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Design Dude dishes latest market finds
 | | Jon Fortuna, the Design Dude |
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Design Dude:
What are the latest trends in decorating? How can I make them work in my house? - R.J.
Thanks for the question, it couldn't have come at a better time... High Point Furniture Market occurred last month, and there were several trends both in terms of style and color that should be big in the next few years. As we look at the trends, I'll give you a few tips on how to introduce them into your space without having to cast aside everything you already own.
The main thing that seemed to be highlighted in every category was a clean, fresh romantic look. After years of minimalism, suddenly "pretty" is everywhere. The difference is that the look is still somewhat spare, with strategic accessories and bolder fabrics and finishes that stop this pretty look from being fussy and overtly "girly". Some of the components of this look are:
Chinoiserie:
After years of being out of fashion, this fall all things oriental are very much at the forefront in the world of design. Whether a true oriental form, or an adaptation of a classic oriental decorative form, like the Fretwork chair from FFDM, a touch of the orient will instantly make your home seem up to date and stylish. If you don't want to commit to a large piece of Chinoiserie, try adding a lamp like this Blanc de Chine table lamp from Currey & Company.
 | | This Blanc de Chine table lamp from Currey & Company adds a touch of Chinese influence. |
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Mirrors:
Mirrors, and mirrored furniture were still very eve r ywhere. This fall, however, gold framed mirrored seemed to be making a comeback. The most influential shape was the sunburst, like this example from Uttermost. Try stacking an inexpensive sunburst mirror over a regular rectangular mirror and double the style of each.
Lavender:
Lavender, pale pink, and other cool colors were used in conjunction with cocoa brown, gunmetal grey, and green in a number of room settings. Try adding a few small touches, like throw pillows or vases, like these
from Global Views to give you a jolt of clean, calming color without overdosing on the sweetness of it all...try adding a little rough hewn texture, like a piece of driftwood or a wooden bowl to help ground things even further.
 | | Vases in pale pink help accent colors like cocoa brown. |
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Damask:
Texture was still the king this year in fabrics, but damask, which is a flat woven texture, usually with an abstracted floral design was another trend worth watching.
This chair from Hickory Chair wears a typical damask pattern with a linen finish.
Those were the trends for you to look for in the next year. Until next time, remember to look, love and live with great design.
Send your questions, comments and story ideas to John the Design Dude at fldesigndude@aol.com.
 | | Damask is making a comeback, as seen on these chairs. |
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 | | Sunburst mirrors like this one instantly update your home. |
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