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Anything-goes decor is in for 2011

Mix it up! Bold, anything-goes decor is in for 2011: Here's how to get the look

By Samantha Pynn, National Post

Ten years ago, it was easy to get a handle on decorating trends. A little faux wenge wood, a set of sky-blue-and-brown graphic bed sheets, and a whole lot of beige stuff in your all-beige house and you were in style. But whose house was that anyway? And where was the personal stamp? Admittedly, the many (sometimes conflicting) trends these days will make you dizzy. Plus, with web-sites and blogs reporting on the latest and greatest at warp speed, it's hard to decipher what was last year, five years ago or even five minutes ago.

But take a look at all the fabulously eclectic homes in magazines for 2011 and you'll see that this broad spectrum of trends is a good thing. And in this time of bold, anything-goes decor, all you have to do is choose what works for you. We've come a long way in the past decade, and it's simply pointless to worry about any one single trend trajectory: It's all about the mix. More important, it's how you play that mix in your home.

FRESHEN UP FOR THE NEW YEAR

No need to start from scratch--what I'm suggesting is that you add a couple of cushions, a new entryway bench, or perhaps wallpaper in the powder room. "But no theme-room decorating and steer clear of blatant knock-offs or anything that looks cheap," says stylist and trendsetter Arren Williams (whose gift ideas are also on this page).

Shop for things that will last -- items you can touch, hold and sit on-- things that feel real. "Be inspired by the trends, not a slave to them," he says.

I love seeing what's new. Trend stories were my editorial beat for a long time. So without further ado, here's what we'll be seeing in 2011.

PATCHWORK

Patchwork is popping up on chairs, carpets, and quilts. While today's version features the hand-hewn details of yore, it's completely fresh and modern -- not old-granny like in the movie How to Make an American Quilt.

'A DELIBERATE STIRRING OF TIME PERIODS'

According to Shawn Gibson, co-owner of the often ahead-of-the-trend retailer Teatro Verde, we're going to see a deliberate stirring of time periods, from antiquities, mid-century, '70s, to postmodern, he says. "Each piece will read like an art piece," Mr. Gibson explains. "Everything will have its own level of art, but it will have to breathe. The heavy art pieces will need to be balanced with light. We're headed for some very self-expressive times--it's all about making it your own," he says. The great thing about these "self-expressive times" is that anything you buy this season will stay in your style for years to come, especially if you love it.

PATTERN, PATTERN AND MORE PATTERN

Graphic, bold, floral, vintage, traditional re-interpreted with fresh colour: Yes, it's all about pattern. In 2011, it will be all over everything from bowls and plates to pillows and towels as well as large applications like furniture.

BIG COLOUR

Hello bright, clear, cheery colours. Think of the saturated colours in the rainbow (just don't use them all together!).

BELGIAN FARMHOUSE LINEN

On the flip-side of colour and pattern, the Belgian farmhouse or linen look is still going strong. It's just become a little more gilded with elements such as gold lamp bases and metallic linen. The look is moody with deep sandcoloured walls, linen upholstery, and unfinished and raw-looking woods. It's easy to live with and ideal for anyone who wants a neutral backdrop for brightly coloured and patterned pillows, throws and accessories.

VINTAGE ACCESSORIES AND TOYS FOR KIDS' ROOMS

Parents are looking for toys and accessories that remind them of their childhood, so vintage-inspired and retro children's accessories and toys are a big trend, such as Gary Taxali for Indigo's line of inexpensive wooden toys. This look feels like a time capsule of my childhood playroom.

WOOD

Wood has been a huge trend on the rise since Fall 2009. The relaxed look and ecological aspect of wood tempers the gloss of lacquered furniture and accessories.

DARK AND MOODY

We've started to see black and navy rooms featured on the covers of magazines and we're going to see plenty more. In response to greige and pastel colours, navy, black and slate-grey paint is going up on walls. White, gold and colourful accessories (a mix of mod and trad) keep the look fresh.

MILITARY HUES

"I think we're going to see a lot of military colour influences," says designer Tommy Smythe, whom you may have seen on the shows Design Inc. or Sarah's House. "Khaki, army green, beige and battleship grey -- mostly [from] off the runways, but also because after the global recession, people are gravitating to the relative safety of neutral palettes," he says.

BLACK AND WHITE

We'll see black-and-white patterned rugs, pillows, wallpaper and bedding punctuated by colour. But no damask, please. I know I said it's hard to decipher trends--that was so 2005.



Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/business/real-estate/Anything+goes+decor+2011/3933434/story.html#ixzz1GEg3qkXf