Of course it always depends on the person whether they actually
like what is supposedly “the current trend” so everyone is different.
Personally, I do not like knowing that some of the things in my home could be
the exact same thing someone right down the street from me has in their home.
If it were up to me I would have everything made the way I want it, not the way
it is sold in a store, or I would like to make my own fixtures, furniture, and
materials, etc. Now if I happen to like the way things look at the same time
that it is the trend then so be it!
Trends change like the weather and that says a lot especially in
Mississippi where it is 95 degrees and sunny one hour and the next we are
caught in a severe thunderstorm with 60 mph winds and flooding. This actually
happened yesterday come to think of it. Confusing… YES!
Although trends are changing all the time, I am going to give you
some information about the most current trends of 2012.
Color Trends
If I had to guess, most people would rather be
in a happy, joyful mood rather than a sour, unhappy mood. “With the global and
economic troubles, everyone is trying to bring in as much color to lighten the
mood.” (Dunlap,
2012)
I don’t think anyone can say they don’t ever
need a burst of energy. Color can be a simple way to provide that BOOST that
you need! And for those who are already in the best of moods all the time, you
will also appreciate the bold, vibrant colors just as much since your
personality matches that of the colors.
So let’s talk color!
Tangerine Tango was named the color of the
year for 2012. This was chosen on purpose because an electric orange-red color
is energizing and uplifting. This color has also been proven to look great with
almost every skin tone which is a big bonus to most people.
Other bright colors such as blues, purples and
greens, paired with neutrals such as charcoal grey will also be showing up more
often this year in furniture lines, finishes, and materials
Speaking of materials let’s talk about those next!
Material Trends
Materials used in 2012 will be a very
important factor when designing a space. These materials must be made out of
recycled content, at least partly, be recyclable after being used, or have the option
of being reused in the future. The problem of over-floated landfills is very
big and designers will try to do everything in their power to choose the right
materials for their designs. ("Commercial interior design," 2012)
Texture Trends
It’s all about NATURE! Even if made
out of synthetic materials, the natural look will pose as a very trendy element
in designs. An example of this would be a flooring material that has a very
natural wood look to it with the texture of wood but made out of vinyl.
Wall paper
will also become more popular this year but only in a textured pattern.
Pattern Trends
Although this pattern has already been
seen here or there, the Chevron pattern will grow into its own during 2012.
This pattern is multifunctional in that it can be bold or subtle, masculine or
feminine, and modern or traditional. (The Design House Interior Design , 2012)
I think this pattern is very
interesting and can give any space some personality no matter how little the
pattern is used. Because of its flexible design, no one has an excuse not to
use it!
Other geometric patterns will also be
seen a lot more this year. To make your room sing, choose soft furnishings with
geometric designs and rugs to make a statement with abstract shapes in bright
hues. ("Top five interior," 2012)
Outdoor Trends
Homeowner’s
seem to want to bring the outdoors in. “Homeowner’s today want their outdoor
space to be an extension of their home and are taking steps to create an
inviting area to relax, play and entertain guests.” (Perkins, 2012)
Some of the most popular options seen in outdoor living spaces
include:
-
SLIDING GLASS DOORS
Sliding glass doors, that have the option to
slip into a pocket, allow you to create a wide open space from the interior of
the home to the exterior uniting the two spaces into one.
-
FIREPLACE
A fireplace is sometimes thought of as the
heart of the home. They are being used more and more in outdoor spaces.
Fireplaces exert a feeling of warmth and comfort to those living in the home.
It can also serve as a light source in most occasions especially when trying to
create a relaxing environment or mood. Those states that have extremely cold
winters will appreciate the warmth these fireplaces provide so they can better
enjoy the outdoors during the winter months.
-
OUTDOOR COVERAGE
Some sort of outdoor coverage or protective
covering is preferred. This allows for privacy while also protecting you, or
the furniture, equipment, etc. you may have in your outdoor living space, from
the natural elements. Weather can be damaging to most anything so any type of
protection is important. Also, if you have some sort of covering whether it is
a completely enclosed area or just a covered deck, you would be able to enjoy
your outdoor living space even if the weather is not so great.
Next I will list a couple of the most popular features in an
outdoor living space.
1.
Lighting
Lighting is a great feature to have at night
because it allows you to enjoy the space even after the sun goes down.
2.
Fireplaces
We already went over the advantages of a
fireplace so we’ll skip on to the next one.
3.
Outdoor Kitchen/Cooking Area
When cooking in a regular indoor kitchen, many
times it can be very messy or an odor from the food may stick around for a long
time. Another great benefit of having an outdoor kitchen is the natural
aeration of the smoke that gathers along with the odors I had previously
mentioned.
No one wants a stinky house!
And with an outdoor kitchen usually comes a
GRILL! This is the most sought after appliance for an outdoor space. Gas,
stainless steel grills are the most popular, which I’m sure you could have
guessed. Having a grill, entertaining some friends, and having a great meal all
together on the furniture/seating area provided, which I will be discussing
next, sounds like fun to me!
4.
Furnishings
Large-scaled furniture pieced seem like the
ideal way to lounge and relax in an outdoor setting rather than on smaller,
stiff, structured pieces of furniture. Although a lot of the beach style
outdoor furniture is similar to the smaller scaled furniture this specific
style will always remain a popular choice. Lastly, water/weather proof
materials/finishes are always a must.
5.
Accessories
Accessories, such as lamps, rugs, pillows,
artwork, etc. spruce up the outdoor living space giving it a personality and
making it feel like part of the home.
All of this cannot be done without a good design first. Many
outdoor spaces are completed in stages, therefore, it would be best to pre-plan
in order to avoid unnecessary obstacles such as having to rip out and re-do landscaping
or dealing with a major issue involving utility lines, etc. All of these
problems can be dodged with good design.
The importance of good design and an
emphasis on pre-planning is becoming increasingly significant with outdoor
spaces as the available options, amenities, and elements continue to grow. When
planning or designing an outdoor living space, it is important to consider all
of the furnishings and features the homeowner will want the space to accommodate
now and in the future, so they can plan for technology needed for the area’s
intended use. (Perkins, 2012)
Interior Design Job Outlook
Let’s face it….with all industries
there is a frightening reality that there will not be a job available for us at some point. Many people entering into the interior design industry are afraid
of this very thing. As a student about to venture out into the unknown that is
‘The Real World’ I am told by many people that it is going to be extremely
difficult to find a job and that they do not think I will be able to find one
right out of school especially in the field I am in. To all those people I
would like to say THANK YOU! Those who doubt me give me the perseverance and
drive to want to prove them wrong!
With that said…. Let’s look at the
current job outlook for interior designers.
·
After several years in decline, the industry
as a whole is starting to see a modest recovery, as seen in the ASID Interior
Design Billings Index ending in 2011 with positive scores supported by
renovation and remodeling projects. ("American society of," 2012)
·
May 2010- Approximately 40,120 interior
designers in the U.S.
25% decrease since May 2008
16% decrease in specialized design firms since 2008
·
19% growth of interior design employment from
2010-2020
Designers
will be needed to respond to consumer expectations that the interiors of homes,
offices, etc. meet certain conditions, such as being environmentally
responsible or more easily accessible. ("Occupational outlook
handbook:," 2012)
·
27% growth of interior designers in
specialized firms from 2010-2020
Although
remodeling projects that use interior designers are related to economic
conditions, remodeling of large public spaces and facilities, such as
hospitals, hotels, or schools, are often funded by a long-term project. Regardless
of economic conditions, companies will budget money over many years so that
they can afford remodeling efforts when necessary. ("Occupational outlook
handbook:," 2012)
While the industry has contracted, interior designers are finding
employment as sole practitioners, self-employed consultants, and in-design
related businesses. ("American society of," 2012)
I hope I was able to fill you in on some new information about the
current trends of 2012!!
Works Cited
American society of interior designers issues
2012 industry trends report.
(2012, February 29). Retrieved from
http://www.asid.org/news/pr/2012/February292012pressrelease.htm
Commercial
interior design trends for 2012: Finishes, colors and materials – commercial
interior design news. (2012). Retrieved from
http://mindfuldesignconsulting.com/interior-design-materials-trend-for-2012-commercial-interior-design-news/
Dunlap, M. (2012,
March 19). Hgtv’s david bromstad predicts 2012 interior design trends .
Retrieved from
http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/953251/hgtvs-david-bromstad-predicts-2012-interior-design-trends
Occupational outlook handbook: Interior
designers. (2012, July 11). Retrieved from
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Arts-and-Design/Interior-designers.htm
Perkins, J. (2012, May 22). Home design
outdoor living trends reviewed by sisler johnston interior design.
Retrieved from
http://www.nextageteam.com/blog/home-design-outdoor-living-trends-reviewed-by-sisler-johnston-interior-design
The Design
House Interior Design (2012, January 12). Trend of 2012: The chevron.
Retrieved from
http://www.thedesignhouseinteriordesign.com/blog/item/13-trend-of-2012-the-chevron
Top five interior design trends for 2012.
(2012, May 22). Retrieved from http://www.bristol247.com/2012/05/22/top-five-interior-design-trends-for-2012-2012/
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