The number 13 doesn’t always have to be unlucky. Take these top 10 decor trends for
2013 from design experts, manufacturers and trend forecasters across the
country.A splash of colorPantone’s annual fashion color report sets the tone for
home decor. Its softer-hued palette of Dusk Blue, Lemon Zest, African Violet,
Grayed Jade, Linen and Tender Shoots is emboldened by Monaco Blue, Poppy Red,
Emerald and Nectarine. Founder Marc Thee also sees a move toward pure color
palettes such as cream and sea glass, khaki and white, or neutral with a pop of
yellow.Movin’ wallpaperRepositionable wallpaper is a new decorating mainstay,
says Todd Imholte, president of Murals Your Way. The company’s 10 collections of
peel-and-stick wallpaper are available in such themes as Vintage, Dots, Flower
Prints and Mostly Modern, and can be removed and reused without losing their
adhering qualities. Customers can match their repositionable wallpaper to an
existing paint color, updated decor or the Pantone color palette.Cooking
smartlyNext year’s contemporary kitchen will include European frameless laminate
cabinetry, multi-tasking appliances, hands-free faucets, and increased
smartphone and tablet functionality, according to Jamie Gold, a certified
independent kitchen and bath designer in San Diego, Calif. Value-oriented
remodels will remain popular, she predicts, with homeowners incorporating
existing flooring, fixtures, cabinets and/or appliances into their design plans
to save money.Let it shineJeff Dross, senior product manager of Kichler
Lighting, says energy-efficient LED products will continue to dominate, and will
be prevalent in coves, tray ceilings, toekicks, and under and above cabinets.
Chrome and polished nickel will appeal to the emerging "Y" generation
and baby boomers modernizing their homes. Tall, slender outdoor lanterns in
contemporary, cottage and transitional styles will work well for those in
smaller urban spaces.Heavy metalSusan Goldstick of Susan Goldstick Inc. predicts
home furnishings will shine in 2013. New metals such as rose gold and gun metal
will be mixed, and pierced, hammered and oxidized textural metals will be
popular. Vendors will add metal to their wood pieces, and faux animal print
metallics will provide texture and reflective light in textiles.No place like
homeEven as the economy shows signs of improving, homeowners still find comfort
in "cocooning" in the warmth and safety of their homes, says Graeme
Smith, conceptual designer at Second Nature kitchens. Adding a trendy color such
as cranberry or velvety chocolate creates timeless interiors. Incorporating
vintage pieces fosters a sense of nostalgia, heritage and solidity.Woodn’t it be
nice?Next year’s trendy furniture will boast reclaimed wood or reclaimed-looking
synthetic wood, according to Lenny Kharitonov, president of Unlimited Furniture
Group Inc. Combinations of wood and metal will be popular, such as a desk with a
wood top and an iron base. Thee also sees a new freedom to mix metals, linen or
stone into wood, with the juxtaposition of materials and finishes creating a
beautiful combination.Watch your stepLori Kirk-Rolley, senior marketing director
at Daltile, notes that one of the biggest style trends of the year will be
porcelain tile that emulates the look of hardwood in high-traffic areas,
offering the natural beauty of wood with the long-lasting durability and ease of
maintenance of tile. Rectangular-sized tiles – particularly those in long,
linear plank styles – will remain popular in floor and wall applications.Back to
natureConsumers’ eco-friendly focus on using organic, sustainable materials will
continue into 2013. Orange, Calif.-based Budget Blinds recommends woven wood
shades made from bamboo, grasses, jute, reeds, rattan and other natural
renewable resources for simple beauty. Smith suggests using timber and wicker
furniture, ribbed and woven finishes on accessories, and layered wool throws in
the living area of the kitchen to bring a sense of the outdoor in.You can judge
a book by its coverExterior design and landscaping say just as much about a home
as its interior architectural counterparts. Artist and designer Pablo Solomon
touts stone, concrete and brick that blend into the environment, requires little
upkeep, and is superior weather susceptible wood decks, rust-prone metals and
dulling plastics.(Courtesy of BrandPoint)