I thought it would be fun to capture the top-10 design trends of 2011 — while the year is still fresh in our minds. We can also ask, “In 50 years, which will be keepers — and which… maybe not so much?”
The thing is, I spend so much time in retro-world that I don’t have the greatest sense of what has been “in” all year. My main connection to the “real world” is the New York Times Home & Garden every Thursday, and I go over to Apartment Therapy to see what they are up to, now and again. I also still get some catalogs, although they have mostly given up on me. So I need your help building a list, which we can then refine to the top-10:
I have a few suggestions to help get started — please add your own!:
- Greige Nation. Dark grey and greige everywhere, including laminates named after clammy death. Restoration Hardware gets the prize for interiors that look like they were designed by and for vampires. Although I think their prices and products are aimed at the 1%, not the 99%, dark grey and washed-out coordinates do seem to be everywhere at all price points. Accent colors: Plum and yellow.
- Edison bulbs
- Pendant lights made out of any possible piece of junk, errr, I mean, vintage treasure. “Put a Bulb In It!“
- Huge chandeliers made out of any possible piece of junk, errr, I mean, vintage treasure. Even more so: Layered chandeliers. That is: A big something (usually with vintage reference) on the outside, a chandelier on the inside. E.g.: Birdcage outside, three-arm chandelier inside… and big drum shades over capiz shells.
- Dark kitchen cabinets. Espresso. Kona.
- Big zig zag prints, on pillows in particular. There was that whole Missoni-mania at Target thing.
- Perhaps, though, silhouetted leaf prints on pillows were even more common?
- Mid century modern mania. Blogs go Craigslist crazy. Ebay prices officially go too high. Many Unhappy Hipsters are hatched. Saarinen tulip tables and chairs peaked. Like out of nowhere, 28 places to buy a mid century modern sofa. Note: Five years ago, there was NO PLACE to buy a mcm sofa.
- Relatedly: The wisdom of restoring mid century homes, even the modest ones — came solidly into the mainstream… Not only was there significant coverage about this blog in places like the New York Times… there were lots of other stories in mainstream media about such renovations… and, hey, even pink bathrooms got *some* respect on tv home decorating shows.
- Relatedly: Vintage and DIY. 2011 was an economically disturbing and depressing year — we pinched pennies and instead, bought used, raided grandma’s attic, fixed things up ourselves, and made due. Gosh, that part of the Great Recession (GR) has been fun.
- Glass tile backsplashes. I think we’d see more glass tile showers but for the GR.
- Ridiculously expensive “green” houses are still being put out there as if there were such a thing.
What else? Also, were there any interior design ideas, including those driven by technology breakthroughs, that were really *new*? And, any other big trends in kitchens or bathrooms? I’m thinking that most of 2011’s trends are “cosmetic” — surface treatments. Everyone is broke or sitting on their dough…
What do you think, readers?
What were the big design trends in 2011?
Let’s build a list, then we narrow it down to 10 with a vote. Fun!
Lauryn says
Apron-front “farm” sinks. I don’t think there was a single kitchen remodel in This Old House this year that did not have this “vintage” look (with granite countertops, of course). Part of the reason I didn’t renew my subscription, couldn’t stand to see the same kitchen one more issue.
As for the greige … we put in a grey linen-look Nevamar laminate countertop (not too much different than the Graveyard of the Atlantic!!) in our kitchen, and when used with yellow cabinets, a (soon-to-be) red floor, and a (soon-to-be) wallpapered breakfast nook, it is quite lovely. In my humble opinion. Too much greige, though … blech. We love color in this house!
pam kueber says
Your kitchen sounds lovely, Lauryn. To clarify: Grey is a fine color. My reaction is against grey on every surface – like that catalog shot.
Lauryn says
Yup, been hanging out at your site long enough to know that!! But I couldn’t resist defending that laminate … I still get a chuckle at the idea that when my DH and I first saw the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” laminate, we had to check it out just because of the name! In spite of being quite happy souls, we are somehow drawn to tragic novels, songs, films and couldn’t believe someone would name a laminate that.
P.S. So glad to have found this blog and know I am not alone in my taste. This list is fabulous and I’m loving reading everyone’s comments.
Just another Pam says
Wallpaper is being aggressively marketed. Industrial items became more mainstream, fewer McMansions and more reasonably sized homes are being seen in tract housing, boomers started moving back into the city and downsizing completely changing the market for vintage items like depression glass and the dynamic of neighborhoods, collecting/hoarding/just too much ‘stuff’ lost it’s cachet to the point that there are multiple shows & books about it….much, much less is more again, more self expression less designer ‘chic’ so a lot of people are mixing it up but cutesy just ain’t what it used to be as indicated by even old standards like Country Living simplifying, more awareness of environmental impact, for example the paint industry, and gardens continue to be a strong focus with many.
“Spa bathrooms” and big tubs for more home luxury…I’ll admit I went there on my reno and tiny though the room may be with over sized black and white subway tiles it is lovely to not have the straight backed woefully uncomfortable for a tall girl ugly 50 year old beige tub anymore.
I like some things in the opening photo but over all it’s pretty oppressive and wonder how it is possible that 99.9% of people seen on house search shows can say…..oh, I was hoping for stainless appliances and granite counter tops. It seems every magazine I pick up is showing what is essentially the very same 10 kitchens with somewhat more variation in the bathrooms,
For me the more eclectic the house, the more artistic license taken to please oneself, the better. I hope that trend continues and people stop living for years like they might have to put their house up for sale sometime next week. Fly that freak flag even if it is probably the source of the unusual chandeliers ;0) that the design industry stole the idea from to try to keep their sales up.
Mid-century modern prices went through the roof due to supply and demand just like the prices for depression glass, pine furniture, oil lamps et al continue to drop due to limited demand and boomers who went there for a couple of decades find even their kids don’t want it so the market is flooded.
pam kueber says
My brother, who keeps up with such things, tells me the ONLY houses being built where he lives are ranches. This year, the first boomers turned 65 — watch out, this is going to lead to big shifts, many/most of which we can’t even predict.
Eliza Jane says
Our MCM was updated in the 80s by the former owners with a ton of wallpaper. My 5 yr old has discovered a handy seam right within her reach when she is sitting on the toilet….So we will soon be stripping wallpaper in our bathroom (she’s doing a fine job of the paper within her reach). Wallpaper should be BANNED!!!!
Laura E. says
Those stupid printed French flour-sack pillows.
And is it time for those horrid plaques that say FAMILY or HOME to go away? They’re like the tattoos of the home and about as necessary. Yeah, yeah, you love your family and home so much you have to remind yourself by placing the letters FAMILY on the wall. Just like you have to have a butterfly tattooed on your arm to show everyone what a free spirit you are.
Olivia says
Yes, to those plaques and any stenciling or decals in the kitchen that have to do with FOOD or EATING. Really? I had no idea I could eat food in the kitchen.
pam kueber says
haha
Laura E. says
Wine/grape pictures for the kitchen. Honestly, just hang NOTHING in the kitchen rather than a plaque of grapes with a wineglass in the foreground that you bought at HomeGoods.
STL Mom says
Argh! I recently found a still life I painted years ago that includes a wine bottle and some mangos. I thought, “Ooh, I should hang that in the kitchen!” I thought that was a great idea, but now I think that subconsciously I was following design trends!
Oh, well, better than leaving it in a box in the basement.
pam kueber says
Right on with the flour sacks, Laura E. I have also seen these as as chair upholstery, and on ottomen. Talk about dated. They should just make “2011” part of the stamped wording.
wayne says
I’ll second that…And while we’re on the subject, I really wish anything that says Live, Laugh, Love would go away. Oh, and those big metal stars!
Allison says
YES!! I cannot stand those decal quotes! “Kiss me goodnight” is another one I see a lot in bedrooms. I don’t think my husband needs to be reminded 😉
Lynne says
Bamboo. Bamboo sheets, bamboo towels, bamboo floors, bamboo plants for the inside and landscape. I even got some socks for my dad that were bamboo! Just watch, we’ll mess around and make bamboo extinct!
pam kueber says
I have heard that it takes tons of energy to process bamboo. I am not sure about the actual Life Cycle Assessment and whether it is actually a more sustainable solution than say, wool, cotton or even petro-based materials!
Just another Pam says
Bamboo grows about a quarter of an inch an hour so I really hope even humanity can’t destroy this resource. Now I’ve got to worry about Panda’s too….sob.
pam kueber says
I think our comments are coming in at the same time, Just Another Pam. Show me some LCAs!
jay says
Bamboo has been overplayed. It supposedly does not hold up like a good solid hardwood floor.
Ally Cat says
Bamboo cannot be refinished like a hardwood floor, because of the long stringy fibers. If one wanted to try, you’d only be able to sand down a tiny bit before fraying it. As far as low price, it fits the bill for many budgets as the cost of wood has risen this last year. So weird, people have less to spend now and costs are higher for basic materials!
pam kueber says
VCT tiles are a wonderful, authentic-retro choice — very affordable — and will last forever. Oak hardwood = will last forever.
Just another Pam says
I did some quick research and due to supply and demand bamboo anything ain’t what it used to be. Now it impacts natural forest, is chemically loaded during the growing process and again in construction of panels et al. On top of this the people and animals who included unfarmed bamboo as their habitat are being impacted negatively.
It appears, yet again, the further we keep humans from a good thing the better. Long suffering maternal type sigh.
clampers says
Plus, am I off, or isn’t bamboo in textile form just Rayon??! But now they are calling it bamboo because it’s “green”.
Just another Pam says
Vintage rayon/viscose wasn’t made from bamboo but from wood cellulose but now, yes, bamboo is the star of the new version of rayon.
Joe says
We spent last week in LA, part of the time in the Silver Lake area (aka Hipster Brooklyn West). There are 2 MCM/Danish Mod stores: Amsterdam Modern and Danish Modern Los Angeles. Talk about VIOLENTLY overpriced furniture. $3500 for a vintage sofa? no thanks. Our Milo Baughman cost a quarter of that. There are plenty of furniture deals still out there, you just need to do a little more digging to find them. Maybe all of the “low hanging fruit” has been picked at this point.
pam kueber says
Dealers are ALL OVER THIS. My friend Ron, with the junque store in Pittsfield, now has pickers from Gotham showing up weekly. Two years ago — NOT A SINGLE ONE.
Just another Pam says
If you can get to them you can score big at country auctions where there’s less mid-century interest…well, depending on how many city dealers or pickers are there. Good luck!
Trina says
Totally argree. I am going to a two day auction in central PA tomorrow and Saturday for just this reason. The have a great looking set of Fransiscan Starburst dishes that I am dying to have and lots of other goodies. I use AuctionZip.com to find auctions in my area. Great resourse and it shows auctions across the country.
Trina says
Update – I scored on the Starburst dishes!! Nice sized set with several unique pieces to mix and match with what I already have. Very happy. Also found a metal stool (with the fold out foot ret) for my kitchen. It needs some TCL, but it will be great! Also some USA pottery straight out of the 50’s, several braided rugs and other odds and ends. Nothing beats a day at the auction!
Desirae says
I love all of these comments, and couldn’t have said it better myself.
Rebecca says
It’s hilarious to read other design blogs and hear people say “I’ve been really into gray lately. I don’t know why.” You’re into gray because the industry says you should be.
Brian says
“Because the industry says so” is not the only reason. In her book “The House in Good Taste,” Elsie de Wolfe, one of the first prominent interior designers in the U.S., recommended painting all the walls dove gray, and I remember thinking “that’s crazy and depressing,” but she nudged me to consider the idea and now I have a house with a dark gray bedroom and a light gray office. The kitchen countertops are original gray cracked-ice laminate from 1954 or so; that part was not by my doing, but I really like it and it’s another testimony to the fact that gray has been a versatile and popular color off and on since forever. (Lest anybody get the wrong idea about my house, the main color isn’t gray. The gray is just a nice counterpoint to the many kinds of aqua I have going on …)
K says
My husband and I walked into a Restoration Hardware after not having been inside one for several years. It was very depressing and dark. We couldn’t get out of there fast enough.
The granite trend is a shame and is the “open concept” house. I wonder how long it will take people to realize how annoying it is to try to watch tv or read quietly in the living room when dishes are clanking and food processors are whirring in the kitchen. Of course, all the noise in the kitchen just leads to the tv being turned up, which creates more noise.
pam kueber says
I violently agree re open concept. I have lived both ways. Give me a kitchen that I can close the doors on.
Cyndi Rook says
Thank you, thank you K and Pam for your comments regarding the open plan and kitchen. Every time I mention this to anyone, I get a blank stare, at best. After extensive hunting, we found one home that met these very sensible parameters: No kichen in the “family room.” It’s a 1979, so I guess I can officially get behind Pam’s predictions for the 70s style.
pam kueber says
Welcome out of lurking status, Cyndi, and congratulation on your new/old home! Send me pics when you are ready for prime time!
kathyh says
I am with you guys on the open concept! My kitchen is nicknamed “Our Lady of Perpetual Mess” give me a door on that room ANY DAY!
I have always wondered about those “vaulted ceilings”…what a waste of SPACE and how to change the light bulbs…and how to heat or cool?
I am sick to death of granite, tile, and fake hardwood floors too! I want to know who took the imagination out of this home buying generating?
My biggest pet peeve though, is when a developer buys up a farm, slames 50+ homes when there used to be pastures…and calls it “Blah Blah FARMS”…I was recently at a candle party and I overheard a “Oh, yes, I live in “Blah Blah Chase” (what the heck is a “chase” anyway?”…and another “I live in Blah Blah meadows”…what meadow? someone’s back yard? Or “Fox Run” or oh i could go on and on!
Give me a street sign and I can tell you where I live!
Chad says
Kathy,
I agree wholeheartedly about new subdivisions having ridiculous pretentious names, but using farms is nothing new. See Overbrook Farms, a National Register historic district where development began in 1893: http://www.classictowns.org/overbrook-farms (Homes aren’t mid-century or modest by any means, but definitely cool to look at)
Olivia says
So nice to see I’m not the only one who is anti open concept. I don’t want to see the dirty dishes when I’m relaxing in the living room.
Sara in WA says
Agree! anybody every think why they got so popular? Less walls to build equal less cost for the builder. A lot of so-called trends are just cheaper. Like Shaker style cabinets for instance. I don’t want to see the dishes or have people watching me cook either. Want to be able to decorate it differently too. As a Realtor if I see another red wall in the dining room or red in the kitchen I’ll scream. It’s always slopped onto the ceiling and splotchy and just seems like it’s screaming back at me. Brushed nickel is looking overdone. Sinks are getting way too deep and people are going nuts over “faucet as status symbol”.
ElizaJane says
We have some friends who just custom built their home. It is like one massive room – with a huge vaulted ceiling, tile tile tile and granite granite granite and wood floors from end to end. It is so LOUD in there. When you’re in the kitchen, you’re simultaneously in the dining room and living room, and every sound echoes. I think they are regretting their custom built house now that they actually have to live in it.
Olivia says
Not sure if it started in 2011, but GIANT vases, stacks of books, statues, etc on the coffee table seem to be on all the design shows. So impractical. I vote (hope) the chandeliers with drum shades over them go out of style soon. I do not like that look.
pam kueber says
I actually like the layered chandeliers… but I think it’s so amusing how they suddenly become “a thing.”
Kate H says
I’ve been (unsuccessfully) looking for a mid-century house and have seen several disturbing trends, which I have nicknamed Flintstones Throwback.
Along with DIY and greige, I’ve see way more granite than should be allowed anywhere except, perhaps, a graveyard. Granite in the kitchen (counters, backsplash, stone floors). Granite in the bathroom. Of course, all of it is greige. Also: using flooring tiles on the walls — using large, greige floor tiles to tile an entire bathroom, walls, floors, everything. Not a good look, but in the DIY world, it seems to be a trend.
Fred and Wilma would love it, but I find it depressing.