Week 2: To Trend Or Not To Trend? That Is The Question.

June 25, 2017

Week 2: To Trend Or Not To Trend? That Is The Question.

This week we’ve worked on class assignments that involved rendering fabrics in 15 minutes (or less) from physical examples and ones pulled from our imaginations. It’s easier said than done! Our instructor, Janet Lea Haddock, has the patience of Job and is coaxing us to rise to the next level. Striped sateen and embroidered linen were recognizable but my potted orchid needs therapy! It’s a wonderful environment and we’re enjoying the support and encouragement of one another. It’s a unique and wonderful learning environment.

Our blog assignment for this second week is to analyze the current color and design trend: what is it, why is it and where are we headed next? First, the demand for technology and sustainable design will continue to drive the field well into the next decade. Savvy clients are demanding products and materials that are manufactured using lean processes and designers can save time and money for these clients by referencing the ASID Environmental Scanning Report. Prepared annually, this report helps designers identify trends and enables them to provide real-time design analysis for clients.

Architectural Digest - Design Trends 2017

While designs will become increasingly interactive with increased use of technology in the home, research indicates that multiple colors and designs are trending at the same time. Farmhouse chic, industrial loft, and mid-century modern remain strong, but French Country and Shaker influenced lines have a loyal following as well. High-end kitchens continue to grow in popularity, as do wallpapers, artisanal textiles (rugs, upholstery, drapery fabrics, and wall décor). There has also been a resurgence of bronze and gold finishes for kitchen and bath hardware but the tones are muted and matte versus the old polished finishes seen in the 1980’s. Paint, fabric and décor pieces range from elegantly muted jewel tones (e.g. - https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/color-overview/find-your-color/color/2117-30/shadow?color=2117-30) to organic shades of green and brown (e.g. https://www.cb2.com/search?query=green ) All the trends share a common thread – livability and scale.

Anthropologie - Garden Chinoiserie Mural Wallpaper

https://www.pinterest.com/explore/baskets-on-wall/

Virtually every design style and color is trending somewhere in the United States and the same appears to hold true for the international design community. And it’s reasonable to conclude that we are headed to where our clients’ inclinations take us. Clients are increasingly savvy and while many cannot visualize their ideas they do have a sense of what makes a room functional and comfortable for them. There are several vendors in our region who are using practices that complement good design ideals and some examples follow.

Ethan Allen demonstrates that a commitment to classic design, whether it’s mid-century modern, farmhouse or French Rococo, stands the test of time and enables designers to create homes that reflect the aesthetic of their individual clients. Woods range from stained to painted finishes in a variety of hues and fabrics run the full color spectrum. While the designs are classic, the scale of furnishings is more modest compared to previous lines. Gone are the massive armoires and television cabinets. Low profile and open media cabinets have taken their place and bedrooms have cleaner, elegant lines.

Ethan Allen - Berkshire Arm & Side Chairs. Miller Dining Table

Ethan Allen - Joelle Console

Arhaus, an Ohio based vendor with several stores in our region, has a more eclectic range of offerings including classic tufted Chesterfield sofas, clean-lined contemporary chairs and tables and unique hand-crafted pieces that are part of their Revival line. There is a common thread with Ethan Allen and other mainstream stores in that woods are available in both stained and painted finishes.

Arhaus - Ming Buffet from the Revival Collection

Arhaus - Berwick Sofa in Bull Grey Leather

Arhaus - Industrial Crank Desk

Arhaus and its closest competitor, Restoration Hardware (https://www.restorationhardware.com/), offer furnishings in a variety of scales including industrial style pieces which continue to trend strongly. While most furnishings have become more moderate in scale both vendors offer large-scale pieces that are better suited to larger homes with soaring ceilings and oversized rooms. They part ways in terms of fabrics and colors with Restoration Hardware offering a palette consisting of muted neutral tones and predominantly natural fabrics while Arhaus offers a wider range of fabrics and colors.

Contemporary and mid-century modern styles are a staple at vendors like Crate and Barrel and its sister company, CB2, which has a more affordable line of furnishings that doesn’t sacrifice on style. Colors trending with these lines include metallic finishes in both furniture and décor. Pops of vibrant color seamlessly complement the light to mid-tone woods that dominate these product lines.