Staying Ahead of the Curve

Recently as we headed out West for our ski trip, I had hours of time to actually read the pile of magazines that has been building up around the house over the last few months. A small article in the February issue of Elle Decor caught my attention "Cleaning House: five tastemakers on decorating trends that have outstayed their welcome." I drifted off while reading their insights and began to think about the trends that I have noticed over the past year and really liked. I am actually not sure whether you would call these trends or the newest and hottest styles.

Here are my 11 favorite trends from 2011:

{1}

The Library Light

I love the latest in library aesthetics and in particular the inclusion of these chic library accent lights in every room. I love the hand rubbed antique brass finish and have noticed them over the sink in the kitchen, attached to bookcases and as his and hers reading lights over the headboard. I have just added a pair to my built-in bookshelves in our new family room.

Boston functional library wall light in antique hand-rubbed brass finish from Circa Lighting

{2}

The Newest Scale for the Headboard

Have you noticed all the headboards that are climbing the walls? These reaching, soaring, tufted headboards make a chic modern focal point in the bedroom especially when outfitted with his and her library lights.

The Crosby Street Hotel in London features an extra tall headboard covered in Galbraith and Paul hand block printed fabric - 'Spring Garden in Robin's Egg'

{3}

The New Shade of Chic - Black

Jenna Lyons' bedroom and bath featured in Domino might have been the root cause of the popularity of black rooms...no mystery here, these rooms are gorgeous, chic and worthy of trendsetting. I’m also smitten with the exposed tarnished brass plumbing — she weathered it herself by soaking it in salt water to remove the brassiness. Visit the blog Habitually Chic to see some updated photos from Jenna Lyon {creative director for j.crew}.

{4}

The Stylish Living Room Bar

I love to entertain! Having a bar set-up in the living room keeps my guests out of the kitchen and encourages them to serve themselves creating a welcoming and casual atmosphere.

{5}

Fiddle Leaf Fig

{via one of my favorite blogs And George}

Flip through the pages of Elle Decor, House Beautiful or Architectural Digest and images of the Fiddle Leaf Fig will dance off the page. The addition of lush green plants and flowers to an interior completes a room in my opinion. I wonder if this is the choice of the stylist or the homeowner and whether these large scale lush plants are easy to care for?

{6}

Global Influences

Architectural detail like this interesting shaped shower entry is just one of the many inspiring ways the latest obsession with Morocco is influencing design decisions. Suzani's draped over the foot of the bed or hung on the walls and hand blocked textiles with a nod to other cultures.

The bedrooms above and below are from one of my favorite designers, Amelia Handegan. The antique Suzanis add a wonderful wit and warmth to these bedrooms.

{antique Suzani covers the bed}

{hand block textiles from Galbraith and Paul}

{7}

Open Shelving in the Kitchen

The styling for this open shelf is stunning! I want to wake up every morning like this with fresh eggs, citrus just picked from the tree, fresh flowers and hot brewed espresso...

I love the simplicity of this kitchen from Atlanta Homes Magazine...so clean and fresh with everything you need at your fingertips. Notice the library light accenting the glass front refrigerator {maybe not a good idea at my house!}

{8}

Antlers

Another view of Jenna Lyons New York Home features a random collection of blackforest mounted antlers. Antlers provide a great third dimension, a sculptural quality and organic element when used as art. From antlers to cow hide rugs, I am intrigued by the latest obsession with natural curiosities.

{9}

Banquette Seating

I am in love with banquette seating and presented my favorite inspiration here! The images above and below are from interior designer Rachel Halverson who authors the popular blog Nest Egg. I love seeing designers real-life design projects and love everything about this kitchen renovation here.

{10}

Focus On Our Home's Busiest Spaces

I have noticed a lot of attention over the past year dedicated to working spaces within the home ~ the laundry room, closet, mudroom, pantry and office. Right now as the whole world is looking for a fresh start in the New Year, inspiration is everywhere. I have a new mudroom that was added with the new garage. I have been gathering ideas and look forward to sharing my thoughts. I would love to have a cozy place for my lab {Sadie} to sleep.

{11}

The Interior Barn Door

{the home of Virginia Mary Brown via Traditional Home}

Here are some of the comments from the column in Elle Decor that started this whole blog post:

Cleaning House:

five tastemakers on decorating trends that have outstayed their welcome

"I adore books and cannot imagine life, or my home, without them," says Ronda Carman, of All the Best Blog, But for her, books as props have a short shelf life. "Rose Tarlow put it best: "An object added for effect instead of affection will always look like an affectation."

Antiques dealer Richard Shapiro has modernism malaise, calling out the "monotony of one midcentury room after another, all with predictable, gratuitous, gimmicky accessories." He lobbies for collecting objects from different periods and styles that all have a bit of a soul."

It's time to retire brightly lacquered Hollywood Regency furniture says decorator Mary McDonald: "I think we all have seen enough garage-sale junk sprayed in high-gloss Skittles colors to last through the next century."

Designer Mario Buatta singles out "dysfunctional decoration," his term for interiors that don't relate to people. "Everything is done for styling, and nothing has to do with living- there's no place to have a conversation or set down a drink," he says. "The best time to look at a room is the day after you've had a party because you see the way people used the space."

The DIY craze has run its course, says decorator Sheila Bridges, who has seen her share of "earthy, handmade concoctions. Just because it can be reclaimed doesn't mean, it should be."

I would love to have a conversation with you. Please leave a comment.

What design trends inspired you in 2011?

Which trends have outstayed their welcome?