6 trends on high

The inside report from the country’s biggest furniture trade show
2007-10-16
This chair from Sam Moore shows the popularity of polka dots.
Earthy colors like gray, shown in this Bluefish Home room, were in abundance at the show.
Each spring and fall furniture buyers flock to High Point, NC to scope out the latest trends and place orders for the hottest new pieces. This fall’s show wrapped up last week, and trend watchers spotted six major fashion themes. You can expect to see these styles arrive in Maine shortly.

1. Earthy Colors
Eco-colors continued to saturate new product introductions with earthy tones in various shades. Look for combinations of browns and greens or grays and oysters juxtaposed with bold metallics, orange-y reds, pink-y reds and saturated teals.

2. Retro Patterns
Retro styling moves to the fore with geometric repeat patterns and oversized florals remaining strong. Animal-skin inspired patterns continue to serve as neutral counterpoints, while stripes and linear polka dot variations abound.

3. Tactile Textures
Patent, metallic, suede, leather, knits, inlay and ornate detail were the key textures on view. Everything begged to be touched.

4. Organic Silhouettes
When it comes to silhouette, today’s key shape is the long, lithe rectangle. Structured styling with an origami edge is on the horizon. Even so, organic design still dominates in many manufacturers’ showrooms. The hottest home furnishing looks appear to have sprouted from Mother Earth.

5. Stud Style
Stud-ly style is coming to a store near you. Keep an eye out for furnishings embellished with nail-head trims used in interesting new ways. Reflective design is another crystal clear fashion trend shining through, with chandelier-like details popping up in unusual places. Chunky furniture jewelry also was on display in the form of ornate legs and pieces dressed in oversized beads and crystals.

6. Historic Inspiration
Global design, spanning a wide array of historic periods, is being brought forth in fabulous 21st century style. From Britannia and Celtic to Craftsman and Americana to Old World Euro and Pan-Asian, there is a look to satisfy all tastes and pocketbooks. Look for glam furnishings reminiscent of Old Hollywood, 1920s and 1930s Parisian styling and very modern takes on Deco.