SW Design Concepts, LLC

As we look back on the past year we ponder the year to come. Stepping over the time line into a new year is cleansing. New hopes and dreams carry us into 2012 as we say farewell to 2011; hopes for a better economy and future, good health, dreams for the perfect job, home, and family.

As we say so long to the past and welcome the future we get a surge of excitement in anticipation of discovering new trends. It is necessary to look at the world around us when predicting the trends to come. 2012 embraces creativity, hopes, and dreams.

“Green” is the new black, and it is here to stay. The world is no longer black or white. Eco-friendly design is the hottest décor trend. Decorating to stay in peace with the environment is the greatest confrontation and 2012 accepts and embraces the challenge. There will be more furnishings designed by recycling, repurposing, and reclaiming. More eco-friendly materials and products will be available for design and décor purposes.

The décor will reflect the hopes for a better economy. Gold represents wealth and comes back into vogue as silver and chrome fades into the background. Brass and gold accents will, once again, be popular. Color is the easiest to change when redecorating. With a little paint you can have an entirely new room. Paint the walls, ceiling, and even floor. Old furniture can be painted to make into new treasures.Colors are always changing and evolving. 2012 brings a new palette of beautiful colors. Benjamin Moore showcases the 2012 trends.

Neutrals in grays, tans, and beiges are blended into Benjamin Moore’s four 2012 palettes, reminiscant of recapturing the past. The group names and colors indicate a desire to hold on to days gone by and preservation of the past.

As always, Benjamin Moore gets inspiration from the world around us, drawing from the amazingly colorful pallette of our world.

Red is hot; in Feng Shui, red represents the element of fire and will bring into your abode the energy of joy and excitement. Red is the Chinese color of luck and happiness and the symbolic color of love and romance, courage and passion. Benjamin Moore 2012 Reds are exciting: Candy Cane Red, Orange and Potpourri.

Blue is cool; blues are calm and soothing, representing the water and sky. In Feng Shui blues reflect love as it heals and relaxes and creates a feeling of peace and trust. Blue is excellent for use in the following feng shui areas of your home: East (Health), Southeast (Money), and North (Career).

Benjamin Moore 2012 brings a calming blue and teal palette: Old Glory, Palm Coast Teal, Serenata, Deep Ocean, Mysterious.

Green flourishes; green is the color of renewal, fresh energy and regeneration and promotes good health. Green balances the whole body by bringing healing feng shui vibrations from nature. The color induces peacefulness and rest. Benjamin Moore 2012 showcases soothing greens: Fresh Scent Green, Harbour Town, Winchester Sage, Pear Green and Dark Olive.

Yellow is fun; Yellows represent fire and earth. It invokes sunlight and is cheerful and uplifting. The yellow color creates cozy, welcoming feng shui energy. Benjamin Moore 2012 shows off lovely yellows and gold: Baby Chick, Buttercream Pearl, Hollywood Gold, Tumeric and Metallic Gold.

I particularly love the colors within the Enlightenment category. Couldn't we all use a little more enlightment?

With every year we achieve a new knowledge to carry us further into the future. 2012 brings the possibility of a cure for some cancers. 2012 brings home the US troops. 2012 brings a new presidential election. 2012 brings the hope of a fixed economy. May the year of 2012 welcome new beginnings to wonderful life events for all on this Earth. May your 2012 be filled with blessings!