A few weeks ago, I giddily blogged about making a commitment to live happily ever after (or happily for a few months after, as the case may be) with the trends of 2012. If youre a strict traditionalist, or just loathe splashing cash on fads, its likely my impulsive marriage to trendiness didnt necessarily inspire you to take the plunge in your own space. No doubt some of you are still experiencing cold feet.

Image Source: BD Lifestyles

But even if you have a tough time making long-term commitments, there are still plenty of reasons to put yourself out there. Who knows, you may even fall in love; just like all of us at HomeSav did with these colourful cushion covers from BD Lifestyles. While they dont feel overly trendy (theyre no One-season Wonders), BDs designs do touch on three of the hottest trends of 2012: large scale patterns, vibrant colours, and modern nods to Middle Eastern design.

Image Source: Canadian House & Home

As part of the Greater Middle East, Morocco and its exotic aesthetic have been making an appearance in all areas of interior design lately, from wall coverings and textiles to furniture and lighting. Characterized by bold geometric shapes, spicy hues and the kinds of repeat patterns seen in the regions traditional tiles, Moroccan design is a perfect fit for summer, whether you want to subtly refresh your interior or completely overhaul your outdoor living space.

Image Source: BD Lifestyles

As with any trend, its best to use a spare hand when bringing a little Moroccan flavour into your home (you want your space to look effortlessly eclectic, not like a kitschy theme restaurant), which is where BD Lifestyles comes in. Any design expert will tell you that one of the best ways to incorporate bold colour or contemporary patterns is through textiles and accessories. Piling a mismatched selection of BDs cushions atop a low-slung daybed, or coordinating them with a vibrant kilim rug, for example, adds just the right amount of exoticism to your interior.

Image Source: West Elm, Canadian House & Home

Or introduce a few matching cushions to your existing patio furniture, add a pouf or two for cozy footrests, and then set the mood with the soft glow of punched metal lanterns and a sensual Moroccan feast of lamb tagine (check out this delicious dish at Epicurious.com: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Lamb-Tagine-with-Chickpeas-and-Apricots-367761), mint tea, figs and apricots.

In addition to being right in-step with the modern Middle East aesthetic, BD Lifestyles also embraces the kind of fair trade, eco-friendly approach that we all hope is more than just a passing fad. Skilled artisans belonging to the indigenous populations of Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula use a hand silkscreen process to make DBs fair trade fabrics. Plus, they use water-based inks and minimal electricity in order to keep their carbon footprint lower.

On-trend exoticism thats easy on the eyes and on the planet? Now thats something we can all commit to.



Via: Spice Up Your Life: BD Lifestyles and the Mod Middle East