Interior Design Trends of 2012

A big thank you to Christina Johnson for offering to be a guest blogger today! She shared an awesome article about interior design trends of 2012.

The year 2012 in interior design is going to be an exciting one, filled with remodels of all kinds, and uprooting tradition in lieu of progressive coloration and modern design.

In terms of colors, 2012 is all about looking towards bold colors that we normally would not associate with: oranges, greens, cyans, and yes, even neon colors like highlight yellow, fuchsia, turquoise, and lime green. Since these powerful colors will draw the eye, these intense shades should be carefully balanced out with neutral colors, lending a calm yet energetic feel to interiors. Using neutral shades like white, beige, and gray will visually soften the impact of the bold colors. Playing around with the colors to find something that works for you will ensure that you have a truly unique home. An idea to try would be soft gray walls combined with bright cobalt blue sofa covers. Or, conversely, try painting the walls yellow and balance it out with soft white furniture and rugs.

Thinking outside of the box in 2012 is the way to go. Mixing styles is a way to create and entirely new style that will make your home one of a kind. For example, take a minimalist atmosphere to your living room, but use accent furniture elements, such as an art deco armchair in a bright color.

Another trend in interior design will hopefully be one that will stick around for a long time: purchasing furniture and decor that has been made exclusively in America. After over three decades of sending our manufacturing overseas to lower cost, we have come to realize that this not only harms our own economy, but is not the best conditions for workers overseas as well. People are finding courage that returning to our American roots will strengthen our own economy once more. Look for companies who proudly display a "Made in America" tag, and avoid all those "Made in China" or anywhere in Southeast Asia. American companies pride themselves on quality, and these pieces are sure to last.

2012 will be sure to advocate for greener design - this calls for energy sustainability and technological innovations to support this. Look for window treatments that will help you save money (and energy) on heating and cooling costs. Window curtains from Creation Baumann actually have now produced a polyester that looks like the finest silk, which means that indoor air quality does not have to be compromised (these are easily washed), and minimized manufacturing waste means a cleaner, greener planet.

2012 is sure to herald in many new exciting design trends that will not only improve the look of our home, but work towards improving the health of our home, and the health of our planet. Keep these things in mind as you look to redesign your house and switch your decor style.

Christina Johnson who works remotely for Elliman Prudential in the NYC Rentals market.  She is using her journalism major to combine what she loves most, writing and her career. Her specialties include home decor design and DIY home improvement projects.


I personally love the "Made in America" trend. We bought several pieces of furniture for our bedroom from Stanley furniture. They are all made here in America. They were more expensive but the quality of furniture is so much better than the rest of the furniture in our house. I wish the government would lower corporate taxes so more companies would come back to America. 


I think I like the idea of a pop of color on one piece of furniture. I couldn't do the bold orange room but a bold orange chair would be fabulous! 


What new style trends do you love?