You know when you were growing up and you thought about what the future was going to hold - especially any year above the millennium. That we would be hoovering to and from work, wearing our Jetson's inspired get up with everyone having a robotic maid, ah sigh on that one. Well, unless you have an affliction to The Black Eyed Peas wardrobe and a huge amount of disposable income you probably don't. It is funny to realize that with technology ever growing into every aspect of our lives it seems as if the consumer is wanting to chill out on the home front and get back to a natural, more organic pad - perhaps to take respite from this all-encompassing technology. Back from recent trade shows in Las Vegas and Paris Maison&Objet, the interior design reps have brought back with them the trends for the coming year.
Grey
Grey was everywhere and in every single booth. This was the grounding color, with all other accents layering over it. It appeared warmer, almost taupe or brownish grey, more so than in years past.
*This may in direct collaration with the recession and or companies wishing to increase productivity amongst the fewer amount of employees that they do have. Notice most offices and businesses are dressed in colors of grey...my personal house is pretty much all grey too, albeit the warmer tone and everything looks good on it
Linen
This was the other top trend of the show, linen everywhere! There is definitely a shift happening toward soft, natural textures, including hand woven natural looks and linen on everything from tables to furniture to bedding.
Pink
All manner and style of pink was represented. Lavenders and muted pinks layered well with all of the grey. Hot pink and fuchsia played off of green-cast yellows and reds. Deep burgundies and blueish reds combined with greys and browns. However, the most interesting shade was a new mauve/ lavender. Kim predicts we will definitely see this color again and again, as it’s strong yet understated and a great complement to greys.
All manner and style of pink was represented. Lavenders and muted pinks layered well with all of the grey. Hot pink and fuchsia played off of green-cast yellows and reds. Deep burgundies and blueish reds combined with greys and browns. However, the most interesting shade was a new mauve/ lavender. Kim predicts we will definitely see this color again and again, as it’s strong yet understated and a great complement to greys.
*I predict mauve - it will be given a new name, please!, it feels ugly coming out of my mouth - will be the 2011 color...
Natural Wood Finishes
Not one bit of stained mahogany or traditional wood finishes here! Mostly raw and reclaimed natural wood finishes, bleached woods and painted wood case pieces. Even the painted wood pieces had a very grey appearance.
Metallics
This is a trend that has been gaining momentum for years, and is really making an impact on all different types on fabrics, especially skins and textures. Embossed velvets and leathers remained strongly represented.
Over-scaled Motifs
Traditional patterns like plaid appeared here in huge scale, making them more of a feature. Scale was less about size and more about impact, with bold patterns, florals and framed damasks. Kim said she is already seeing a trend toward drama through accessories, like pillows, and designers are achieving that through boldness of scale.
Stripes
Usually the most reserved and hardly a trend, this year stripes appeared in every scale and construction, with the most interesting being the funky and unbalanced patterns and monochromatic iterations.
Ethnic
This trend is still going strong with bold yet soft to the touch kilims, ikats and textures and stripes. Ethnic prints have been modernized and softened, and are being translated into multiple settings.
Transitional
In years past there was always strong representation from more traditional vendors. This was the first year where the transitional category really took over and began to encompass every niche of design. The renewed interest in art deco and art nouveau blended well with modern and transitional styles, and came across less strict and regimented as in years past.
*Trends above from Kravet
A few other trends that have already taken over the Pantone planned world of decor...
- Turquoise - this trend is already in full force this year - AND I LOVE IT!
- Honeycombs - yes like the bee's home, mostly since as a new pattern in textured fabrics much like the herringbone or other solid or tone on tone fabric
- Pleating - in fabrics & trim themselves
- Antique/Rubbed Brass - Silver is OUT, Brass is back
- Organic Fabrics
- Origami Inspired Furniture
While these are what will be hot this year, never do I recommend to a client to run out and redesign their entire house based on what is hot this year and not the next. Updating with art, pillows and fabrics and accessories can give your client a new look for 2010 - no shiny silver jumpsuits required.
