Spring 2010 Top Ten Design Trends

            If you are thinking about doing some decorating in your home this year, you may be interested in the hottest home fashion “must haves” from last month’s High Point Furniture Market.  More than ever, homeowners are looking to their home as a haven and want it to reflect their individuality, so here are this spring’s top ten design trends in the home furnishings industry, to help you accomplish just that.

            1) ECLECTIC ACCENTS.  The #1 Direction in home furnishings, eclectic accents bridge the gap between the elegance of traditional and the informal comfort of transitional and soft contemporary styling.  This is done by mixing various elements and accessories from different periods and styles, rather than being confined to one definitive “in the box” style.  Versatility was evident in all the showrooms, with something for everyone who is looking for fresh choices.

            2) SUBSTANTIAL AND MASCULINE.  “Tall, dark and handsome” would be an appropriate description for the plethora of home furnishings with a bold sense of masculinity.  Clean lines and chunky proportions prevailed among furniture styles.  Leathers, tweeds, plaids, oversized ottomans and handsome recliner chairs were in abundance.  Leather covered armoires and desks were particular standouts.

            3) BOLD BEDS.  No matter what design—four poster, canopy or sleigh—bed proportions are predicted to be bigger and better than ever.  Elegant bed coverings were featured everywhere, as were large plush chaise lounges.  The strong trend toward cocooning was definitely apparent here.

            4) HI-HO SILVER.  The Midas Touch has turned to silver, replacing gold as the #1 choice for a luxurious finish.  Silver will be more prominent in the traditional areas such as accessories, but look for it to pop up in fabric weaves and trimmings as well.  Bronze and copper finishes were also strong, especially in antiqued and distressed finishes.

            5) BLACK IS BACK (AND SO IS BROWN).  Always a fashion favorite, black is back in a big way.  A touch of black was evident in almost every showroom in lampshades, tabletop accessories, frames and bed coverings.  Black and white in harlequin diamond patterns and in French toiles were seen everywhere.  Rich warm browns in all coffee shades made a strong showing as well.  Paired with the metallic touches mentioned previously, the look was irresistible.

            6) MIXED MEDIA.  Accent and occasional tables were an exciting mixture of materials which made each piece seem distinctive.  Leather and iron, wood and glass, woven reed, hammered silver, stones, and even papers---all combined for the intriguing look of eclecticism.

            7) TOUCHABLE TEXTURES.  Highly textured solid and woven fabrics, chenilles, tapestries, velvets, supple suedes and leathers have overtaken prints as the newest ‘feel good’ fabric trend.  Even the cottons are ‘sueded’ to impart a look and feel of comfort and luxury.

            8) PIZZAZ WITH PATTERN.  As a result of texture being more prominent in fabrics, pattern is taking off in floor coverings and accessories.  From needlepointed, hooked and chain-stitched area rugs to patterned and beaded lampshades, there seemed to be no end to the variety available.  Animal prints were still in evidence, but to a smaller degree than in recent years.  Ethnic touches were strong, with exciting accessories from all over the world featuring vibrant colors and patterns from Morocco to India, China to Turkey.

            9) MIRROR-MIRROR.  Mirrors are popping up everywhere.  On table tops, on walls, even on armoire doors; it seems we just can’t get enough of ourselves.  Small mirrors on easels for table tops to huge framed mirrors that rest on the floor and soar towards the ceiling were all interestingly framed in myriad materials and shapes.  Even tiny mirrors embroidered into silk fabrics sparkled to catch the eye and the imagination.

            10) DECORATIVE HARDWARE AND TRIMS.  Dramatic and innovative, decorative drapery hardware featured a variety of unusual metals and themes which add tremendous visual interest to window treatments and upholstered furniture.  Tassels and trims were embellished with beads and crystals for additional elegance.  Pillows and lampshades were enhanced with feathers, chenille fringes, and carved wooden beads.

             As the largest furniture and accessories market in the world, High Point is a fantasy of the latest products and design in the home furnishings industry.  Look to the direction and forecasting from High Point to ensure that your investment in home décor will be on target and timeless.