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High Point Market Report: Natural woods, unique accessories among top trends

Sunday, October 31, 2010
(Updated 3:01 am)

Going to the High Point Market is one of the perks of working as an interior designer. I love trend-spotting and checking out new products. There is always plenty to see during the fall show.

Visiting the show, held each spring and fall, provides me with ideas of what’s coming in the home design industry.

Some trends that we have been seeing over the past few years remain popular, but new looks emerged as well, bringing energy and excitement to those of us in the industry.

Here are some thoughts to consider when planning your next home decorating project:

• Natural remains the look of the moment, with reclaimed wood taking center stage. The bleached look is still popular, as is natural pine. Java finishes are still in demand and a medium fruitwood is getting notice.

• They say that classics are always in style, but at the moment, the look is particularly chic. Furniture profiles are getting softer and the look is shifting toward comfy classics.

In keeping with this trend, fabrics that are sure to be in demand in the coming months include plaid, herringbone, houndstooth, paisley and stripes. Linen also was a popular choice that I noticed again and again at the market.

• Tufting is the next trend to look for in upholstery. Nail heads are not as popular as they were a year ago. The upholstery that I saw tended to be smaller in scale and included sectionals.

• Eye-catching colors like bright teal, orange, red and crisp yellow were prominently displayed. Blue and white was everywhere in accessories and fabric.

Another color theme included natural organic looks with taupe-gray, gray-green and soft shades of gray in neutral color palettes.

Lavender was in a few showrooms, but not as popular as it will be by next spring, as I’ve been told by forecasters for some time now.

• Gold finishes are making a strong comeback, but don’t expect the shiny gold of a few years ago. The “new” gold has an attractive antiqued patina reminiscent of aged antiques.

• One accessory that I saw over and over again was the steamer trunk table. Think of a dressed-up version of the travel trunks you may remember from years ago and you get the idea.

The piece has been completely reinvented and is sure to be popular. Fun finishes include everything from vintage French laundry fabrics to sophisticated metal trimmed leather.

• Other fun pieces included menagerie display domes and geode and crystal clusters. These pieces are so beautiful and interesting that they are bound to show up on plenty of end tables.

• Porcelain and wood carved animal trophy heads also were on display. These decorative accents really are ideal to complete the clubroom look.

New products can help guide you in redecorating your space, sometimes providing a starting point for a whole new look.

Jessica Dauray is owner of Elements of Style Interiors, a full-service interior design firm with offices in Greensboro and Wilmington, and The Studio, a trade-focused fabric and furniture resource. Visit her Web sites at www.elementsofstyleinteriors.com or www.thestudioofgreensboro.com. Have questions? E-mail Jessica at jessicaofeos@bellsouth.net.

Accompanying Photos

Photo Caption: Jessica Dauray noticed a number of steamer trunks like these with fun finishes and trim.Elements of Style Interiors Inc.

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