BIG in 2013

Elle Decor's Editor in Chief breaks down the trends that will define the year ahead. Plus see more design world predictions with Curbed's Magic 8 Ball.

Photo: Elle Decor

TREND: Lots of Brass

With its rich gleam and sculptural weight, this metal is experiencing a resurgence. With so many designers looking to the '70s, it's inevitable that brass and bronze will show up more - from accessories by Carl Aubock to cocktail tables by Gabriella Crespi to virtually entire rooms by Kelly Wearstler, brass is the metal of the moment.

 

 Photos (left to right): Brass Staircase, Mikkel Vang | Carl Aubock Brass Bookends, Elle Decor | 1970s Brass Mastercraft Cocktail Table & Burl-wood-and-brass Cabinet, Eric Piasecki

TREND: Green

Pantone named Emerald the Color of the Year for 2013, but we're seeing all shades of greens and expect more in the future, from bright spring greens to olives, and especially lots of different blue-greens and teal.

   

Photos (left to right): Stephen Gambrel room, Eric Piasecki | Michael Leva room, Eric Piasecki | Barnaba Fornasetti room, Andrea Ferrari

TREND: Embellished Walls

We expect this trend, already strong, to continue at full strength. The options now are limitless, from simple grass cloths to hand-painted papers to coverings embellished with glass beads and crystals. 

    

Photos (left to right): Painted Walls, Simon Upton | Flat Vernacular Wallpapers, Geoffrey Sokol | Schumacher Wallpapers, Björn Wallander

TREND: Lace

Your grandmother's tablecloth is now hip. Already big on the runways, lace is showing up in the home collections of Zara and H&M, so you know it's ready for its close-up. Count on seeing lots more see-through in the months ahead.

Photos (left to right): Jason Wu/Canvas, Björn Wallander | Chinpracha House, Vincente Wolf

TREND: Beige

A surprise, but it's showing up more often, and in quieter room settings. The danger here is going corporate bland, but very talented designers are using a variety of shades of cream, off-white, and yes; beige in a variety of textures to create serene settings. This could be the start of a backlash against all the vivid colors and layered rooms we've been seeing for the past few years. 

Photos (left to right): Zelenko & Piscuskas home, Miguel Flores-Vianna | Robert Stilin Hamptons House, Anita Sarsidi & William Waldron | Knight & Aponte's home, Miguel Flores-Vianna 

The Latest Looks You'll Love for 2013

Which design trends are interior decorators seeing as the "next big thing" for 2013? Chevron patterns, glass backsplashes and retractable towel rings are just a few making their way into the latest remodels. Keep in mind that as much as you may want to incorporate the latest design trends in your home, it's important to choose ideas that are practical and will stand the test of time. Here are some suggestions on the freshest finds out there.

Photo: Chevron Pattern | MoenThe time for bold, yet neutral Chevron has come! This pattern is showing up everywhere: on kitchen walls, backsplashes, floors, throw rugs, pillows and shower curtains. Most Chevron patterns alternate black then white then black, but by playing around with alternative colors, you can lessen the impact of the design and achieve a more serene look. 

Another surprising look involved the resurgence of wallpaper and the introduction of wall decals. Since the 60s, people have been using wallpaper to add an accent and some personality to a room. Both wallpaper and wall decals are now removable and a popular option to spice up your home. 

When it comes to spicing up your kitchen, you'll find that creative and beautiful backsplashes are a great way to go. Large, back-painted glass panels require no grout and are one of the hottest looks right now. In the past, backsplashes were a purely functional surface that protected a kitchen or bathroom's walls from sprays and splatters: but today, they're an easy and attractive upgrade.

Photo: American Cabinet & Flooring | Designer Clay Bernard

Photo: Moen MotionSense FaucetIf you're looking for a convenient and eco-friendly upgrade, consider Moen's MotionSense faucet. With just a wave of your hand, you'll trigger the flow of water. Wave your hand again, and you'll turn it off. Its state-of-the-art technology helps to maximize performance, minimize waste and make everyday routines faster and easier.

For another green option in the kitchen, check out the many advantages of bamboo flooring. It's easy to clean, ideal for allergy sufferers and long-lasting. Environmentally friendly (a quick renewable crop). It has extremely low formaldehyde emissions and makes an excellent floor for a healthy home.

Photo: Moen Retractable Towel RingHead to the bathroom for a smart innovation that's quickly growing in popularity: Moen's Retractable Towel Ring. If you're tired of hand towels cluttering countertops, doorknobs and floors, this is your solution. The ring secures your hand towels in place, expands out to 11" and effortlessly retracts back to its original position. It works well in every room with a faucet, including bathroom, kitchen, utility room and garage.

Rounding out our list of updates is the new nature-inspired bathroom. Think rustic tiles. A rock wall in the shower. Wicker baskets. A range of earthy patterns and colors. They're all designed to achieve the feeling of a relaxing, private spa. It's easy to create a beautiful room that feels like you're entering an enchanted grotto or canyon.

These ideas represent just a few of the trends tat are destined to become traditions. You can feel confident knowing that as current as they are, these improvements will easily stay in vogue for years to come.