Time to “undecorate”
The UK-based trend-forecasting agency Trend Bible began working on its autumn/winter 2012/2013 in early 2011. The experts observed social, economical, cultural and consumer behavior to build a picture of what they thought the future might look like. What they found is the resurgence of “casually styled” spaces, where decor is mismatched yet sentimental and where tactile handmade goods take center stage. Learn more about these four trends on the horizon below.
Undone
“Artful, eclectic curation to reflect a sense of personal style” sums up this trend. Salvaged, “rustic, weather-beaten materials and finishes sit alongside warm and cozy fabrics,” according to Trend Bible. “In essence, this trend is about the celebration of tactile qualities in a post-digital era, where products that tell a story and bring a wholesome, unrefined attitude are valued.” Think reclaimed rough wood, rusted metal, hand-knitted and crocheted fabrics as well as felt, leather and wool. Distressed finishes on furniture add a tactile quality as well.
Curiosity
Dramatic yet whimsical romantic elements will carry over from spring/summer 2012. “Products have a playful quality and reminds us of our childhoods, as adults retreat into child-like worlds in times of political, economic and environmental confusion,” according to Trend Bible. Along with the romantic elements comes bold, graphic patterns and “feather-light” fabrics. Decor elements include chandeliers, pendants, flowers and nostalgic, vintage decor make up this trend story, plus soft lighting, plush rugs, flowing curtains, hand-drawn illustrative characters and damask patterns.
Grey Gardens
This trend forecast gathers inspiration from the 1970s documentary and subsequent 2009 film Grey Gardens, which tells the story of the decline of a 1920s household and its inhabitants. Once decadent and luxurious, the bohemian home slowly decayed, resulting in “flickers of faded grandeur,” reports Trend Bible. The agency’s forecasters say the trend also was inspired by the effects of the global recession, resulting in “down-at-heel glamour.” More elements picked up from the original Grey Gardens include the concept of a garden inside the house, such as wrought iron and rusty finishes, birdcages and fresh flowers; luxe finishes like plush velvets, paisley patterns and furs; and chinoiserie.
Wild spirit
This trend story celebrates different culture’s traditional handmade goods. Patterns and crafts from “Scandinavia, Mexico and South America” and Native American goods like “dreamcatchers and feather trims influence decoration and print,” according to Trend Bible. The trend includes a multicolored palette, primitive decoration, simple illustrations, handcrafted textiles, pieced and patched fabrics and wood, raw and rough-edged ceramics and strong angular geometric patterns.
