NYNOW Summer 2015 – Design Trends Are Neutralizing!

NYNOW Design TrendsFor those of you who actually read my blogs, THANK YOU!

Here is my update on the SUMMER 2015 NY NOW show’s design trends that I’ve been teasing in my recent blogs. First, I must tell you that I went with my 12 year old daughter. I honestly was not sure what the result would be – do we ever know when it comes to 12 years olds? – but, unlike the Arch Digest Show, this trade show offers gifts, jewelry and BABY THINGS (and my daughter is obsessed with “all things baby” now that her cousin is PG). Three and a half hours later, we were still smiling and taking fun shots – and yes, collecting brochures on everything baby. Here is what I was able to absorb in between “the softest baby blankets ever”, bib buckets, and handmade wool stuffed animals.

2016 DESIGN TRENDS

1.  Metallics

Metallics are still visible although the number of vendors displaying their bling appears to have dropped this Summer. But decorative pillows, skin rugs, bedding, lighting and some accent furnishings still “shine bright like a diamond”.

Metallic Bedding Metallic Pillows

One of my favorite sources for decorative pillows is Ryan Studio and I am still a big fan after seeing their new collections at this show. Callisto caught my eye for their decorative pillows and throws.

2.  Animals

Animals are still a BIG emphasis in Home Decor. Sheepskin, cow hides, alpaca, rabbit, lamb’s wool were in abundance (and there was a booth with faux furs that looked SO real – I will have to make a trip back to Javitz to try on one of the ponchos – so cool). But I digress . . . . bean bags and rugs, pillows and throws. The soft texture mixed with the natural colors – this is a trend that is still very popular.

Fuax sheepskin is a strong design trend

3.  Color, as in NO Color

As for color trends, we did not experience deep, saturated colors as much as I saw in previous shows. I feel we are trending back to neutrals (which makes me VERY happy since I ordered a new sofa and 2 accent chairs for my apartment in neutral beiges and tans). The silk and wool rugs feature subdued patterns and tones – very elegant! This is one of those design trends that combines the organic movement with historical precedent and the blue-gray walls that have become almost classics nowadays.

Neutral Rugs

4.  Skulls

Of the more crazy design trends we saw, my daughter said I must mention the skulls – yes, they are STILL huge in decorative objects, art, pillows, wall-mounted sculptures. I am not sure I understand the obsessions but the trend is still alive (ha, no pun intended).  As a hard working NYC home stager, I’m unlikely to use these in any of my staging designs… Goth is small market segment and we tend to want to cast a wider net. As for Halloween…

Sometimes it just goes too far!5.  Cozying Up

Perhaps it’s just winter coming, and how hard last winter was. But there were a lot of textile vendors offering pillows, throws and furniture specifically for snuggling into. Hunkering down with cable knits, soft cotton and furs were popular suggestions at many booths.  And it is here that we saw that formerly familiar pop of orange, the acid green and soft blues for all the girls who have invested heavily in mid-century modern and want to accessorize accordingly.

Cozy 2

Notice the metallic background for display! 🙂

The hunkering down cozying up design trend

 

Which is your favorite trend?

 

NYC Home Staging Guru Scans Trends At The NY NOW Show

NY NOW ShowThe NYNOW Trade Show in Manhattan (formerly known as the New York International Gift Fair) just ended.  Luckily I was able to sneak away from home staging NYC (it’s been so busy) for a few hours to see what new and exciting home accessory trends would be available to designers this fall.  The show requires 2 separate venues – the Javitz Center and Pier 92 – in order to accommodate all of its vendors.  I wore the wrong shoes, for sure, and forgot to bring a tote bag for all of the literature I picked up along the way.  But since I was mainly interested in home decor and accents, I was able to focus my time at the Javitz Center and take in quite a bit before I had to make like Cinderella at midnight.

For those who have an unbridled passion for home accessories and trends, here are the highlights of the 2013 NYNOW show:

VINTAGE

Vintage Furniture still a trend 2014So vintage, industrial and weathered has been the rage for the past 2 years, and guess what? It still is! Vendors such as Made Goods, Go Home, Roost and DK Living prominently displayed a variety of items that fell into these categories. Rugs, decorative objects, furnishings, ottomans and benches, mirrors – if this style is your passion, the choices are endless.  A perfect compliment to an industrial and vintage decor is leather so these vendors also exhibited their cowhide upholstered ottomans, benches and chairs.

HIDES

And if hides are not enough to quench your animal thirst, you can still indulge in a mounted head or antlers or skulls or fossils, all presented in a variety of finishes.  Paper mâché. Resin. Lacquer.  Newspaper wrapped. Even bejeweled.

Fall Trends 2013 and Winter 2014COLOR

For those who are looking for some color this year, you will not be disappointed. But be prepared for substantial pieces with thick bodies and shapes.  Chippendale Chairs, dressers, chests, and wall mirrors were energized by vivid colors and lacquered finishes.  Beware: these pieces are not meant for the meek and shy.  They scream to be the center of attention in a room.  A perfect accent or focal point! And how can I report on colorful home decor accessories without mentioning the infamous Jonathan Adler? Anchoring one of the aisles, his bold shapes, forms and colors always grab my attention.

 BLING

I am not certain if my next observation is a widespread trend or a nod to the the fact that the show draws a BIG crowd from the ‘burbs  but there were several vendors showcasing their “Bling”, especially on accent pillows.  Rhinestones and sequins galore! Not my taste, but thought it was worth mentioning.

MADE IN THE USA

On many vendor booths, “Made in the USA” was as important to the branding as the company’s name and logo. I am a very proud “aunt” of a  Corporal in the United States Marine Corp;  these vendors always receive a thumbs up and an “oorah” from me.

Let’s wrap it up Oprah-style . . . My Favorite Things.  Without a doubt it was Whitbead Wilkinson, created by 2 women in London who used their marketing and product experience to create a line of home accessories. Securing a license from Pantone Universe and from Eames Office, Whitbread Wilkinson launched lines of eye catching kitchenware that captures the identity of these 2 brands in items as simple as a coffee cup or a coaster!

Whitbread Wilkinson Pantone Mugs

Whitbread Wilkinson Tea Set

That’s my sum and substance of the show. Coming soon: my Color Commentary for staging and design.