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