What’s New in Home Furnishings in 2009
Recently, I had the chance to speak to one of the top interior decorators in Phoenix, Arizona. She really impressed me
with her breadth of knowledge about how to transform a home and bring out the very best in what a clients wants in a
home. Here is an article from Cynthia Hammersley. To schedule a FREE no obligation appointment with Cynthia, just
give her a call. You will be amazed at her portfolio.
http://local.decoratingden.com/chammersley/
Given the challenging economic times, I was very curious to learn what home furnishings manufacturers would be presenting at this year’s winter furniture market. The market fair was held February 9-13 in Las Vegas and previews what will be the home furnishing trends for the coming year. Four trend concepts emerged from this year’s show and will be in retail stores by late spring.
It’s All About Shape
As consumers continue to move toward more clean, contemporary styling, manufacturers are accommodating these desires by presenting many upholstered pieces which focus on the organic form. Some excellent examples of this are presented in the new signature line created for Lazar Furniture by HGTV’s Michael Payne (Designing for the Sexes). In one example, Michael designed a spare sofa with a gently curving shape. The shape was derived directly from the curve of a leaf, folded in half along its central spine. Fabrics are usually solids with a pop of color provided with throw pillows. The result is a visual treat which provides a surprising amount of comfort.
Simple round shapes were also popular in tub chairs and drum shades. Also, repeating squares, diamonds and circles were used in wood pieces such as headboards, dressers and coffee tables.
Sustainability
This year the green theme was taken to a new level with the introduction of a new dedicated pavilion to sustainable design. New uses for natural materials were found in lampshades made from leaves set in geometric and repeating patterns. Fast growing and easily renewable materials such as bamboo and sea grass are being woven into mattresses, bedding, chair frames and headboards. Recycling was also a big theme. One side table used discarded metal pipe cut into rings which were used to create legs.
Dressmaker Details and Bling
The use of Swarovski crystals in place of buttons on tufted chairs and headboards was repeated by several vendors. Also, every manner of button, tape, top stitching and even buckles were used to provide a single, simple adornment to a stripped down item. One vendor provided a simple slipper chair, stripped down to its simplest form and covered in a soft, dusky purple fabric. The only adornment on the chair was a belt and buckle at the back, with the buckle adorned with rhinestones.
Mixing old and New, Black and White
One showroom took large antique armoires and dressers and stripped them down to the bare wood, which was then limed to create a soft white finish. This allowed the design details to stand out apart from color or finish. Another trend was the use of heavy, natural colored burlap to cover antique chairs with black turned arms and legs. These antiques were given a fresh new life for a contemporary setting. One more great example of this trend was the use of simple geometric shades in sheer fabrics over the top of ornate chandeliers.
