What’s Hot for 2012?

We live in an ever changing world – the digital age, where things are made readily accessible to us in a matter of seconds. How many of us send written letters via snail mail these days? Not many compared to e-mail. We have evolved into a nation that loves convenience. Our society adapts to change quickly, which is probably why design trends change faster than we can say “colour”. With the new year off to a good start, the question on our minds is “What’s coming up for 2012 design trends?”

Colour: Tangerine orange was announced by Pantone, a leader in colour forecasting, as the colour of the year. Para Paints, a Canadian paint manufacturer teamed up with four Canadian designers: Glenn Dixon, Ambrose Price, Elizabeth Wharnsby and myself to help forecast the colours of the year. My colour scheme, Rhythm, showcases a beautiful tangerine orange (Para Paints: Sweet & Juicy P5072-85*) in an exotic worldly design featuring a patterned, gold Italian sofa contrasted against a zesty wall colour. Just like our Country’s “melting pot” effect, the space is infused by Asian, African and Canadian influences and melded together to create a true Canadian design.

With the world at our finger tips, it is much easier to import treasures. Designing with influences from foreign countries has become a hot trend utilized by Canadian designers. Although, we must not forget that our Canadian heritage is rich in history and has a lot to offer. Patriotism is another trend emerging in the design market place. In 2012, patriotic design elements will make their way into our homes. Gwen Prince, of General Paint notes that during her visit to the annual Colour Marketing Group, she saw a lot of new trends regarding the colour, red. Although, the new shade of red is quite different from the bright reds seen in earlier years, this year’s red is deeper, like the one showcased on many national flags, thus promoting patriotism. (General Paint: Rare Sensibility 132)

Other note worthy trends making an appearance in 2012 include: Repurposed furniture and accessories. Unique pieces are being repurposed into non-traditional uses such as old belt straps forming the arms of a wooden or chrome chair and tree stumps made into coffee tables.

Natural woods will also continue to segue into our homes. With the “Eco” movement taking design by storm, expect to see nature-inspired elements pop up on retail shelves. Whether the object is made out of “Eco” material or showcasing a nature-inspired pattern, Mother Nature has influenced this year’s design trends.

This year, patterns in wallpaper and fabrics will feature feathers, birds, and animal prints. These patterns will be complemented by exotic textures such as the ones introduced in wallpapers. As for fabrics, expect funky materials, such as horse hair, to appear on design boards across the country. As usual, these luxuries are used in moderation so that designer spaces offer visual interest without overwhelming the eye.

Last but not least, an exciting trend showcased by fabric mills is “water colour designs”. These patterns imitate how a water colour sits on a painted canvas. Each drip and gradient is shown in a delicate fashion as it is mass produced for our design needs.

2012 has an exciting compilation of design trends giving you all the tools to create the perfect designer space!

 

Marc Atiyolil, celebrity designer and home trend expert is the Editor-in-Chief of Canadian Home Trends Magazine, regular contributor to CTV and the host of the Marc Atiyolil Show on www.MarcAtiyolil.com. Catch Season 2 every Thursday at 2pm.

To submit a question for Marc Atiyolil, visit www.CanadianHomeTrends.com

 

COPYRIGHT 2012 – CHT Media

 

Sourcing Information:

Greater Gator in Espresso (T6802), an embossed vinyl wallcovering, from Texture Resource Volume 3, Thibaut, $79 per single roll; www.thibautdesign.com

Martini Strap 2 Seater Leather Black – Available at www.esquirehomecollection.com and www.haloprivatelabel.com

Sweet & Juicy P5072-85* – Para Paints www.Para.com

Rare Sensibility 132 – General Paint – www.generalpaint.com

Para Paints Room Shot: Photography by Don Barnard