Going Global In Your Home Design

For 2011 trends in interior design - there has been a resurgence of interest in patterns and textures that have a global influence. Creating an atmosphere with taste of other cultures and a very unique style is easy, and each influence can have a different effect on your interior space.

A serene touch of Asian style, or South American flavor in a European home or maybe a 'Wild Wild West' theme in a beach vacation dwelling is possible without having to relocate to another country. You can have worldwide flair in your home, wherever you live.

New trends for furniture include rich, ethnic-inspired wood pieces and decorations. You can use wall hangings, antique blankets or other items made with luxurious and exotic textiles as well. Use these textiles to add pattern, texture, shape and definition to your walls or throw them casually over a sofa for a colorful accessory.

Moroccan and Indian items have been most popular and is always a bold, dynamic look. But, Aboriginal, Native American and African tribal patterns, including bold geometrics, are still front and center when used correctly. (in other words - never EVER go overboard with pattern. Use pattern to ACCENT your space, not DOMINATE it)

There is global influence of the color palettes across the world-mixing earth tones of browns, grays, and greens, with vibrant uplifting global accents of pinks, blues, oranges, yellows and purples. Rich jewel tones are the cornerstone of any global design and shows best on luxurious finishes and textiles like velvets and satins.

You can also add global intrigue by using souvenirs from world travel. Try using items from travels such as postcards, train tickets, jewelry picked up in a market, photos, coins or small paintings and have them assembled in a shadow box. Group your framed items so that they have a common denominator such as similar frames, a common color or related subjects. Each will have its own personality yet something in common that pulls the collection together. They will also look fantastic placed on a fireplace mantel, surrounded by travel books or hung on a wall with several other similar images.

Contact J. Douglas Designs Interior Design and Fine Furniture today to learn how we can utilize patterns and textures to bring a ‘global’ look to your interior space!