2011 Winter Interior Design Trends – Solar

The emphasis remains firmly on renewable energy sources, with wind turbines and solar energy being one of the most talked about topics as winter arrives and everyone reaches for their central heating thermostats!

One of this season trends within exterior and interior design is to use solar in a beautiful way. Solar panels on roofs are far from beautiful however functional and energy saving they may be, yet the use of solar energy is being seen inside our homes using innovative designs from solar plant pots to the latest solar Ipads and functional lighting without having solar panels installed on your roof.

You can also find solar energy being used on window blinds and curtain rails. Small solar panels can be used to project images onto blinds when they are closed, along with small solar packs which store energy to light the end finials of curtain poles and rails. Both of these ideas are free to use, so if you like the thought of free energy to create ambient lighting in your home window blinds and solar plant pots may be the way forward for you!

You should also look out for the latest window blinds which help to prevent valuable heat from escaping via your windows – another potential way of energy saving which is both affordable and functional.

Image: Freshome

2011 Winter Interior Design Trends – Retro 50's and 60's

This season we see the return of the 1950's and 60's, however rather bold and bright you'll need to think along the lines of subtly stylish, with gently curved furniture with slim-line or tapered legs rather than bold and chunky.

Mid twentieth century retro looks will use patterns sitting alongside light and airy colours such as duck egg blues, lemons and various shades of white. Muted is the concept along with the use of geometric or irregular shapes. Scandinavian patterns will be bang on-trend along with the use of natural wood in paler colours of rose, teak and yellow pine for window blinds, dining room furniture, the arms of sofas and chairs along with coffee tables.

Many aspects of 50's furniture will also be seeing a revival in the way of sideboards and modular cabinets. The mid-century look will have an organic feel with use of natural upholstery, soft furnishings and ceramics. Look for natural curtain fabrics online with a retro pattern or style to make your own curtains or use to recover and re-upholster furniture passed down by older relatives for an authentic mid twentieth century look.

2011 Winter Interior Design Trends – Texture

The use of different textures remains high on the interior design agenda this winter. With Scandinavian interiors being used to create warm and cosy home designers have turned to the use of chunky knits for bed throws and cushions, along with flocked fabrics and felts for upholstery and soft furnishings.

Hand-crafted soft furnishings are a great way to make your money go further, look for curtain fabrics online to find the latest colours and patterns to make cheap cushion covers, patchwork throws and window dressings. Opt for rich, warm autumnal colours or keep with the Scandinavian theme and use white and pale blues to create a beautifully designed interior which will keep you warm throughout winter and see you right through to spring. You can even add lace to pillow slips or cushion covers to bring yet another texture into your home.

The use of wood, metal and ceramics are also being widely seen this winter. Wooden blinds offer a natural warmth to rooms and coordinate wonderfully with wood flooring, as well as adding an additional layer at your windows to help keep the cold out and the heat in.

Image: Design is Mine

Winter Interior Design Trends – Economy

I don't have to remind the we and many of of continental partners are still suffering from the credit crunch, and like last year interior designers have kept their focus on economy. We all look for ways to save money and get the best deals along with retaining a stylish home interior. There are little things that you can do to brighten your home and help you save money.

For example, if you have stripped floorboards then the chances are you'll feel a cold draught coming through the gaps, more especially if your home has an unused cellar under the room. Use a couple of cheap rugs to help reduce the draughts, particularly in front of sofas and chairs to help prevent your feet from getting cold.

You could also use rugs or a foot-stool to get your feet off of stone flooring. Look for curtain fabrics online which compliment your soft furnishings and cover a foot-stool or pouffe to coordinate. You could also add throws to your sofa and chairs, along with soft cushions to snuggle into. All of these tips are bang on-trend so you won't turn your living areas into fuddy-duddy and out-dated styles that remind you of your grandparents!

Image: Absolutely Beautiful Things