As our regular readers will already know, Fridays are a day to talk about integrating design trends into real world, real life spaces for our clients in Minnesota and beyond. Today, we will explore the overall trends shown at High Point market in April 2011 and how they can be integrated into current spaces.
1. Softer, Warmer Contemporary
People have often viewed contemporary furnishings and design as cold, distant, uncomfortable, and unwelcoming. The Midwest in particular has been slow to adopt some of the more popular contemporary trends on the coasts. But this year’s contemporary focuses on softening the harsh lines. Designs are still clean and monochromatic (hallmarks of contemporary design). The lines of the furniture emphasis a form that follows function instead of being purely decorative. But contemporary has gotten a little squidgy around the edges. Padded headboards in clean linen looks, a warmer gray and cream color scheme, and soft driftwood tones with mild distressing take the edge off contemporary and make these pieces easier to incorporate into a more transitional home decor. Consider adding a contemporary piece done in a warm wood tone to update a country or lodge look.
2. Coastal Cottage
Driftwood and linen translate well from a warmer contemporary to an east coast cottage look that is breezy and casual while maintaining more traditional design details. Turned or cabriole legs, cotton fabrics, toile, lighter wood tones, and woven grasses and reeds complement more formal traditional looks. A large design challenge for those who appreciate more formal furniture design has been the advent of the great room in homes. Formal living rooms are becoming things of the past, and traditional details on a more casual piece can accomplish a traditional look without feeling too formal for a family living space.
3. Classic Greek
Just like in fashion design, interior design trends work cyclically. It has been quite awhile since we have seen a Greek Revival in interior design. Fluted carved wood, columns, and classic greek chair lines were big at High Point this year. This trend works well with traditional and contemporary designs. Consider using a more formal fabric on a classic Greek chair for a traditional space or a funky color or design for a more contemporary space. Unexpected combinations will add interest to your space.
4. Gray
Gray continues to be a large trend in furniture. Taking the place of a chocolate brown as the ‘new neutral,’ gray is a warmer shade than in the past. More mushroom grays with brown undertones are popular, instead of the cool blue grays of the early 1980’s. Gray works as a neutral on many levels and can conteract a chocolate brown in a space lightening up a largely neutral palette.
As we progress through the next few months, we will talk about more specific trends, but these general directions were hallmarks of the High Point Furniture Market this season. Look for pieces coming to stores in the next few months to follow these general design trends.
