This new-found liberation will result in the freedom to explore unique color schemes, exotic materials, and the ability to fearlessly blend traditional luxurious styles with simple, contemporary lines. We should expect to see a great deal more emphasis on individuality, sparking very personal and interesting design ideas.

Some specific predictions encompassed by this trend include:
1. A welcome return to bright, vivid, and cheerful colors 2. Rustic comfort mixed with high-gloss, polished finishes 3. The blending of attractive, comfortable furnishings with elegant, stylish pieces 4. Mix-n-match accessories that range from natural stones and woods to shiny metals and even plastics 5. Layered fabrics and upholsteries with high levels of color and texture contrasts

If we’re lucky, many elements of this industry-approved freedom to express ourselves will be a mainstay in design for years to come!

We will see a continuance of some of last year’s trends, as well. With no end to the tough economic climate in sight, we can expect this new-found liberation to result in a continued excitement among people choosing to stay put where they are. In the end, many homeowners will choose to take advantage of these factors by electing to update their older homes with a touch of chic, contemporary style- seeing the old space through a new lens, if you will; their own unique lens!

A focus on blending materials also means looking to sustainable materials for much of the warm, rustic comfort in our homes, making eco-style a continued trend in the new year. Likewise, our freedom to create will result in many unexpected applications for use of space, so hybrid spaces will not only be more efficient in the new year, but also more inventive.

With comfort and style as a basis, 2012 design trends will celebrate individuality and allow your own your personality to take care of the decorating details.