ReCap of 2013: What Can Go and What Can Flow into the New Year

ReCap of 2013: What Can Go and What Can Flow into the New Year

By Amy Coslet, ASID

 

Shagreen, fur, and feathers all made appearances in 2013

Shagreen, fur, and feathers all made appearances in 2013

2013 has proven to be an exciting year for fashion-forward design trends. Here are our favorite picks of 2013 that will take us through the season and into the new year:

 

Walk on the Wild Side

Animal print accents are here to stay, but 2013 showed this trend with an exciting new twist (quite literally). Your basic snow leopard print was re-invented and replaced by faux fur, shagreen, hair on hide and actual feathers.

 

 

An elevator lobby covered in natural wood flooring and moldings, a root bench and wood inspired wallcoverings

An elevator lobby covered in natural wood flooring and moldings, a root bench and wood inspired wallcoverings

 

 

Go Au Naturale

 

Natural textures and organic elements were everywhere in 2013, especially here in Southwest Florida. Furniture showcased the beauty of wood in its natural state, incorporating planks, tree stumps, and petrified wood in its design. Accessories trended on the use of driftwood sculptures, minerals and geodes. Nature’s beauty continues to gain momentum as prints such as wood grain cross over into the world of fabrics & wall covering.

 

 

 

 

Bronze and copper metallics were heavily used in fabrics and finishes

Bronze and copper metallics were heavily used in fabrics and finishes

 

 

Heavy Metal

 

Move over silver and gold! Brass and copper were the metals of choice in 2013, and they are not disappearing anytime soon. We began seeing them in accessories, lighting and tile at the beginning of the year, but now the trend continues with metallic leathers, fabrics, wall coverings, and even paint.

 

 

 

A mostly neutral room featuring varying shades of gray

A mostly neutral room featuring varying shades of gray

 

Cool It Down

 

2013 launched gray as the new beige this year. Whether dove, slate, or charcoal, this new neutral cools off the color palette and lends itself to an understated yet sophisticated backdrop. Pairing a dark smoke color with a soft warm cotton creates a contemporary new spin on classic black and white.

 

 

 

Bold patterns in deep, rich tones pop against stark backgrounds

Bold patterns in deep, rich tones pop against stark backgrounds

 

Be Bold

 

Although delicate florals can be a timeless look, the pattern trend in 2013 called for bold, geometric prints. Textiles and wall coverings showcased vibrant patterns with large repeats. Chevron and wide horizontal stripes were the key players, and we predict that this trend will only grow more graphic as we approach the new year.

 

 

 

 

Jewel tones are showcased in this malachite chest and glass swordfish

Jewel tones are showcased in this malachite chest and glass swordfish

 

The Crown Jewels

 

With Pantone naming Emerald Green the Color of the Year in 2013, it is no surprise that the color trend this year was quite “precious.” Rich jewel tones of Sapphire Blue, Amethyst Purple and Peridot Green were also seen as this years hottest accent colors. Pantone just named “Radiant Orchid” as the 2014 Color of the Year, which will help showcase the softer side of jewel tones.