Design Trends for 2013

2013's top interior design trends emphasize boldness and color. Minimalism is out. People are embracing styles that might have seemed tacky just a few years ago. There is an artfulness to this aesthetic, which could be described as a mature version of hipster chic. Big, antiqued brass accents, which give any room a lived-in feel, are all the rage. The shinier something is, the better. Furniture and decorations should draw a lot of attention to themselves.

While empty spaces and sharp angles have been fashionable until very recently, now people are seizing every opportunity to fill space with different colors and patterns. Artwork is key. Prints of famous paintings are acceptable, but it is better to have original pieces on display. If this is not possible, photos or prints of lesser-known works will suffice. The idea is to create a space that is completely unique. The judicious use of antique pieces will help to achieve this goal. Most antique furniture is one-of-a-kind, especially if it has been painted or stained an interesting color. A good way to tie a room together is to paint wooden furniture a color that is minimally featured in the fabric on the couch or another prominent piece of furniture in the room. Everything should be complementary, not monochromatic.

A major trend in fabric is digital printing. It started with clothing. A designer would have a photograph or drawing reproduced in a large scale on a garment like a structured skirt. There are many ways to translate this into home decor. Curtains could feature singular images instead of repeating patterns. A simple picture could be sketched right on a blank wall in black or dark brown paint. Any flat surface that has not been decorated in some fashion is a wasted opportunity. There is a huge variety of fabrics available at stores such as Fabric Studio and Unique Fabrics. Check out Fabric Studio’s range of upholstery fabric here.

Lace motifs are another trend that has been lifted from fashion runways. Fabric furniture could be covered in a swirling or lattice pattern. Transparent lace overlays or valences could be draped over plain curtains. Swirling patterns could be stenciled onto walls. Lace trim might be tacked around doorways or placed around a whole room at the point where the walls meet the ceiling. When using lace, one has to be careful not to go too far and create too much clutter or stuffiness. Lace should be balanced by bright, young colors like green and orange to keep everything from looking too sweet and feminine.