Interior Trends 2011 – Transforming Perspectives

Interior design and ultimately designers are always being questioned – which is why we have so many different perspectives on how our homes should look each year, let's be honest it would be pretty boring if we didn't! This year's trend of transforming perspectives is more about defining the boundaries between the real world and the virtual world – question the boundaries between art and design to enable them to create innovative radical new designs which are characterised by glass and metal and complemented with hard and soft plastics that combine to form a changeable surfaces.

Another slant on transforming perspectives which will be seen this year is the move away from people looking to live in the biggest and 'best' homes, rather they will be content to live in smaller, beautifully designed homes which have ecc-friendly stamped all over them inside and out.

So how can we, the consumer equate this into our humble abodes? We can of course look to out interiors and embrace the new trends by looking at the materials we choose – we can incorporate the use of glass, metal and plastics, if they're recycled all the better. As DIY will be part of the new trend we can also start looking for curtain material online from fabric wholesalers UK, look for user friendly patterns and guides such as Roman blinds how to make online and have a go at making our own soft furnishings for our homes.

Image: An Indian Summer

Fresh New Looks For Old Interiors

Home owners planning to decorate can generally be put into two groups - those who really need to update ageing furnishings and those who are just eager for a fresh look. If you have for example a sitting chair in the lounge that is in relatively good condition, but you can't stand the design any more - don't immediately think to throw it out or pass it on. It will cost you far less to buy slip-covers than a new chair. You can choose curtain fabrics online in a colour and pattern that you love which will successfully hide what lies beneath. The same rule can be applied to flooring which can be given rugs to hide stains or take the bare look away.

When you see something that you like - so much that its almost tempting to take out a loan, stop! Think of your bank balance - admire it for a few minutes more and ask yourself what it is you like about it. Could you bring that element into the home another way? Or, could you cheat and find the same look in a cheaper alternative?

You don't have to spend a fortune to get a new look; simply think outside the box and take inspiration from new interior design trends to keep your home looking fresh and new!

Image: AtticMag

Are You Wearing Your Curtains?!

I couldn't help but smile when I saw this image! It reminded me of my mother who used to pass comment 'that looks like she's wearing her mothers curtains! Well, how times have changed and today wearing and being inspired by fabrics is bang on-trend. I was obviously born ahead of my time!

There are some stunning curtain fabrics online witch provide a cornucopia of beautiful patterns, styles and colours to make your own soft furnishings, curtains, blinds, cheap cushion covers and if you so wish a dress or a skirt!

The choice of fabrics is also expanding and today we dress our windows with the finest silk curtain fabric, sheer voile curtain fabric or more traditional damask and jacquard patterns, mixing them together to make fabulous window treatments which enhance the look of the windows and the home.

Thank goodness window treatments are also top of the interior designers agendas, rather than being at the bottom as they were in the past; they have become an integral part of room's design and are no longer looked upon as an after thought.

Image: Belle Maison