Fall 2011 Interior Decorating Trends

Autumn is the time that everyone is looking at the hottest styles. The teens want the newest fashions to wear to school and the home is longing for a little freshening to go with the new season.

There are some cool and exciting trends for the fall of 2011. With the world’s economy challenges, the political infighting, and concerns regarding our ecological environment, stress has been a large part of our lives. One of the largest trends reflects all of these factors.

Repurposing, Recycling, Reclaiming, and Renewing; read my Examiner article, http://www.examiner.com/interior-design-in-new-york/abode-d-cor-think-reclaimed-recycled-repurposed-and-renewable , to gather further information on what these terms mean.

Recycle items that you might already have to reuse for another purpose. Think vintage (my Examiner article, http://www.examiner.com/interior-design-in-new-york/designing-your-abode-repurposing-unused-items, will help to inspire you)

This year is about mixing the old with the new; traditional with some contemporary. Retro is very big. Scour your attic, or Grandmas, for heirlooms to reclaim. Look for flea market finds. Use the heirloom as a centerpiece to balance out some cleaner lined furnishings.

• Take a worn out wood coffee table and paint it in gloss black (big this year) or in a fun color.

• Antique luggage pieces can be stacked to create an end table.

  

• An old door can be refinished and used as a table or desk top.

• Pillows can be made using fabric from tossed cloths and scarves.

  

• A boot can make a fun planter.

• Even your lighting can be renewed; read my Examiner article, http://www.examiner.com/interior-design-in-new-york/lighting-your-abode-redesign-existing-fixtures-and-diy-new-ideas, for more ideas.

Black and white are the in colors (or non colors) this coming season. This is a clean look that blends well with the mix of a vintage and contemporary decor. As a design rule every room should have a piece of black in it for accent, even if it is just a TV.

• Mix the black and white with some antique wood pieces.

• Use a traditional black and white wall covering as a backdrop to your space.

You can add a splash of color in your pillows or a chair. Teals, mustards, and rusts are in.

Contrast is the word for this fall. Like black and white, using contrasting patterns and texture this year is big.

• Repurpose your old tweed jackets and make some pillows or upholster a chair.

• Mix tweed with a leather sofa or chair.

• Add a stripe or chintz fabric and denim.

• Throw in a little lace on a pillow or window to add some softness.

• Feathers are big as an accessory; use them as a border to a lamp shade.

Dimensional artwork is in vogue. Mixed media painting and sculptures add excitement to a room. The hottest pieces are collages of items; such as mechanical gears and tools, with old clocks and compasses.  Support a local artist that you like.

Clear acrylic furniture is in again. Mix an acrylic chair with an antique wood table. This combination is a good representation of the 2011 fall trends; retro, vintage, contemporary and textures.

While the economy might be a bit of a downer, pick yourself up having fun redecorating with the creativity that this fall’s trends lend. Whatever your budget, the trends will give you the ability to find a way to lift up your decor this fall.

Have fun and be creative. Never be afraid to dance!

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