The High Point International Home Furnishings Fall Market is abuzz with all the latest and greatest from furniture and accessory manufacturers from all over the world. After touring dozens of showrooms, I would like to share the home furnishing trends I am seeing this fall. Keep in mind that “trends” are intermediate to long term in duration often extending for several years. “Fads” are much shorter term in length and are not intended for my discussion on creating lasting, timeless interior environments. As I have mentioned in the past, there are very strong parallels between home furnishing and fashion trends. Look at what you are seeing in the latest women’s fashions and you will more than likely find the same elements in interior décor.
1. Colors are high on the list of everyone’s favorite interior decorating topic. There is a definite shift from the dominant “Emerald” color of the year to the upcoming, new kid in town shade of blue as the favorite for interior decor. I will spend more time in a subsequent article sharing examples of the 2014 color of the year. Purples, Reds, and Blues have taken center stage! The blues are dazzling, the purples are passionate and the reds are hot! No pastels or subdued shades here.
2. Natural Grains in wood are showing up everywhere. Though painted or lacquered furniture make great accent pieces, the trend toward showing the authentic wood grain is strong. Think “reclaimed, sustainable, driftwood, weathered”. This trend is reflective of the growing interest to be more environmentally friendly.
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3. Warmer Metals are making a strong comeback. Not the shiny brass of the past, but a richer, softer, warm toned gold is seen in furniture, hardware accents, lamps and accessories. Metal detailing on traditional or contemporary furniture pieces makes for an interesting accent.
Find out what's happening in Alpharetta-Miltonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
4. Pale Neutrals as seen on the fashion runway models are making a presence this fall. Creams, nudes and taupes balance some of the season’s more powerful shades.
5. Animal Themes are here for the long run. This is definitely not a short-term trend. Cheetah and zebra prints are still an important part of the interior design world and widely used as accent pieces in a well-planned room. Some interesting “faux” animal heads made from natural materials are taking the place of the ghoulish trophies of the past. Don’t get carried away with this concept! A piece or two will do and can be incorporated into both traditional and more contemporary decorating styles.
I hope you enjoy my brief glimpse into the world of interior design trends! As always, use what you LOVE in your interior environments! Stay tuned for my special report on color trends for 2014!
Be well and LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE!
Allison Havill Todd | AHT Interiors
