Furniture and Home Furnishings Trends for 2011
2011-07-05

By Abe Abbas

1. Retro Remains StrongRetro remains strong, and it seems like we will keep on feeling nostalgic for the looks from the later half of the last century. Fashion runways featured plenty of looks from the days of not so very long ago. Furniture is sure to follow suit.

There is a resurgence big bold patterns and colors like avocado green, so if you missed it the first time around, you will have plenty of opportunity to play with them.

2. Patterns GalorePatterns make a comeback in a big way, showing an increase in surface interest.

Patterns can be found in woven textures, beadwork or fretwork. They are painted, embroidered, carved, beaded and show all kinds of interesting influences from all different corners of the world.

The influences can be anywhere from folk art, Mexican patterns or tribal Africa. They can be based on shapes found in nature, or be influenced by chinoiserie. Honeycombs and apples are some shapes you will see.

3. Science Fiction Meets VictorianSteampunk has finally made it to furniture. This style is inspired by Victorian style brassy metals that have a rusty, hand-beaten look. Industrial metals and elements such as gears, pulleys, and decorative brackets, and hinges are used alongside with crystals and velvet.

Think about the science fiction of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells combined with refined Victorian tastes.

4. ColorWhile it seems likely that turquoise will still stick around, it seems the 1970s will also play a major role in determining color choices. Greens ranging from different of avocado to olive seem to be big, but then, so is teal. Remember teal? Purples that have been grayed, or are paired with grays seem to be popular.

Melon also sounds like a color you will see frequently. According to Pantone the color for 2011 is Honeysuckle. Pantone's prediction for 2010 with turquoise did come true.

5. French InfluencesThe Old World romance of vintage French pieces from the 1930s and 1940s seems to be gaining in appeal. Not that it ever went out of style. But french motifs such as fleur de lys and quatrefoils seem to be popping up.

6. The Look of ArtWhile paintings and wall art have always been a part of decorating a home, you are seeing more and more art directly on furniture. The work of Paule Marrot has found a whole generation of new admirers. You may have seen how Rowe used it on upholstery for great effect. But that is not all, as you see works that evoke Dutch and Italian artists. Modern Art makes its appearance, too. You can say this is part of the interest in surface decoration that you find with the increasing presence of patterns.

7. GlassGlass can be found in all its different manifestations from antique and vintage looks to modern or retro. Jewel tones, soft earth tones, or mercury glass, you name it and it is there. It can be highly polished, or look simple and hand-crafted. Glass can be found in lamp bases, accessories, or wall art.

8. Metallic Finishes and AccentsMetallic finishes have been popular for a few years. Gold and copper along with silver are not just used on casegoods, but also in textiles as well as rugs.

Metal lends an air of luxury, and both shiny and subdued metal looks have been predicted for this year. Pictured here is ACG Green’s Milano bedding with metallic accents.