design style trends for 2012 part 1

Today is officially the last day of my nanny job...whew I survived! I haven't been away from home 50+ hours a week since 2006. My babies miss me and I will be glad to be back home with them and decorating as I please. This whole month I've barely touched anything DIY (hence the missing DIY posts) sad face. I'm itching to paint! I did however manage to start painting the laundry room. YAY! BUT I still have to edge it in and all that fancy stuff....that will be another post entirely....While at the grocery store to get the kids root beer float stuff as my farewell gift, I picked up an inexpensive decor magazine...swoon and now my creative juices are flowing and i'm motivated! So here are 2 of their top design trends for 2012!

1. ROMANTIC

All things casual, elegant and feminine. Lush fabrics, floral patterns, lace, richly carved woodwork, pastel color palette and painted furniture.
-A mix of textures-lace, leather and velvet
-Carefully placed lighting will add to the mood of the room and antique mirrors help brighten up the space
-Place fringed and button seating or loosley filled sofas in your bedroom to create a sitting area
-Distressed white woodwork enchances the romance
 *Tips from http://www.seraoflondon.com/
MY TIP- fresh pastel colored flowers such as baby pink or white roses and candles add to this romantic feel.

RETRO FEMININE

Less than other girly styles of recent years, the retro feminine design mystique is defined by it's mix of old and new furniture, curvy lines and flowy fabrics
-The bed is central in any bedroom...choose one you absolutely love!
-Set up special areas of the room. Add unexpected pieces such as a pair of upholstered armchairs, a charming small table or perhaps an antique settee
-mix it up. Blending antiques with more modern pieces, elegant with casual, encourages design that doesnt take itself too seriously.
-add fresh color. keep your color palette soft but creat effortless elegance by adding a vivid color for a fresh pop.
-create a beautiful bed. A linen divet with just a hint of tiny ruffles is the perfect base then arrange floral pillows, soft colored throws and antique embroidered throws
-add some gilt. Gold add instant elegance but just a touch will do
-Bring a splash of style to your bedroom with sensational lighting. Try hanging 2 chandeliers on each side of your bed for instant glamour.
-Personalize with accessories. Your bedroom is the perfect place to display those one of a kind quirky things you love.
-Don't forget flowers. Nothing adds as much style as a simple bouquet of flowers.
* tips from http://www.frenchgardenhouse.com/

Be sure to check back for more 2012 trends!