I just returned from a trip to the Furniture Market in North Carolina. As always, it was an important and informative visit. I am able to see what the current and upcoming trends are.
Opinion
As a designer with a storefront, I am able to enter certain showrooms that a smaller decorating entity cannot. And I can purchase at better, bulk pricing that I can pass on to my customers.
Leather upholstery was abundant.
What is popular now are mostly chocolate, grey and camel color leathers. One leather that was getting a lot of attention, and that I really liked, was this sage green leather.
I found it on sofas, sectional and chairs. I usually suggest a neutral fabric on larger upholstery, so this chair would really pop in that scenario.
Recliners are hot, hot, hot! And again, leather was the leader.
I found that many of the recliners are motorized. As this feature has become more common, I have found that almost all of my upholstery vendors are offering it at a much better price option than it used to be!
This motorized leather recliner was very popular. And the neutral hide and transitional styling makes it easy to fit any decor.
Sectionals are no longer the bulky upholstery they used to be. I noticed more modern and curved sectionals were at every showroom.
I like a curve on the back of a sectional. A square corner piece can take up a lot of space, protrude into a walkway and is uncomfortable to sit. Options, such as matching ottomans that can be added to sit like a chaise and media consoles that can be added between seats are a great design detail.
I have found in clothing fashion that retro designs from the 1960s and 1970s are back. And so it is in home furnishings. I loved this tufted velvet sofa with bullion fringe at the base. Every detail about this screamed retro! Yet, it is so transitional that it could fit into a contemporary or traditional setting!
The popular finish for bedroom furniture was light and neutral. It is a beige finish with a little gray undertone. This look is very transitional and easy to incorporate in any theme.
I particularly liked the silhouette of this bed. I am looking forward to using this bed for several clients and using different bedding groups to get some great custom looks!
The bed wall system I found in several furniture lines. I like how the headboard stretches out and encompasses the nightstands. It is a sleek, clean look that makes a nice big impact. These types of designs have a lower headboard, so there is an opportunity to place art over the bed on the wall.
The lighting at this market was all about the POP!
Large, dramatic fixtures were all over the place! My two favorite chandeliers are below. The multi-pendant fixture comes with long chain and wire so the length can be customized. This would work really well on a staircase so that the multi layered balls can light a stair step area really well.
This fixture would look great from any side as it radiates a great dramatic glow!
