While working with my clients I’ve noticed that there has been one constant. When making changes in their home, most homeowners find it difficult to choose the right color scheme.
The home fashion industry often adds to the confusion as we see articles in magazines and blogs indicating what the new hot color is. Why, there is even the Pantone “color of the year.” This year’s, by the way is, “Ultra Violet”.
I find it interesting that to make a violet, you would need blue because as colors come and go in popularity, blue seems to hang around and be a color that can always be used in eye-catching ways. In fact, at April’s High Point Home Furnishings market, blue was dominant. And, it looks its strength won’t be going away soon.
Blue is both classic and current and there is no combination more classic and current than blue and white. Think of a blue blazer and white shirt or denim jeans with a white shirt. Are either ever wrong?
Various blue tones can be used as a fresh blast of color or as a neutral to build a theme around. From deep, dark navy to cobalt to soft sea glass, the home furnishings industry and design in general will place a large focus on this important hue – blue in every shade, tint and tone.
We will see blue not only on walls, but in fabrics for drapery and upholstery. Blues work perfectly with many other accent colors and neutrals. Manufacturers are not holding back in stepping out from the “safe” grey or tan sofa as there were many examples in the market of an edgier blue application instead. We even saw blue wood tones in cabinetry and other case goods.
So, if you’re thinking of a new color for your home, give blue a chance.
Small is Big for Millennials and Boomers
An architectural and generational theme we saw driving a trend in the market was “small spaces.” This ‘Small is Big’ movement is being driven by the unlikely combination of both Millennials and Baby Boomers.
On the millennial side, their interest is both economic and need. Their finances dictate an efficient, less expensive living space and a feeling of not needing more.
Baby Boomers have a different motivation. Their need for space has diminished.
The good news is that the market is beginning to recognize the desires of these two large segments of our population and producing furnishings to work for both.
One of the most explosive product categories that has taken off over the past couple of markets is “small scale” tables. We saw fewer large tables and not many rectangular end tables. The idea behind a small round table is that it is moveable, thus more functional as well as decorative. These small tables are not costly, not a major decision to buy and not an “investment” or even commitment in furniture. They also can easily be moved around in the same room to change the look, alter the open space, or to be more useful for a party or gathering.
This may be why ottomans have become more popular. They are smaller and more functional than a typical coffee table. They are also multi-functional as they can be used as tables, extra seating and some even have storage. In addition, every showroom that has beds, positions a bench of some sort at the foot of the bed. Again, great for sitting or a place for bed toppings. So many uses!
In the end, though, interior design is all about you. Whether you use professional help or do it all yourself, it’s your taste, your lifestyle, and your budget that will make you love it.
Berenice Sanchez-
