

Thank you so much Michelle for rounding up all these opinions from these amazing bloggers!  Be sure to pay a visit to Michelle over at her blog Ten June.

michelle bio

And a huge thank you to Sherry, Mrs. Limestone, Cristin, Janell, and Jennifer for participating, what fun this was!  Such great conversation right?  Isn’t it so interesting how we view the design world so differently?  I could talk for days and days about design trends, how far we’ve come and where we’re going.

What do you think?  What were your most favorite and least favorite design trends of 2011?  What are your predictions for 2012?  C’mon spill it, we all want to know!

 

..

65 comments

  1. This was so much fun to participate in, fun to read everyone’s thoughts and how there are as many opinions as there are ways to approach design! Love that…Janell

  2. This was a great post! I liked to the different viewpoints and see them in action throughout their blogs. Nicely done.

  3. What a great article. I love how many times chevron was mentioned. Everyone seems to have an opinion on it (and I’m glad most still love it because I do).

  4. Great post – I agree with the points made here. As a designer, I’m also seeing a trend towards greater customization, hand-made and artisan crafted works. It’s a movement away from mass-manufactured/made in China. People want their spaces to be one-of-a-kind and fitted to the way they live, and I think there is less desire to look like a page from a Pottery Barn catalog.

  5. What a fantastic line-up and FABULOUS (personal) trending report!! Great job Michelle. I have to shamelessly admit I had to google Ikat. That’s why I come here, I learn SO much!

  6. So fun hearing all these stylish women’s takes on what’s hot (and not). I’m excited that my son’s yellow dresser/changing table made it in as an example of stuff that we’ll still like in 20 years because it weighs about 300 lbs and it’s not going anywhere!

  7. Great article Michelle and I’m so flattered to be included. I loved how similar trends were mentioned – chevron, ikat, sunburst mirrors, maps – but everyone had a slightly different take. Just goes to show there is a breadth of design inspiration out there.

  8. This was a great article and fun to really think back to what was hot or not this year. I am definitely loving the resurgence of gold! Probably my favorite discovery this year in my own home. I have not used chevron in my home and I’m not sure I will. Not that I don’t like it but just not in my home. Also Ikat has grown on me throughout the year, at first I didn’t really like it but now I wouldn’t mind incorporating it into my home Thanks for an article that I thoroughly enjoyed reading!

  9. I enjoyed this post! Loved hearing each designer’s viewpoint. I, too, am tiring of chevron – too much makes me dizzy! I love the look of rough materials but agree that they are not very comfortable. That being said, I love some of the pallet furniture and wall coverings I’ve seen lately. The furniture would do well outside and pallet walls add so much character. Wallpaper – never for me. When I bought my house in 1998 (it was built in 1985), it was covered in beige, bland, flowery wallpaper. It was so difficult to remove. I prefer paint -easy to clean, repair or change out completely.
    Thanks for the post, it was a great read.

  10. I am so over chevron, owls, deer heads, chalkboards and drum shade chandeliers. I think the design trends that will continue into 2012 will be monograms, plate walls and large floral prints. I also love the inspiration that Mad Men has had on decor and fashion.

  11. This was so much fun! I LOVED hearing what others had to say and John and I were cracking up about how many times certain things were mentioned thanks to everyone’s take on that specific trend. Completely and utterly fascinating!

    xo,
    s (& j)

  12. I just love this piece of collected opinion in one place. I think Janell hit the nail on the head about the trend of rushing through the design process to showcase the “after” that has been so prevalent lately. Design is a creative process that is so expensive to just rush through and I think that it is also responsible for negatively dating some of the design choices as well.

    I really did enjoy everyone’s take on the trends, but one thing that I would have liked to see is for Sherry to take a stand on some of the harder questions. Nevertheless, there really was no right or wrong answer, but a matter of tastes, preferences and opinions, which I respected in all the responses.

  13. What a fun post! It was really interesting to read different takes on the design process and trends, especially from the bloggers whose homes you “know” from reading about. I’m embracing the classic, white kitchen “trend.” It seems to be the direction everyone is going (far away from builder grade oak cabinets), and I love the look!

  14. I loved this post because it made me think about how I feel about different design trends – past, present, and future and how different generations view trends differently. As one of the ladies said, once you go through an era it is very difficult to go back. For me it is the 60s and 70s – I couldn’t put a sunburst mirror in my house if you paid me, and yet they are very popular now and are appreciated by a new audience. What is so different about today is how a design trend, say chevron patterns, spreads via the internet like wildfire to all corners of the planet and becomes overdone very quickly. That said, I have a global interior and so my love of ikats was not diminished by the popularity of these prints. I will always love them. I am glad that in today’s world it’s all about what an individual loves and how they love to live. What goes around comes around so if you truly love something, don’t replace or change it just because someone says it isn’t “in” anymore. Go with your gut instinct. The trick is to fill your home only with things that you love or have meaning.

  15. Excellent, excellent roundup of fabulous women and opinions! I loved it all…but especially what Janell said about not being in a HUGE race to finish a room. I’ve found, both in working for clients and working in my own home, that good design has to have time to evolve. It doesn’t happen overnight. Having the patience to let it do that is an art. :)

  16. Excellent, excellent roundup of fabulous women and opinions! I loved it all…but especially what Janell said about not being in a HUGE race to finish a room. I’ve found, both in working for clients and working in my own home, that good design has to have time to evolve. It doesn’t happen overnight. Having the patience to let it do that is an art. :)

  17. Wow, what an all-start line-up! It was so great to see the opinions of my favorite bloggers all rolled into one post! Generally I shy away from trends – if I love it, I buy it. Right now there’s nothing chevron in my house!

  18. This was so interesting to read. I loved seeing all the different takes on the trends. One trend I would love to see die: chalkboard paint. I know everyone seems to love it, but I have always hated chalk and writing on chalkboards, and I just think chalkboard paint just makes things look messy. Hate it. But I am still in love with chevron and brightly painted furniture.

  19. I’m so tired of chevron. i do think its a cute pattern, but I’ve seen it so much its become like a song overplayed on the radio. same goes with mid-century modern furniture, for a while i thought i couldn’t be cool unless i had an eames chair. thanks for doing this post, please do more like it!

  20. This was a great interview :) Can’t believe this year is nearly over!
    Surprised no one mentioned owls and white kitchens :) Owls I’m over, white kitchens here to stay for another year.

  21. Very interesting, as it shows that decor tastes and likes are completely different from one person to the other. For me, yellow-grey not so much! mirror furniture, no-no; and starburst mirrors are out of the question, yet love exposed wood, rough materials, and painted furniture. Some are adored by so many!, and some are hated, but in the end it really depends on what makes you happy and comfortable in your own space, right? It is interesting, though, to learn what’s out there, what’s “gone” and what’s “brought back” so that you can really mix and match, and go “original” in your spaces.
    in any case…my two cents :o)

  22. I love hearing everyone’s viewpoints on things! How funny how some people love chevron and others’ think it will fade away. How interesting! I personally seem to be totally behind on 99% of all design trends so I’ve yet to get anything chevron or a starburst mirror. Someday!

  23. I really enjoyed this read. Everyone should feel confident in their design choices because, as Sherry mentioned, it truly is a personal decision and there is something to be appreciated about almost all design. With that being said, it is nice to either have a sounding board, or a piece like this that provides a spectrum of opinions from people that are appreciated for their eye on design.

  24. Everyone had such different perspectives and I love that about design types! There was a little bit in there for each of our styles……I am really embracing Janell’s take on slowing down the procesa, that is great advice….Thanks Michelle, you did a wonderful job!

  25. I loved this discussion – what a great idea Michelle! I really loved what Janell said about not being in a rush to finish a room. I think there’s a lot to be gained from taking your time.

  26. Loved the article. Like others, I’ll be fine if I don’t see another starburst mirror or chevron anything, but I am really looking forward to the continuation of reclaimed materials/items. I find myself refinishing/repurposing a lot of furniture/materials, out of necessity at first, but then because in the end, it allows me to create a place that is uniquely me. And, honestly, isn’t that what it’s all about?

  27. This is a great idea!

    I’m still into chevron, I never liked starburst mirrors, BUT I’m over subway signs. I’d be just fine if that trend died down soon. Unless they’re, like, actual subway signs. Though during all my years as a New Yorker I never saw one that is like the current “trendy” ones.

  28. Ooooh, this article was like Christmas to me, all of my favorite bloggers in one place!

    I love that this shows that each of these incredible bloggers/designers have varying opinions and that the important thing is to do what YOU love when designing a space. I also agree that we have the tendency to hurry up and finish our spaces, sometimes I wonder if the blog world is contributing to that happening. Kate, I think you do a great job in showing us projects done all over your home over time {a painted dresser here, a DIY mirror there}, instead of pushing through one room to get to another.

    Thank you so much for all of the great advice in one location!

    xoxo,
    Jen

  29. Wonderful post! I’m a slow decorator, so it’s nice to have an idea of what might still be “in” when I finally get a room done. :) I have noticed some 80’s mod decor popping up lately, and I’m not far enough removed from that time to appreciate it (yet?). The people I’m seeing start to use it are 10-15 years younger than me, and I can see how they might be more drawn to it since they probably don’t remember it. ;)

  30. I’m not a decorator, but the trends I’m noticing are that homemade stuff is making a comeback! Back in the early 90’s, I was a young mom with 3 small children on a tight budget! I used to make a lot of my decor and gifts. I’m seeing patterns and instructions for a lot of those things I crafted back then!

  31. I agree about the use of maps. We have a framed map of where our cruise went on our honeymoon. I see it every day and it reminds me of all the fun places we went and the fun we had. It is also a beautiful piece of art but very personalized.

  32. Thanks for this. I’m new to your blog but I totally love it. This was soooo interesting. I’m always inspired by you and I love your tone and voice. It’s spot on!

    Keep up the great work!

    EmmaMT

  33. Loving the framed maps trend – call me weird I just want mine to be a pseudo pirate map of my town instead; or that map that my dad drew that time (talk about minimalistic, its become a legend: a squiggle and a tree).
    Also loving reclaimed wood.When I did my floors last winter I spent Months (yes capital M) searching for a local source of reclaimed hardwood. All to no avail. And it was too expensive to ship in. Way too expensive. I even looked for reclaimed softwood, but no one was willing to plain their barnboard for me and I might be handy but that is way beyond my skill level. If it wasn’t I’d have myself a home-business.
    I never really got into the trend of mirror-ing a piece of furniture or painting over a vintage piece of real wood furniture (sacrilege!) unless it was from the 70’s or forward.
    I never got into the whole chalkboard ides either; though sure it is cool and even my brother has a chalkboard shopping list at the edge of his kitchen now. I just couldn’t think of what I’d write on it and it’s a trend that just kinda passed me by. I’m not someone who could write anything on a bathroom stall door or someone else’s yearbook in high school either.
    STarburst mirrors: I am still harboring the idea of putting a twig one up over the TV. I gathered all the twigs from the dead-willows slough last spring. They are in the burning pile in the garage pending further inspiration. But its still cool.
    Out of all the trends this year the one I absolutely *can’t stand* and can’t emphasize my dislike of enough is the geometric grey-yellow-white colour theme. I hate it more than anything interior ever in my life. It if aweful. It is horrible. It makes me go “ew”. Sure I have a nice sunny yellow kitchen with white trim. But add grey & a geometric pattern into the mix and it would become … just disgusting.
    Oh another good one I’ve found this year is reclaimed junk: be it a lamp you repaint or re-shade or whatever. Up-cycling I think is going to be the trend going forward.

  34. I really enjoyed reading your article. I think Janell summed it up best when she said, “…the idea that we must rush through the process of putting together a room to cross the finish line in a record pace is becoming tiring…” Three years ago, I rushed and bought all new living room furniture for our new house. Only to find three years later that I especially hate the couch and two wing chairs. The room seems very outdated, and I never did really finish accessorizing it. As much as I love seeing new ideas in all the magazines, I cannot keep up.

  35. I have to say, this was a really entertaining read! I love how everyone views trends differently and even where they are in their life cycle. Janell’s advice about rushing a room is so spot on as well! One thing that wasn’t mentioned is how we, in the blogging world, tend to be overexposed to trends all the time and therefore, tire of them quicker than the general public. I’m in the UK and whilst I’m personally tired of seeing things like blackboard walls (looks messy to me – I remember even when I was in school, I only liked them when they had just been cleaned – OCD much?) – I can’t think of one person that I know personally that has one. Same with ikat or chevron patterns. Seriously, no one has them. So where it might be big in the US, it’s not even a trend that has really caught on for the general public here in the UK. I have a sunflower mirror in my living room (still love it), people will come into the room and always comment how unusual it is! Same with painted furniture – I have a few pieces now and people I know think I’m bonkers for even thinking about it. MCM is only just really starting to catch on now… So wondering if we just live in an interiors bubble here in blogland whilst the rest of the world carries on unaware? ;)

  36. I agree the chevron has been overdone. I have always loved it but am just so sick of seeing it everywhere. The other poster that mentione Subway art has my vote as well.

  37. I really enjoyed this….we all have our personal tastes and that is A GOOD THING.:)

    What I personally love is when a person goes with what she likes…not what is being shown in mags and on blogs. If you love pallet furniture, go for it and don’t worry what anyone else thinks…if you love french pillows but are sick and tired of seeing them EVERYwhere, don’t use them.
    I think our personal design for our homes is the very best way to go. I like to add a FEW current fads to my rooms….but mainly….I pretty much stay true to myself. :))
    Thanks for a great post.

  38. Great post! I love hearing about other peoples’ design opinions. In the end, I think it’s so subjective and it comes down to what makes you feel happy when you open the front door.

  39. Thanks so much for mixing me in with these talented ladies. How funny that nearly all of us mentioned Chevron (love or hate). I guess time will tell on that one :)

  40. What a fun post. Great idea ladies! I really liked hearing all your different opinions on things- even when you disagreed because it just emphasizes the point that we all need to decorate with what we love. Great job. Happy Weekend!

    heyhomeslice.blogspot.com

  41. To be honest I have not been a fan of the chevron. I know it is everywhere, but it really does nothing for me. Thanks for this post, it was fun to read.

  42. Cracking up about resisting neon, funny!!! I did notice Chevron came up a LOT, both good and bad. I admit i like it but in small doses, I don’t wanna OD on it. Cool post, almost like a designing debate.

  43. How funny that Jennifer said: Definitely starburst mirrors. I love the look of vintage starburst mirrors but all the DIY versions out there have turned this stylish accessory into something kitschy and not so glamorous. And then you said how you loved them especially the one that you DIY’d. oops

    That is what is so unique about design, everyone is different and has different tastes, if you love it than that is all that matters.

  44. I’m so late on most trends it’s silly, but I decorate with what I love. Just in the past year I’ve been turning my room into a shabby chic style but I’m using stuff I already have loved for ages and adding to it. My curtains are ..gasp! mauve but I love them and it works cause the rest is more subdued soft pinks, blues and white.

    I never thought that grey and yellow would go together and probably wouldn’t design with it, but I like seeing what others do and what works visually.

    I agree with Janell, that decorating over time is the best way to design. Who can afford to redo it every year? or have the energy to repaint things all the time. I know I don’t have either, so it has to be a slow process.

    Right now my living room has dark orange, beige, dark furniture and antique gold accents. I’d like to lighten it up w/ adding more white or cream, and patterns with orange and blue. Right now my couch cover and curtains are beige…boring! It wasn’t meant to be boring but a jumping off point. Now I want more a colorful look. I think I’ll start doing a few changes this Spring after I save money when the holidays are over.

  45. I love this conversation..we should do more! I agree with so much of what has been said – I did not jump on the chevron or sunburst mirror bandwagon but do appreciate ikat because that has global appeal which is part of my personal style and something I have grown up with. Color pops, too, are my thing and the idea of reclaimed wood, upcycled and recyled pieces is something every person should embrace as it is environmentally friendly and cost-effective. I do also agree with Janell about a room design coming together over time – adds layers of character and is more meaningful, apart from the expense aspect. Very thought-provoking post.

  46. Fun post! I loved reading everyone’s thoughts on the different topics :) I really liked Janell’s insight into rushing the process of finishing a room. It does take time to pull it all together. Most of us cannot afford to hire someone to do it for us, and we’re not professional designers, so it takes us longer to figure out what works and what doesn’t. And I think that depends not on current trends, but on what we like personally. Or even what we would be content living with :) I have really liked some rooms, or “looks” seen on different blogs, but know that I would not necessarily want them in my home. What I appreciate is the opportunity to see what others are doing, gain inspiration, and be motivated to continue working on my own home. And let’s face it, we’re NEVER DONE. lol

  47. what really resonates with me is the discussion about the upswing in the diy/up-cycled trend. it’s something that i really hope never leaves–both from an environmental standpoint and because it’s really sparked some ultra-creative thinking in the design world. that, and, i love old things with stories rather than new, pre-fab items.

    however, one thing i hope leaves us and leaves us quickly is the “crafty” diy trend. just because you can cover something in scrapbook paper, ladies, doesn’t mean you should do it! :)

Leave a comment!

Keep the conversation going! Your email address will not be published.*

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Lately on Instagram (@centsationalstyle)