According to House Beautiful magazine, there are 5 big trends in American Design to watch for in 2011.

1. Bold Color. This doesn’t mean that we can slap any old color on our walls or furniture and call it good.  This is about judicious use of strong color.  Perhaps painting one piece of furniture an unexpected color, or pairing two bold colors such as turquoise and honeysuckle together for a vibrant addition to a space.

2. Rethinking the Great Room. Great rooms have been around for a while now.  What’s different about this trend in 2011 is the way we use them.  Rather than having one enormous space with one furniture grouping, great rooms are being divided into several smaller, activity-specific areas.  This is accomplished with intimate furniture groupings throughout the room, giving it a cozier feel overall.

3. Dining Alcoves. Dining alcoves are a cross between a breakfast nook and a dining room.  They are intimate and cozy, with plush furnishings that encourage lingering at the table to chat.

4. Soft Modern. Think modern lines without the modern finishes.  Crisp and clean-lined forms, but in organic finishes like warm woods.

5. Mixing Design Styles. A term often given to this idea is “eclectic”.  But this year, the use of different styles of furniture is more deliberate and less random creating a “collected over time” feel rather than anything goes.

The desire to nest is still evident in American Design as these trends show.  Making the home a comfortable, intimate haven where we can spend time with family and friends is at the root of each.  So in 2011, make your home your haven and have fun incorporating some of these ideas into your home this year!

*all photo credits given Janell Beals