Twice a year furniture manufacturers, retailers and interior designers gather in High Point, North Carolina for what some have called ’Fashion week for the furniture industry.’ Here is a sneak peak at trends in furniture, fabrics and color for the home this season.
Live Edge Tables
Cabinetmakers Cherry Live Edge Table by Harden Furniture
Live edge tables incorporate the natural edge of wood into the top of the table. Harden Furniture introduced this style of table a few years ago. So while this is nothing new, we will be seeing several variations of this look at market. The most surprising of all is, outdoor furniture company, Pride Family Brands’ cast aluminum live edge table. This solid aluminum table mimics the look of real wood, while offering the durability of metal.
Belle Epoque Dining Chairs with Hourglass Live Edge Dining Table by Pride Family Brands
Wall Mount Umbrellas
Treasure Garden, perhaps the largest umbrella manufacturer in the country, will introduce a smart new design. The Veranda umbrella, comes in 5’ x10’ rectangle, and mounts directly to the wall. This is perfect for seating groups where furniture can be pushed right under the umbrella. No longer will guests have to maneuver their heads around a pole to see one another.
Color Trends
Legacy Area Rug by Jaunty Company Inc.
Jim Brooker, Ohio Sales Representative for several companies including Jaunty Company Inc., Artistica and Wesley Hall, sees the neutral color trend in fabrics and textiles continuing through the winter.
“Grey is still really strong,” says Brooker. “But, we’re starting to see it mixed with browns, and other neutrals.”
Dimensions Area Rug by Jaunty Company Inc.
Neutrals have been a strong color category for the furniture industry for several years. With the beginning of the 2008 recession consumers in general pulled back from large purchases such as furniture. Those that did purchase furniture went with neutral colors, tans, taupe’s, white, and grays, safe choices that would not quickly go out of style. The furniture industry still relies heavily on neutral color ways, but Brooker has seen tentative steps toward brighter shades on both retailers’ and manufacturers’ floors. Blues of all shades seem to be making a comeback after nearly a decade hiatus, as are bold reds and yellows.
“In my opinion it shows optimism for the future,” Brooker said.
Accessories
Cantina Ceramic Bowls Set of Four by Abigails
Abigails, an importer of decorative accessories, is also showing brighter colors this season, while still trying to remain neutral. The Cantina collection is a prime example. This quirky new tabletop collection is adorned in several colors, but on a neutral background. These muted colors on a neutral background allow you to mix Cantina pieces with many different colored plates or simply use with white serving dishes.
Mixed Media
Mixed media furniture, furniture that mixes a variety of materials like wood and iron, has been gaining momentum. Robert James Collection is known for their chic mix of wood and various metals. The new Dunmore Bed is a wonderful example of mixed media. The legs, posts and side rails are solid wood, while the headboard is made of steel and the canopy rails of forged iron.
Dunmore Bed by Robert James Collection
Motion
Motion furniture, such as recliners, swivel and gliding chairs, has continued to be a growing category of furniture. Swivel chairs used to be relegated to grandma’s house, but with the rise of open floor plan homes swivel chairs have seen a resurgence. Now guests can watch television in the family room, then swivel to talk to their hosts in the kitchen all without having to stand up.
“I’ve even had requests for skirted dining chairs that swivel,” said Brooker.
Marcus Swivel Chair by Taylor King Furniture
Images Courtesy of:
hardenfurniture.com
Laurie Rudd of Pride Family Brands and Treasure Gardens
abigails.com
jauntyinc.com
robertjamescollection.com
taylorking.com
