Downloads from the world of design for 2018
Wow, another spin around the planet and another furniture market this last January! I have been going to market for almost 20 years now, and I have seen quite a bit over the years! I remember when we opened the store we had denim, slipcovered sofas! They were great for families out in the Applegate with kids and dogs because they could wash the slips and they just became more worn and wonderful like your favorite jeans. I think the concept still has relevance here in Oregon, but I can tell you for sure, it’s not trending!
As much as I do advocate a timeless interior, it is fun to freshen your look, keep your home from feeling like grandmas’, and stay in touch with trends just a little bit! This year, things are headed toward more elegance, nice tailoring, and a modern mid-century mix as well.
Here is my take:
Neutrals
Neutrals are still very popular in the market! Grey/ greige coloring continues to be the most featured in terms of wall colors, upholstery, and wood tones for floors. I think in southern Oregon there needs to be a sensitivity about that sometimes, because our exterior is so warm with manzanita, evergreens, and rich, forest colors. I always think it’s important to consider the entire landscape of your home, as you look at paint and décor colors from the inside to the outside.
Graphic Patterns/ Crisp Linen
There are some incredible fabrics being introduced currently that really pack a punch. Simple, clean, white bedding and the investment of one amazing pillow fabric is a way to really transform a bedroom. Consider making drapery in a graphic print to give a room a huge update with no painting or construction required.
Swivel Chairs
Swivel chairs have been popular for decades and even more so now! We are seeing a very strong resurgence of a mid-century “look” with swivels that keep them from feeling clunky! Swivel chairs are great when you have various points of view in a room, between open kitchen/ living areas, to viewing a tv, or enjoying the outside view, swivel chairs just make it all happen.
A little Edginess
Let’s face it, the design world likes to push boundaries, consider artistic choices, and doesn’t necessarily want to fall into an HGTV Joanna Gaines world. Many of the showrooms at market had a lot of fun pushing boundaries with big, graphic art that was vintage, playful, and a bit naughty. That unexpected, element of surprise in design can keep your home from looking like a catalog!
Big, articulated , odd lighting.
A big trend is having kitchen pendants, or dining room chandeliers just a bit bigger and weirder than before. It can be very striking and fun, but don’t count on that fixture to feel relevant in 10 years!
Wingback Chairs
As they say, “everything old is new again” and Wingback chairs are definitely IN. The scale and proportion of the new wingback styles is more edited, more tailored and trim. A wingback offers wonderful support for your neck and head, a place to rest your arms, and is just cozy!
Wingbacks are also being made with slipcovers as well as swivel/rocker styles so if you need a new chair, consider a wingback style. The visual between a low-back sofa and a high-back wingchair also creates great visual interest in a room.
So here’s to this crazy world of design, may you walk into your home and ask yourself how it speaks to you, and, do you need to add a small dose of hipness or an unexpected and fun twist?
