Interior Decorating Trends
In 2012 contrast is the key. Stainless steel and wood, natural stone with shiny fabrics, and large mirrors with beautiful wallpapers are the trend in modern design. The use of unusual color schemes and material combinations are the way to go.

Modern wallpaper patterns, inspired by natural plants, made of leaves will add textures to decorating ideas, offering natural light colors and chic interior design in eco style.

People are free to think outside the box in creating their
personalized space using exotic, bright and dark colors along with traditional and luxurious materials. Colors such as emerald, coral, turquoise, and amethyst will provide the punch of boldness while the calming effect of the overall space prevails with creams, ivory, warm whites, and pale grays.

Thibaut Anniversary Oxfordshire

Benjamin Moore's Color Forecast 2012

Heritage
There is a comfort that comes from preserving your own history, "tradition embraces the past”.
 Design Trends to watch for:
~Native geometrics
~Repurposing items
~Damask patterns
~Lace, Knitting
~Southwest influence

Process
Benjamin Moore's vision for Process is the Journey. Colors are inspired by nature and self-sustaining lifestyle
Design Trends to watch for:
~Maps and Blue prints as art
~3D and digital art

Protection
The protection trend comes from our need to feel safe in an uncertain time.
Design Trends to watch for:
~Stainless steel and reflective surfaces
~Camouflage
~Blown glass
~Metallics and pearlized colors and items

Enlightenment
Benjamin Moore found inspiration from reflection, the future and discovery.
Design Trends to watch for:
~Futuristic design
~Orbital shapes
~Solar power
~Shadow art and silhouettes

Additional Top Colors for 2012

Big Blues: In addition to Wythe Blue, two other shades stand out to the color experts here. The first is Montpelier, which is more on the steely side, continuing the attraction of gray-toned hues. Montpelier, like Wythe, was described as having a “timeless quality.” The second is Amethyst Shadow which, as the name implies pulls in a purple influence. Also bordering on the gray scale, Amethyst Shadow bridges the gap between purple and blue.

Great Grays: Rich and smoky, soft and dreamy, shades of Stardust, Sharkskin, Nimbus Gray, and Revere Pewter and viewed as “hotties” for this category.

Soft Neutrals: The public’s “perennial love affair” with whites and neutrals will be sated with whispering shades like Ballet White, White Dove, Refined and Pashmina. Mathew refers to such hues as “go tos” that never go out of style.

Color Kick: Urban-dwellers are known to be a bit more daring when it comes to paint choices, according to Mathew, who pointed to spicy tones like Gypsy Love and Persimmon which offer a burst of robust, ruddy color, as being a hit with this crowd.

Mother Earth: The warm safety of earth tones make a big play in the 2012 palette. The troubled economy lends a hand to this trend as consumers are more likely to play it safe in terms of color in times of financial uncertainty. Tones here include Masada, Farm Fresh, Dunmore Cream and Fresh Olive.