Little Trends With Explosive Potential

Art Meets Bath

As the definition of what is considered art expands, so do the possibilities surrounding where it can be displayed. Top shelter publications like ELLE Decor have spotted small sketches, oversized photographs and even stone sculptures being housed in master bathrooms, like that of actress Courteney Cox. Perhaps the water closet is the new gallery.

Sizzling Color

While all-white kitchens were the "it" design of the '90s and stainless steel took over soon after, many homeowners are craving a dash of color in the kitchen. From appliances to cabinetry, every Crayola color seems to be at a chef's fingertips when it comes to designing the ideal cook space. And beyond the typical reds or oranges, we predict that you'll see many more pastel yellow backsplashes and blue trims in the coming year.

ON GLO: Kitchens With Color

Personal Touch

This year's interior design conventions revealed a new twist on an already popular trend. Bold, graphic prints on textiles pop up everywhere you turn, but a few artists are breaking the mold by creating hand-painted prints. High-end designer Dana Gibson debuted her latest collection of hand-painted ikat pillows and floral desk accessories this year, offering a softer and more authentic take on the print craze.

SHOP NOW: Dana Gibson pillows, from $165

Going Mainstreatm

For the last decade, the biggest buzz has surrounded eco-friendly design. While it was once very expensive to outfit your home with green products, sustainable furnishings have now gone mainstream. Retailers like Crate & Barrel and UncommonGoods are offering reclaimed wood furniture at lower prices. Plus, local woodworkers are gaining more exposure for their wares through Etsy, further solidifying the accessibility of green furniture.

SHOP NOW: Reclaimed Wood 'Lake Tahoe' chest, $895

Fade Out

Our favorite celebrities have perfected the ombre-colored hair technique. Now, interior design is trying its hand with ombre or gradating color. Anthropologie offers this blue ombre love seat, and designer J. Robert Scott created an entire furniture collection around smoky tone gradations.

SHOP NOW: Windsor Love Seat, $1,498

Short Stuff

The long and short of it is that cropped curtain panels are making a comeback. Sure, they may drum up not-so-fond memories of your childhood home, but short drapes are a great option for small, casual spaces. "Shorter drapes still give you an element of color and pattern in a room without being too serious or stuffy," says designer Emily A. Clark. "I love to use them in eat-in kitchens, kids' bedrooms and playrooms."

Rough Times

Super-slick finishes have lost their sheen. What's intriguing now is design that's a little rough around the edges. Whether due to the impact of the green movement or the desire for a less minimalist home, interior designers are accessorizing spaces with a tactile roughness that doesn't sacrifice style.

SHOP NOW: Caba Company Barkskin Wall Covering, price varies

Home Brew

Whether because of the recession or the desire for a new hobby, brewing beer at home is a recent go-to guy pastime. Trend forecasters at The Intelligence Group peg the trend as the next evolution of semi-homemade projects, with new ways to craft artisanal beer in a variety of flavors.

SHOP NOW: Beer Making Kits, $40

Faux Fix

Fake furniture is in vogue? Oh, yes. The latest mini-trend is imitation furniture that looks organic but isn't. From metal tree stumps to resin-cast stones, local craftsmen are tapping into the popularity of rustic design without harming the environment. Companies like Faux Bois and EIS Studio are charging top dollar for their nature-inspired accents, giving owners the look without the guilt.

SHOP NOW: Faux Bois stump side table, $1230; EIS Studio Pebble, price varies