What’s New at Furniture Market in North Carolina? - Part 4 of 6
By: Sue Rosenbaum, Staff Designer
Happy Spring to everyone. I just returned from a buying trip in North Carolina and wanted to share with you some of the fun and exciting finds that I came across. I assure you I will write about lighting and accessories in the next article.
It was exciting to find so many vendors pleased to be manufacturing in the USA. They’ve brought back offshore production to the states and are proud to say that they have a “green” or environmentally friendly division of their company. Most vendors had signs near the entrance to their booths stating they were “Made in the USA” or “ECO Friendly”. Many are using reclaimed woods such as elm and oak. This is the perfect way to reduce the carbon footprint and be “ECO Friendly” at the same time. Cheers to these vendors and their progress towards furnishing a more “green” home.
The colors we are seeing are very happy and uplifting. Bright greens and warm avocados are paired with clean and clear yellow and orange. For the first time in many years, there is a marked return to deep saturated blues and a variety of grays.
There’s still quite an influence on retro colors and graphics. I saw dots, ovals, and 60s and 70s shapes and patterns, as well as white lacquer furniture. We are still seeing the “Hollywood glam” look, but it is very toned down and subtly elegant.
We also noticed a widespread juxtaposition of casual and formal; simple white linen fabric with black script upholstered on a formal French chair frame, which was painted white and distressed. We saw light-hearted natural linen lampshades with formal silk tassels and beads on a carved, ornate black base. Burlap, largely printed tote bags, pillows, and upholstery provided quite an interesting feel.
The furniture vendors have finally listened and heard that the furniture room suites should have an eclectic and “collected over time” look and feel, rather than strictly matching. They have dedicated entire sections of their showrooms to this approach. Thanks, finally!!!!!
I also saw many, many vendors for outdoor furnishings.With the economy on somewhat shaky ground and the “stay-cation” all the rage, clients need to make their outdoor spaces feel like part of the home. There was everything from Adirondack chairs to fully upholstered steel-framed furniture that could go in the living room or family room if it could not withstand the outdoor elements. Resin wicker in a dazzling array of colors and blends was also a great find.
We also noted a particular emphasis on the multi-purpose uses of furniture. For example, wine bottle and glass storage below a bistro table, or storage cube ottomans under a square coffee table, or china cabinets with wine glass and wine bottle storage options inside. We even saw a half round storage bench at the foot of a bed in one showroom. There was also an extensive showing of quite narrow, 8” or 9” deep console tables. This is a very smart option for a front hallway or even behind a sofa that floats in a small space.
There were some interesting interpretations on the classics in the area rug showrooms. We saw combinations of flat chenille weave with a textured popcorn stitch and tone-on-tone patterns with silk and wool, creating a sheen where the silk is used. They also used tone on texture, a “stencil” effect in a longer shag pile with a flatter loop background. Ribbons woven on a backing, slender polyester “rat tail” cording woven on a backing, soft and cozy polyester chenille shags, jute loops and braided jute were quite appealing. There are still lots of shags, frisee and long fiber rugs, also. These are very tactile and interesting underfoot.
There is a new look in lighting, specifically on the shades. Imagine a two-layer shade. The under shade was of one shape, square for example, in a neutral color with an over shade of a metal mesh of another shape, perhaps round. This created a very ethereal feeling and it was unexpected but pleasant. There were metal shades with cutout damask patterns on the shade and very detailed silk burnout shades with beads and feathers.
I look forward to seeing you at the store. Call to schedule a complimentary 1/2 hour consultation with me for your color dilemmas. Bring digital photos of the space and surrounding spaces. Bring fabric samples and swatches from anything else that will impact a color choice. See you soon!!!!
