The High Point Furniture Market is the unofficial New Year’s Day for the interior design community. What we see at the manufacturers’ spaces in North Carolina goes a long way towards setting the agenda for what will be in or out in home décor, and this year’s edition gave us lots to be excited about.
First and foremost: Boucle is back and in a big way. Think of those luxurious Chanel suits and you’ll have an idea as to what’s in store. In its home-furnishings iteration, boucle offers unmatched texture and color. Surprisingly, it also provides tremendous durability making it perfect on the rounded overstuffed sofas and chairs that are so on trend right now. Want to start small? It’s easy to find a boucle pillow or throw to update your look and bring in the cozy softness you’re looking for.
Loving the beach as I do, I also was excited to see lots of new takes on blues and greens, not only in fabrics, but also in metal and wood finishes. The soft-toned hues still showcase texture and by mixing materials and textures stones, woods, and metals happily coexist. Where will we see them? Primarily in sofas and beds where they bring comfort and coziness to the eye.
Replacing a traditional piece of wood furniture with a mixed-materials piece is a quick way to update a room. Adding a metal side table or entry console can bring in fresh feel that is the farthest thing from being too industrial.
Something else to look for in metal pieces are muted, softer looking finishes. Think of the gold of your grandmother’s charm bracelet, loved and worn for years. Or a silver baby cup, a little dented and perhaps in need of a polish. It’s easy to bring in the look of metal, without feeling like you live in a factory.
By using different materials, we can change (or refine, as the case may be) the feel of any room. An example: the pebbled smooth finish of Shagreen pairs well with metal legs and hardware, bring luxe and glam to any space. Just think of how a Shagreen embossed desk would update the look and function of your home office.
And while traditional wood finishes aren’t the look we are seeing right now, you don’t need to fret over scrapping most of what you already own. Making a few small tweaks can bring big changes. Having an older piece painted in a silvery gray or matte blue will bring in a different vibe to your room. And if you’re not ready for repainting, updating only the hardware can go a long way in refreshing a dated piece. Small changes CAN have a big impact.
As we enter a new year, it is the perfect time for a change. You decide: big changes or small…new pillows or a whole new look. Resolve to take care of yourself and your space – a trainer for you, a decorator for your space. I look forward to talking with you soon.
To start your next interior design project contact Janet Bertin at 703-299-0633 or janetbertin.decoratingden.com.
