Home decor has become quite a happening thing that can encompass your whim and personality more and more. It is more widely accepted to make your space a unique one instead of trying to keep up with the Jones'. Let's take a look at what trends became red hot in 2011 and are sure to become more so as 2012 launches off.

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Owls & Birds

The owl is a decor trend that has been there all along in some shape or form since the 1900's. Through taxidermy, design inlay on a leather piece or stitched in to a hanky, these mysterious night creatures have been a part of our culture as a piece of interest for a very long time. I remember my grandmother had a macramé owl in her indoor greenhouse when I was a child and other various owl decor in a very 1970's fashion.

green ceramic | white ceramic | tan ceramic | stoneware | wooden | pillow with print | dish set  | pillow screen print  | coasters | ceramic wall hook | calendar

The recent trend of owls from about 2009 through the present has definitely picked up on a new level of design playing off of vintage styles with a modern day twist that makes them not so tasteless, but fascinating and simply adorable from everything home decor, holiday ornaments, fashion and party decor. People can't seem to get enough owl.

So many great things have happened on COLOURlovers in 2011, but one major, behind the scenes project that only a very small portion of members have been aware of was a quilt project straight from the heart of the Group: COLOURlovers on Spoonflower.

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Group administrator, leader and very involved COLOURlover, Penina, wanted her group to be something more than just a group of people who loved the idea of fabric. So one fine day back in July 2011, after coordinating ideas to make a digital quilt from the group member creations, she had the thought, “What’s stopping us from making a real quilt?!”

Penina wanted this quilt project to have purpose and to involve as many group members as possible. This also meant that the final piece would need to have a good home at a single location; so who would get the quilt?

The time has come to ring in the new year, so why not do it in style. This occasion definitely calls for some fancy, yet stylish outfits with which to celebrate the night in.

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Holiday parties with the boss are over and done with, so pull out some of your favorite accessories of the season and go big this year.

Source: Dress, Clutch, Bracelet, Shoes

For the men, getting fancy means putting on that favorite suit you own and adding some pieces to spruce up the look. A watch is sure to make a statement no matter which style you choose. Adding a vest to your suit livens up the look a little bit more and is worthy of any sort of plans you have to ring in the new year.

Source: Watch, Shoes, Suit

Remember the Betabrand + COLOURlovers plaid shirt and striped, palette-sock contests back in August and September of this year? Yes! Of course you do! How could you forget?! It was so much fun. If you haven't hopped over to check out the finished products, you should!

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In the first contest, Color a Plaid Shirt, a single winner was chosen. The winner was, 'Elements' by Lisa Clair (lisadale69). Check out the real deal here at Betabrand!

The flannel shirt turned out fantastic! Complete with elbow patches and a nifty custom tag with all the COLOURlover designer info. Obviously, Betabrand spares no detail because this was produced top notch.

Holiday parties are an exciting part of the holiday season as is finding the perfect outfit for the occasion. Whether you are heading to a work or a family function, it's time to look your best and celebrate the holiday cheer with those around you. No matter what price range you are looking to stay in, we have some holiday picks that are perfect for any parties you are attending this season.

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The ladies are in luck, as bright pants in bold colors are a current trend of the fall. This is an easy way to stay casual but still make a statement with the outfit. Pairing something like this with simple pieces including a black jacket and white shirt are a great way to complete the look. Pair fun accessories with bold prints or some sparkle and you have yourself a casual yet incredibly fun look for any party.

Outfit, Reversible Clutch, Ring, Bracelets, Black Flats

Men have far less choices when it comes to fashion. That definitely isn't a bad thing, but all the more reason why the men have to look sharp using the few accessories they have. This red flannel shirt (created from a COLOURlovers palette) goes well with a few leather details and offer a casual look for a friendly gathering with friends. Bracelets or a watch are a great way to offer a little statement piece to the outfit.

We have come to the nail biting finale of the Full Color Training Scholarship Contest where two winners will get to spend four days saturated in color with Leatrice Eiseman (colorexpert.com) in Burbank, California. COLOURlovers were asked to submit a palette they connected to their life, how color impacts their life as well as how they would like to use color more, to impact the lives of others.

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We asked each finalist what they would expect to bring back from the class to apply to both their life personally and if applicable, professionally. Lastly, if they had any questions for Leatrice Eiseman. I have included these responses below. So without further adieu, because I know many of you stayed up waiting to hear...

First Place - Full Scholarship: Linda Holt

Occupation: Designer / Photographer

What she does: Owner of New Light Redesign (newlightredesign.com).

Location: Massachusetts, USA

"My intention should I win would be to apply my new color knowledge in my business. I have been doing interior color consulting for the past year but I want to take it to the next level. Like I mentioned in my application, I feel like the more I learn about color the more I realize there is to learn. Since my eye was trained for so many years as a photographer to see color as "light", the switch over to seeing color as pigment has been profound for me. I never knew until I bought Leatrice's books that color affects our moods. I guess I knew it intuitively but I am just fascinated by the whole psychology of color. Please please please pick me...I REALLY want to come. I promise I will work hard and be a good student!"

Linda's Questions for Leatrice:

1. Has Leatrice had a life long love of color and what was her path to becoming the "guru" she is today?

2. What inspires her when it comes to choosing color pallets?

3. What is the process for Pantone in choosing the much anticipated "color of the year"?

Linda has had this class on her calendar every year for at least the past two years. It is a lifetime dream for her to attend. Congratulations Linda!

First place will receive a fully paid scholarship for tuition to the Color + Design Training Program, plus a copy of the book, PANTONE® The 20th Century in Color, by Leatrice (co-authored with Keith Recker).

 

Some people are tough to shop for, but not to worry because the COLOURlovers gift guide has a little something for everyone. This guide is full of colorful ideas from our favorite stores as well as some wonderful DIY projects that are so darn easy to do for that person that deserves something special. Check out the gifts below, and if you want even more ideas, make sure to check out our curated Gift Guide on Pinterest. We have lots of goodies over there too. So here we go!

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For The Cooks: For that aspring chef in your life here are a few things that will brighten up their kitchen and spirits as they spend their days making magic in the kitchen. The bowls are perfect for serving and a hand-held blender is great for the friend that makes mashed potatoes or protein shakes and doesn't want the hassle of all the clean up. If you want to go the extra mile, consider getting a recipe book and filling it with your favorite family recipes and collect favorite recipes from family and friends. These gifts are sure to be a hit for that lovely cook.

1. Bowls, 2. Recipe Book, 3. Blender, 4. Cutting Board, 5. Knives

The time of year has arrived when even the most digitized among us turns to paper, envelopes, and stamps to send out cheerful holiday greetings to friends and family across the globe. Nothing can surpass the excitement that is felt when the mailbox is opened and, tucked among the bills and credit card applications, is a personal holiday card with your name (spelled correctly!) adorning the label.

Today's article is presented by the online printing services company offering greeting cards perfect for the holiday season.

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What is it about receiving a card in the mail that makes it so special? Is it the touch and feel of paper in your hands? Is it the bright colors, texture, or patterns? Here is chance to explore some amazing holiday greeting cards, some of which are masterpieces in their own right, and maybe get some ideas on how to incorporate color into your holiday hellos.

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Words within a shape or using words as a pattern can make a simple and adorable greeting. Do you have any word patterns you've done that you'd like to share? I definitely want to try this with Seamless Studio. This would work for any occasion.

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Letterpress (left) in combinations with words as a shape turned out gorgeous. The little houses pattern (right) remind me of some style of Danish design.  It's fairly unique and would be fun to create. Anyone up for a Seamless Studio (or Seamless Lite) challenge to make something similar to this?

source (top) | pattern 1, pattern 2, pattern 3 (see templates at end)

In the top version, the artist traced some shapes out lightly with a pencil, drew some simple pattern work of lines and circles in stripe-fashion (with a permanent pen) within the bounds of the shape and then erased the shape lines. I decided to replicate the method digitally in Photoshop using some COLOURlovers patterns. You could use any graphics editing software that would allow you to create a mask.

I created simple shapes (basically copying the ones from the original piece) and then applied the layer Clipping Masking option. Remember to always respect the license of other member creations on COLOURlovers.

source (card) | pattern stars, pattern snowflakes 

This wonderful design from TWO PEAS IN A BUCKET member, pescaragirl, would be fun to use as an idea for a card from your own patterns. Using a simple, subtle pattern like snowflakes or stars (shown to right) and torn, layered paper in the foreground you could easily whip up some of these.

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Patterns in general are excellent to use within greeting card design in so many fathomable ways. What patterns would you use?

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Here are some fantastic examples of layering many different types of patterns and simple shapes.

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And if all else fails, go with just color!

Holiday greeting cards are a fantastic way to connect with old friends, and show your loved ones how much you care. When you go to choose your holiday greeting this year, know that you will not only make someone smile, but you have the chance to give them a decoration to adorn their mantle piece, shelf or even their Christmas tree for years to come. Choose a card that is uniquely you or pick out a small masterpiece that is sure to brighten a cold winter’s day.

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header credits: greeting card

I have to say, I'm extremely excited for fall wedding color palettes. Color trends are taking on a different look than they have in the past. Where we were seeing dark colors and deep shades, we are now seeing bright and bold colors and patterns in the wedding world. And what color is currently taking over weddings? It is something with sparkle and a whole lot of bling! Gold is hitting weddings hard this fall to create fun and fabulous events  that have a great sense of romance as well.

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It is important for brides to make their day their very own and add in whatever elements make the day a little more "their's". There are a lot of non-traditional and fun elements that can be added into the wedding to create a to-die-for atmosphere. Centerpieces adorned with lots of mercury glass candles add romantic lighting to any table. And with overheard details, the whole space feels rather magical.

Credit: Gold

Of course, gold is definitely known for being a playful color, so using it to create excitement does wonders to any casual affair. These details definitely add a little something special to an ordinary idea. Gold cakes are definitely not your norm, and though at first glance it can feel far too untraditional, the approach adds a fun twist on tradition.

Credit: Gold Cake, Geronimo

Believe it or not, balloons are definitely back in. But not your basic birthday balloons, giant cylinder balloons that create a statement where ever they stand. These, with gold pom-poms, are just too fun to leave out of any golden affair.

Get ready for this next tip on gold details because it is pretty much to-die-for. Edible glitter is a brand new way to spruce up the rims of martini glasses. And who doesn't want to drink a little something sparkly every once in a while? Edible gold glitter can be added to anything from glasses to cupcakes and even cake balls. It is a new way to dress up treats for your guests.

Credit: Cake, Drinks

Speaking of glitter, let's to get to the fun details! The secret to any event is in the smallest details. Glitter gold clothes pins and golden animals will add that little something special to complete the overall palette of your event.

Credit: Gold Details

Credit: Dress, Tablescapes

Add some sparkly details to the tablescape along with gold dinnerware items to complete it all.

As with any color palette, it is important complete the look all the way around. Tie the event together by adding small and large colorful details to create a layered and cohesive look. Here are some user generated color palettes that would create a lovely wedding day for those that want to include some gold details.

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Autumn brings cool crisp days with vibrant colors and hues from the changing leaves. Natures color palette morphs into brilliant yellows, reds and oranges. It’s time to keep your noggin warm from the blustery days with a knit or crocheted hat.

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In this hat the designer used kettle dyed yarn to “enhance the rustic leaf pattern.” Kettle dyed yarn allows beautiful variations in the shade of the yarn allowing regions of dark and light. Sort of like coloring your hair. You get highlights and low lights. The yarn used truly mimics the fall foliage.