Swide Magazine by Dolce&Gabbana

Fashion and interior trends go hand in hand. It is very common to see trends on the runway and then see them in home décor stores soon after.

This winter's fashion season, you will be seeing big knits, lots of leather and lace, and equestrian and nature influences; it is no different for your home. If you want to keep your home current without shelling out tons of money, take a few tips from your wardrobe. Just as you buy a few key pieces to update your winter wardrobe (a few cozy knitted sweaters and scarves, one fabulous leather piece, lacey tights, a great piece of jewelry, etc.), pick a few items for the home that are easy to swap in and out when the season is over. For example, the easiest and fastest way to do this would be to buy a few great accent pillows (keeping in your home’s color scheme, of course), change out your picture frames (DIY- if high gloss paint is in style, paint over those shabby chic white frames you’ve had for years), spiff up your holiday table setting with some fresh new salad or serving plates. These small and easy touches make a world of a difference. Not only will your home be in trend, but you will not grow tired of the same old décor. If you’re timid when it comes to change, just remember to stick to neutrals when adding in new prints or patterns. If you already have a neutral home, go for the pop of color!

Do not be afraid to play with textures and prints. When you see lace this season, notice the illusion of texture and depth it provides. If you are really not into lace and want to prevent your house from looking like your grandmother’s, go big and bold with a touch of intricacy. The mirror above is a perfect example of how to bring in the element of lace but keeping your home modern. The frame is chunky enough to add depth, but still has those fine details of swirl and whimsy that you find in lace.

Leather is a huge this season and it lasts forever, so don’t be afraid to invest in a great jacket, boot or even chair. When buying a nice piece of clothing or furniture, think about how it will look in 5 years… will it still be in style? Try to stick to classic, timeless cuts and furniture designs. A lot of designers are putting out grey and taupe leathers (love!) this year. These are a great alternative to black, which can come off a little too “biker chick” sometimes. If you do not feel right about wearing leather, there are some amazing faux leather alternatives that are so well made you would never know the difference.

Just because equestrian and nature-inspired elements are back, does not mean you need to dress you your home or yourself in horse riding gear. The leggings shown above would look great with a loose, oversized top and some ankle boots. These leggings are great because not only are they comfortable, but they give the polo feeling without being too obvious. The same goes for the accent pillow on the left; this pillow is suede with just a touch of the chocolate brown trim and border patches, mimicking the polo-riders outfit. You may have also noticed that bronze and copper are making their way back into the accessories scene. These wonderful metals are naturally toned down and more muted then gold and silver. Swap out a few of your old vases and mirrors with some copper or bronze and you will be set for the holiday season.

Text by: Christa Rose Falk from www.love-inspire-create.blogspot.com

Sources: www.anthropologie.eu, www.westelm.com, www.ralphlaurenhome.com

TAGS: christa rose blogger blog www.love-inspire-create.blogspot.com christa rose falk anthropologie westelm ralphlaurenhome.com ralph lauren home furniture home design trends aw2010 winter 2011 winter wardrobe mirror lace goods luxury goods luxury online magazine home decor