African home décor is a unique and attractive style that feels warm and cozy, if your taste is modern, traditional, and classic. There are so many fabrics and colors in African style. African decor is normally inspired by nature, wild animals, colorful fabrics and wood carvings. Whatever it is that inspires you about African decor, there are many ways to incorporate some unique pieces into your own space at home or in the office. The colors of these animals are gray, brown, black, white and beige are all fairly neutral colors which make great wall and floor colors. But if you want a dramatic splash, paint a wall bright red to showcase a fantastic dark mahogany mask or black and white zebra print curtains.
Emerald green, which was big on the runway last fall, is popping up all over this spring and we are so excited to see it. This rich jewel tone is bold yet sophisticated and will add major impact to a space, whether it's with a chic crystal vase from Lalique, or with an upholstered piece in a silk-cotton ikat by Madeline Weinrib.Bright, popping piecescan revitalize your space in an instant.We're all constantly being urged to 'go green', but this season the world of interiors is taking the message literally. Think leaves; think a tree if you must but just know that green is officially the hottest decorating color of spring/summer 2011.A striking interpretation of the trend can be seen in Forest Falls, Dulux's new range of green wall colors.
The botanically themed shades range from a bold, positive, gel-style green to subtler, more calming shades.The spectrum showcased in this collection reflects the wider craze currently sweeping the fashion world for marrying natural shades of green with those inspired by a more scientific examination of plants and flowers.
However, it is imperative that you attentive to the type of green palette you wish to use in your décor. According to Fashion designer Henry Holland, forest green was the predominant color in his Spring/Summer 2011 House of Holland collection; and in both the fashion and decorating worlds, this color works well with all shades of grey and tan leather accessories.
Bright, bold shades of orange are everywhere this year. Another great color trend we've spotted is orange paired with pinks and violets in fabrics. Together, they create a pretty watercolor effect; it's like an off shoot of the classic ikat, but a little bit softer.Make the best of bold orange and emerald green by dressing your floor with a gorgeous area rug.In 2011 manufacturers will create décor with traditional tribal design elements and colors as well as natural materials. Consumers can expect to see reclaimed woods, kilims, ikats, patterned and distressed leather and agate or geode accessories.Home furnishings pattern and style trends for 2011 will draw their influence from the past, according to Michelle Lamb of Marketing Directions Inc., and editorial director of The Trend Curve.
Offering insight into the designs and colors manufacturers will present in the coming year, shoppers can expect to see furniture and accessories which combine classic elements with contemporary details, incorporating texture into upholstery fabrics, metal and wood. "Texture is apparent in every category and every material," declares Lamb. Consumers can expect to see puckers, pleats, tweeds, frayed edges, woven-in ribbons and embossing. Patterned metals, etched ceramics and wood with scoring, stenciling and stamping will accent tables, chairs and decorative accessories. "Understated raw looks are rising." "Tactile texture will feel fresh again," she adds, explaining that texture is "a counter trend to formality."In a nutshell, Lamb defines 2011 styles as a merging of vintage and modern. It is 21st century classical- a mash-up of styles, that traditional décor will be accented with surprising contemporary details.A classic urn will be enhanced by metallic handles. A traditional lamp will be colored unexpectedly.
The recent global economic slowdown has "nudged consumers back to tradition and formality," states Lamb. Nowhere has this direction been more remarkable than with Gen Y consumers who will lean toward styles with longevity.
Angie Cartwright