The advent of TV shows like Changing Rooms in the 1990s changed forever the way people in the UK thought about their homes. People became more confident in using DIY products themselves rather than hiring in a painter and decorator, and also became bolder about selecting colours and furniture or expressing themselves through the décor in their house. As with everything, fashions in interior design come and go. A few years ago it was all about feature walls with bold wallpaper, before that wallpaper borders with different designs of wallpaper above and below them. 
So what are the main trends we are going to see in interior design for 2011 and beyond?
Predictions in the current economical climate
Experts agree that due to the current financial situation home owners are shopping smarter than ever and are demanding more value for money in their purchases. Items of furniture which have more than one use or which can be converted from one thing into another are increasing in popularity, as are classic rather than high fashion items which may date over time. This also ties in with many environmentally friendly initiatives encouraging people to buy good quality once rather than poorer quality items which will need replacing.
Trends
There has also been a recent trend towards shabby chic and recycling or reusing old items rather than buying something new, fuelled by programmes like Kirstie’s Homemade Home on Channel 4. This trend looks set to continue, with people scouring antiques markets and second hand shops to pick up the perfect accessories for their homes rather than buying from a high street or warehouse store.
Colors
According to Pantone, the company who produced colour standards for use across the globe, the colour we are all going to be rushing to use in 2011 is Honeysuckle, a shade of dusky pink. They predict an increasing use of pastel shades in combination with stone and grey shades.
Decorating themes
One of the other main decorating themes for the coming months will be the nautical theme, with lots of stripes in shades of blue and white, bunting, furniture and accessories made from distressed wood or driftwood and items made from wicker or rope. If you really want to go to town on the nautical or seaside theme you can carry this over into the garden as well by using glass storm lanterns, rope or even hammocks and wooden deckchairs.
Floral Patterns
Florals are another big trend for the year, and using floral patterns can help tie both the shabby chic and the seaside themes together. Companies are continuing to produce very boldly patterned floral wallpaper, which is striking but can be overpowering if used on every wall in a small room. Less is often more under these circumstances. Although the feature wall is beginning to appear dated, it is a good way of injecting some bold colour into a smaller room or using up some particularly bright or wildly patterned paper. Pink is again popular on bright wallpaper, often on a much darker background to make the largest visual impact.
Article written by Ben who works for Fastec.co.uk. Fastlec provide electrical supplies including the popular vent axia extractor fans.
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