ELLE DECOR’s Top 11 Trends of 2011

Elle Decor

The colors and patterns our editors loved this year


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top-trends-2011-art.jpg

1. Gold
Gleaming, glittering, and totally glamorous. This precious color adds sparkle to any setting.

2. Menswear
Classic haberdashery takes on a handsome new guise. Try a plaid trunk or herringbone pattern tiles to bring the trend home. http://www.elledecor.com/home-shopping/articles/trend-alert-menswear

3. Snakeskin
This untamed pattern, evocative of jet-set glamour, is now turning up in vivid hues and surprising places. Equally chic as a soap dispenser or x-bench, snakeskin can easily add an edge to a room.

4. Persimmon
A spicy color that has become the design world's latest obsession. It glows as a pendant light, sparkles as a necklace, and brightens up any space.

5. Marbleizing
This classic decorative technique is sending ripples through the design world, surfacing in colorful new guises. Go bold with marbleized wallpaper or try out the trend with stationery.

6. Yellow
The happiest color is showing up in surprising new places. Whether it's a bold lacquered bed frame or sweet cotton plaid fabric, it's one of this year's most cheerful trends.

7. Polka Dots
We're seeing spots everywhere. No matter the scale or color, these dots are an easy way to add pattern and whimsy to a space.

8. Fruit Prints
A fresh crop of whimsical patterns is enlivening the runway and the home. Whether its watermelon-shaped plates or wallpaper printed with peaches, these refreshing pieces are sure to delight.

9. Emerald
This regal shade of green brings showstopping drama everywhere it goes. If an emerald gown is too much, a vase might be just your style.

10. Houndstooth
The bold menswear classic translates perfectly to the home. Or take it out for a spin with a houndstooth suitcase or camcorder.

11. Red
An attention-getting color that heats things up. As a dramatic mirror or eye-catching bedside table, this festive hue is a showstopper year-round.

And see more great pieces from ELLE DECOR:

8 Tips for a Party-Perfect Kitchen

How to Decorate with Mirrors

Kitchens That Pop