What’s Selling and Who’s Buying?

Now that we know that furniture sales are increasing, it is important to know who is actually buying and what styles they are looking for.

Although millennials and younger consumers are generating buzz and talking about brands and trends on social media pages and through blogs, they aren’t necessarily the ones making the purchases. Baby Boomers and Gen-Xers are the ones buying furniture, and they are buying blues and grays, turquoise and spring green. More trends at retail include blonde woods with interesting grains, and consumers are steering clear of the old and tired espresso finish.

Photo by Holly Marder. See more contemporary entry designs

Photo by TruexCullins Architecture + Interior Design. See more farmhouse dining room designs

Most trends introduced by retailers come from trade shows like the High Point Market. Market is a platform for manufacturers to use to introduce new colors and trends. Retailers are able to visit their best and favorite vendors and talk with them about the new things they are doing, and the things they are going to be discontinuing, which gives retailers a heads up as to what will be in stores in the next 6 months to a year. Edward Massood, President, Home Furnishings of New Jersey, explains, “By far, High Point gives us the direction for stories, inspiration and merchandising. We come back big-eyed from seeing how presentations are created to wow a retailer, and we take it back to wow our customers. If we can create an environment that we get excited about, we get our sales staff excited about it, and the excitement grows as our customers get excited about the possibilities for their homes.”

To read the full story, click here. 

xx Meg

Retail Trends: Home Furnishings Edition

Styles, colors, and fashion trends are all very important factors in the furniture world. However, all of these mean nothing if furniture isn’t selling. In previous years, furniture sales have been down. This is because the furniture industry is cyclical and relies on the economy and the housing market to be profitable. If people are buying and building homes, furniture sales are great. One of the main reasons furniture suffers in a bad economy is because it is a post-ponable purchase. People would rather spend money on items that are seen more in public, like clothes and cars, if disposable income is limited.

The good news for retailers is that sales are up! According to Sarah Paxton, Vice President of Sales and Finance at LaDifference, “We are experiencing more consumers who tell us they are moving or building, and that is a very good sign” (via highpointmarket.org). Edward Massod, president of Home Furnishings of New Jersey and operator of four Thomasville stores, is positive, but remains cautious during this time of increased housing sales, saying, “We’re encouraged, but our direct benefit comes from new home sales. We’re seeing an uptick in the confidence level, but it hasn’t yet resonated across all our floors.” We are seeing increased consumer confidence which is being mirrored in an increased in traffic and sales.

I can’t wait to see what is to come for furniture stores and manufacturers in the upcoming years. I have a feeling we are going to be seeing a lot more work for retailers and interior designers coming soon!

You can read the full article here.

xx Meg

Junk Shop -to- Stylish Curator

Eclectic styling has been a huge trend in interiors recently. Open shelving and knick knacks are at the center of this design process, but despite what it may look like, it is a process, and there are rules you need to follow to avoid looking like an overrun antique store.

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Rule 1: Mix it up

Whether it be colors that don’t traditionally go together, or pieces of furniture from different eras, mix and match some of the pieces in your space. My recommendation: do it slowly. Start by choosing one aspect you want to mix up. Some examples are:

1. Using an unusual color palette
2. Pairing different furniture styles (e.g. Mid-century modern and Industrial)
3. Using different patterns at different scales

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Rule 2: Compliment the house 

When picking furniture and accents, pick ones that pick up on any interesting architectural elements that are already in the house.

Photo by Georgetown Development. See more eclectic kitchen designs

This photo is the perfect example. The rustic trestle table compliments the cupboard doors while the stain on the unique spool chairs mirrors the kitchen’s dark brown ceiling and metal garage door tracks.

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Rule 3: Add interest

The most fun part about this style is that there are often super quirky and unexpected elements that catch the eye. Put up an interesting painting that you love, but may have been afraid to use before. I like to use pieces that have a story behind them, like my grandfather’s old cast iron Buffalo book ends I used to covet as a kid. It will make the space feel more comfortable, which is the idea of eclectic styles, and you are the one who is here most, after all.

Photo by Design Manifest. See more eclectic living room designs

Happy decorating!

xx Meg

House of Cards

Season 3 of the hit politico drama House of Cards has hit the homepage of my all time favorite entertainment source: Netflix. But before I admittedly spend the next 72 hours in bed with my Mac and a bucket of popcorn, I thought it best to get ready by analyzing the old Underwood townhouse and the gorgeous interiors that lie within it (because that’s the kind of design freak I am).

This picture perfect home for two reminds me of my grandfather’s old townhouse in D.C. The living room style is elegant, filled with neutral textiles and dark wood that gives a rich and timeless feel. My favorite piece in the room is the dark-stained fretwork hutch that adds the perfect amount of subtle detail.

Next, lets take a second to admire the sleek and classic black and white kitchen that these set designers have put together. Shaker style cabinets, subway tile, black countertops and steel appliances make up the industrial modernism style that lends a break from the rest of the home’s traditional decor. My favorite piece in here are the industrial modern metal counter stools.

Finally, lets end by looking at the room where the Underwood’s end their day: the bedroom.

Luxurious and elegant, the Underwood’s bedroom portrays a more transitional style with black and white photographs and geometric printed pillows. I love this space because while the rest of the home feels more formal, this room gives me a sense of comfort. This seems to be the only proof that someone actually lives here and it isn’t a model home on display.

Now excuse me while I get into my pajamas and start my House of Cards marathon.

xx Meg

NYFW: The Breakdown

New York Fashion Week has just taken over the city, and I’m sure your Instagram feed. These designers aren’t modeling chairs or bedding sets, but they do provide some insight into what will be popular in the home for the next season. There was once a 5 or 6 year trend lag from the runways to furniture showrooms and interiors. However, recently this gap is narrowing and the worlds are beginning to collide. Now, as soon as these fashion designs hit the internet and our social media feeds, home decor designers are taking these inspirations to their next collection, meaning there is only about a 1 season lag to see these trends in the home.

The biggest trends we saw at NYFW, and we will see in the home next season, are…

1. Orange: from pale peachy to vibrant shades
2. Furs: luxe and chic
3. Embellishments: beads, studs and other sparkles
4. Feathers: flirty yet elegant
5. Pink: neon to pretty & pale
6. Asymmetrical Hemlines: providing movement and interest
7. Fringe: coming to the forefront in a variety of ways

I can’t wait to see how these are used in the homes! I am thinking tassel/fringe drawer pulls…

xx Meg

Marsala

So, I have been putting off writing (and talking) about Pantone’s Color of the Year Marsala. I was not exactly sure how I feel about it. In some ways, I love the color. Deep Red Lips , Chunky Sweaters, and Shoes in deep wine are items that frequent my Pinterest board.

However, my original thoughts on the color for the home could be described in one way: dated. It took me back to the early 2000s when you would see this color as an “accent wall” in dining rooms. But as the color has spread to interior designers, I have seen a lot of blog posts and articles showing marsala used in more unique and sometimes bold ways, like in accessories and upholstery. Finally, I see a spot for marsala in more chic and contemporary living spaces. This is good for my mental state, because going against the all-knowing Pantone makes me feel like a total design traitor. Here are some interiors that use Marsala in different ways. All are showing the color is a more neutral setting, to really draw the eye to the bold color choice.

xx Meg

Spotting Style: High Point Market–Spring 2015

Now that we have entered February, we are one step closer to High Point’s Spring Market. Manufacturers and buyers alike are gearing up for the semi-annual home decor trade show that hosts designers and shoppers from all over the world. Last week, I talked about the Las Vegas Market, but High Point is a completely different ball game. Although many furniture trade shows like Las Vegas and Shanghai have tried competing with High Point (a city in North Carolina named the furniture capital of the world), they have fallen short.

High Point Market takes place every 6 months, once in the Spring and once in the Fall. Here are some facts that shed light on how large of a trade show High Point Market is:

• 75,000 Attendees Each Market
• Approximately 10% of Attendees Are International
• More Than 2000 Exhibitors
• 100+ Countries Represented
• Tens of Thousands of New Product Introductions
• 180 Buildings
• 11.5 Million Square Feet of Showspace

Woah! You can see why the High Point Market is the largest furnishings trade show in the world. All serious home furnishings buyers, from large retailers to mom-and-pop shops, can be found at this market twice a year to see new product introductions and designs from thousands of showrooms. Their website says it best: “If you can’t find it in High Point…it probably doesn’t exist.”

xx Meg

Sources:

http://blog.ladiff.com/2014/05/high-point-market-follow-up/

http://highpointmarket.org/

What Happens in Vegas…

Last week at the Las Vegas Market, a home decor tradeshow that showcases new products from domestic and international designers and manufacturers, took place at the World Market Center. Maintaining my identity as a poor college student, I wasn’t able to fly out there for a week. However, I lived (as I often do) vicariously through blogs and articles showcasing this year’s most popular home trends. One site that I would consider the online home enthusiast’s bible is Houzz.com. Here I was able to look through the eyes of interior designer Shannon Ggem as she toured the market, finding trends popular amongst multiple showrooms.

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First: Egg Shapes

“Eggs are so evocative, because they are the promise of things to come.”

-Shannon Ggem

Egg and oval shapes were popular amongst light fixtures, accessories and nesting boxes. Glass and pottery eggs were displayed in several showrooms through bookcases, in bowls and scattered on tables. The Las Vegas Market was clearly embracing this trend, showcasing an egg sculpture called Home by Michael Aram which greeted visitors in the World Market Center.

Senda Chandelier from Noir; Photo by Shannon Ggem

Michael Aram Home Sculpture; Photo Courtesy of Bloomingdales.com

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Second: Rose-Gold and Coppery Tones

Warmer metals have been gaining popularity in recent markets. Last spring we saw gold and brass finishes come back stronger then ever, and although they are still very popular, this market we saw rose-gold and copper gaining momentum as well.

“A pinky copper color  like rose gold is optimal when you want to use a metallic but don’t want to be cold.”

-Shannon Ggem

Rose gold was seen this market in bowls and other table top accessories, as a leafing, and most importantly, as a main focus for metal furniture and furniture legs. I hope to see more of this metallic finish for the High Point Furniture Market this April. I love that it can be a statement, but still soften a room.

The Lucy Chair by Bend

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Third: Organic Shapes

Although I love furniture and decor with a strong geometrical design, there is a special place in my heart for design that incorporates organic shapes. This market, along with natural occurring shapes like the egg, leaves and branches were popular as well. One of my favorite pieces featured in Shannon Ggem’s Houzz article are these Barnacle Wall Art pieces from Phillips Collection. To make them even better and shine a little bit brighter, they are encrusted with rose gold!

Baracle Wall Art Phillips Collection; Photo by Shannon Ggem

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Fourth: Gold Leaf

Gold leaf anything has long been something I coveted. I first encountered it with my grandmother, an amazing artist who would use gold leaf in paintings and clocks she made; it always added the perfect amount of sparkle. Now it is finally gaining popularity among home decor and furniture designers, and I couldn’t be happier! It seems that interior designer Shannon Ggem feels the same way:

“I love how gold leaf has become something you can mix into a casual setting. It used to be only for heavy formal estates, but now you can stick it next to a raw linen slipcover and it looks just right…”

-Shannon Ggem

Gold leaf is extremely versatile, and with the increase in popularity amongst warm metals, it can be incorporated in any piece for the home to add shimmer and elegance. Ggem saw gold leaf among accessories, mirrors and furniture legs in Vegas. I am hoping this isn’t going to be a short lived trend and am looking forward to seeing what unique ways designers can use gold leaf in future markets.

Magar Coffee Table by Made Goods

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Fifth: Wood & Resin Combo

Last but certainly not least, is my by far my favorite sighting from this years Las Vegas market–the wood and resin combo. Manufacturers and designers are taking rustic wood and wood remnants and creating some truly gorgeous and unique pieces  that I would die to add to my living room.

“The resin adds a little shine and puts the focus on the beauty of the wood.”

-Shannon Ggem

Talk about taking something truly organic and aged pieces and giving them a more contemporary look. When the resin is poured, whether free-flowing or with help from a mold, it fills in the voids of the wood and adds depth to create a layered look. Some designers stick to the clear resin, while others are taking the extra step and adding recycled glass or metallic flecks. I have to say both are equally gorgeous. Most of of combos seen this market are larger pieces like benches, tables, stools and side tables. Here are two images, one showing the simple clear resin, and the other incorporating a crystalized look similar to pieces with recycled glass.

Kas Nesting Tables by Made Goods

Glitz Stool by Phillips Collection

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So there you have it! Everything gorgeous and wonderful and trending from this years Winter 2015 Las Vegas Furniture Market. Now somebody go buy this stuff for me; I’m a poor college student, remember? 🙂

xx Meg

Ready, Set…

This is my first blog post…ever. So as first blog posts go, I guess I should be introducing myself. I’m a 21-year-old soon-to-be graduate studying home furnishings at High Point University in North Carolina: the central hub of all things furniture. At a young age, every birthday I asked for my room to be redecorated. I loved a new theme, furniture, and freshly painted walls; a new room for me was other kids’ barbies, legos and video games. My amazing mother somehow always made it happen, spending long nights after work for a week straight to get my room ready, just to have it do it again the following year. As I got older, I took on the task myself, spending my minimum wage paychecks on bedding and thrifty finds from local yard sales. When I arrived at college, decorating my own space and shopping for new items for my apartment was what I lived for: from there I found my passion and now my career path. There are two majors in the relm of home decor at High Point: Interior Design and Home Furnishings. Although they sound the same, they are completely different. Home Furnishings is focused on the furniture/product itself, as opposed to the space. My passion lies within the former. I am driven by beautiful pieces of furniture and love to use this knowledge of the industry to identify upcoming trends and what people will be putting in their homes in the next season. It may sound like a snooze-fest to most, but for me it’s thrilling. My ultimate goal by graduation is to have a job as a Home Furnishings and Accessories Buyer or to work generally with a furnishings retailer/e-tailer. But for now, I will be blabbing on about design inspiration, gorgeous furniture, and lifestyle trends to the 2 people that are probably reading this. Enjoy 🙂 xx Meg