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Being indoors during the cold weather makes me long for some new design inspiration. Recently, I ventured south to the Atlanta gift show for a much-needed break.

For those who follow trends, there was plenty to see. If spring can’t come soon enough, get ready for an explosion of bright hues. New colors for accessories will be orange paired with soft turquoise tones. The pairing of these two colors really works well. Purple, an emerging trendy color that we have been seeing for some time, is still in the mix. Gray is the new black.

Shagreen, otherwise known as shark skin, is going mainstream. It has a lovely subtle texture and sophistication unique unto itself. I saw shagreen being used on lamps, decorative boxes, trays and inlays for tables and desks.

I also saw some new trends emerging with gusto and some current trends fading, most notably the industrial warehouse look. The styles tended to be relaxed, but not quite as “recycled” as we saw six months ago. The bleached flour sack or “French laundry” look is still in the pipeline, but not as prevalent as it was at the previous show. I fell in love with some fun throw pillows and tufted linen accent chairs.  

Since this show is geared for spring buying, outdoor living was a big focus. I chose to buy all sorts of fun outdoor textiles, including throw pillows, area rugs — even some placemats.

The showstoppers were the outdoor area rugs. Many rug manufacturers are offering style and comfort to satisfy our zeal for hip outdoor spaces. Where once the outdoor “rug” was green AstroTurf, colors, textures and patterns offer unlimited potential and these rugs are soft. Rugs designed for outdoor use are also well-suited for indoor spaces such as family rooms and high-traffic areas.

Some other fun outdoor “must-have” items included gorgeous throw pillows, solar-powered party lanterns, large stainless steel standing Torchiere candles and outdoor stretched canvases designed to withstand rain, sun damage and even extreme temperature fluctuations.

The dragonfly designs that grabbed attention in the past have been replaced by new animal patterns like owls, bird silhouettes, octopus, peacocks and feathers. Shells and coral also were popular in many showrooms and collections. A noteworthy look featured large coral clusters for coffee tables.

Trade shows don’t always live up to our expectations, but the new looks I saw at the gift show got me very excited about spring. If you’re looking to make a design statement and searching for fresh ideas to mix it up a bit, the trends this year may be just the inspiration you need to get started.

Jessica Dauray is owner of EOS Interiors, a full-service interior design firm with locations in Greensboro and Wilmington. Have questions for a Design Wise column? Contact Dauray at jess@elementsofstyleinc.com.CutlineNew animal patterns have become popular.