Style and Design Ideas For 2011

Despite reports that the recession is over, many are continuing to be thrifty. And home decorating is no exception to that rule. Atlantic Avenue shop owners are saying as much -- the design trends already taking hold in 2011, for the most part, are the less expensive ones.

Tabletop and wall hanging decorative pieces are being snapped up as a way to change the look of a room without the commitment of purchasing larger furniture.

"Customers are mostly interested in our original art," says Frances Carroll who owns .  

Animal accents are another way to breathe new life into a space.

"Anything with an animal or a bird theme seems to get gobbled up," says Gillette Wing of .

Taxidermy has been hip for a while now, but the animal inspiration is taking hold in other ways. At , Joseph Giallo can't seem to hold on to fish. Crystal fish, amber fish, ceramic fish, you name it, have been flying off the shelves. In fact, during my last visit a couple who came in looking for a chair left with a olive-green ceramic coi statuette. 

In 2011, many homes will also be sporting furniture in the minimalist and muted industrial style surrounded by unique statement pieces, whether they be animal figures, pillows with a fire-engine red chevron pattern or modular artwork doubling as a coatrack.

In the spirit of practicality, functional yet decorative items are also more in style than ever. "Attractive organization," as Gaby Rattner of  calls it, is a smart way of adding to a room's aesthetic while preserving precious New York City square footage.

Wing of Holler & Squall agrees. In her shop, industrial-style stools have been popular for use as bedside or end tables that can double as extra seating when friends are over.

Industrial style furniture is also the rage, says Brian Cousins of . The influence of companies like Restoration Hardware, that are producing collections in the industrial style, play a role in exposing a wider audience to specific styles and ultimately propelling trends. If you're smitten with iron, aluminum, steel and distressed leather, you're not alone. 

And if you're willing to take risks when it comes to decorating, commit to a bold color (or two) and look for pillows, throws and art in that shade to build the look of a room.

In the past year, designer Jonathan Adler among others has championed the use of bright colors and patterns and you still can't go wrong with this trend. Paul Lyons of the sells many patterned and colorful, sometimes neon-hued pieces in his beautiful showroom. He sees home décor leaning in the direction of the homemade.

"Anything with a handcrafted feel," he says. "Things with soul, personality and patina."

This could be a loudly patterned rug, funky paper maché artwork or a worn seat cover for an industrial-style chair. The allure of the you'll-only-see-this-in-my-home look is strong.