Paper Trends for 2012....

Now that we are well into 2012, I'd like to share some paper and stationery trends that are apparent in the marketplace and in other design arenas such as interior design for example.  They might not all appeal to you, but it's interesting to follow and understand where things are heading.  


 1 - Bold Colors - While there is still a place for a soft and sweet color palette, we will be seeing a lot more bright and bold colors this year…just take a look at Pantone’s Color of the Year (TANGERINE TANGO)

 

2 - Graphic Patterns - We saw some of the long loved graphic patterns like chevron and qua-trefoil making a big push last year and this year we can plan on seeing more of the graphic patterns making their appearance. These are the patterns we’ve seen in fashion and interior design, and this year you will see the same patterns making their move in stationery!

3 - Attention to Branding – The bar for creative branding and packaging design has reached a whole new level. From business cards to product tags, expect to be wowed by creative and unique branding and packaging. This is somewhere that paper counts…

4 - Creative DIYs - Last year we saw beautiful crafts made from paper...flowers to wreaths, to amazing backdrops. I am expecting to see a lot more coming up this year!

5 - Invitation Suites aren’t just for weddings anymore We have seen that people want “sets” for different kinds of parties from kid’s birthdays to baby showers, people are wanting to get the coordinating invites, note cards, stickers, address labels and more.  Deatils are what it's all about!

6 - Handwritten Notes - Yes, there isn’t anything that makes you feel quite like getting a hand written note in the mailbox and that feeling is catching! Handwritten notes are going to make a comeback because it feels as good to send one as it does to receive one!

7 - Shapes and Textures – Printed paper items will be offered in a wider variety of ornate shapes and papers, from shimmer to recycled, from rounded corners to ornate frame shapes.

8 - Custom Illustrations - People want to add personality to their paper and though monograms and personalized items will always be in style…we will be seeing more custom artwork. Expect to see more custom illustrations of the couple on their wedding stationery or even fun and stylish sketches of family pets included in personalized designs.

9 - Letterpress - What’s not to love this year (and every year) about the simple beauty of letterpress…letting the paper itself become the art.



10 - Typography - Creative and unique typeface is much more in vogue with the vintage influence and it has the ability to take an invitation or stationery anywhere you'd like it to go.  From setting off names in a fanciful font to introducting your guests to the great gatsy-style theme, play with the fonts to fit your style and the tone of your event.





Photo Credits:
Envelopments - Dauphine - Pinterest - Celebrations at Home