Dear Readers: What’s new in home furnishings? Several people wanted to know what we found at the international High Point Furniture Market this Spring. So here’s our semi-annual take on trends that may or may not be coming to local retail stores later in the year.

DESIGN
Furniture, over all, appears to be shrinking. This may very well be an indirect result of the economy, a time when attitudes include belt-tightening and downsizing in general. But unlike a large vehicle that requires more fuel to operate, and is therefore more expensive to own, bulky furniture affects manufacturing costs or end user costs very little. The posturing is more likely about the symbolism of streamlining and simplifying. Fewer cushions on seating (think bench cushion seat), fewer skirts on chairs and sofas, and smaller arms on upholstered items contribute to this look. Some side tables are downright tiny, but hold a nice cocktail.

TEXTURES
Metal is still strong in tables and accessories—especially floor lamps, and there’s also a trend toward tripod three-legged floor lamps. Different metal finishes and treatments, exposed nail heads on upholstery, and some polished chrome imitate an industrial look. In contrast, wood treatments are becoming more refined, with less emphasis on distressing and more on sophistication. The same could be said for stone and cement surfaces, which seem to look cleaner than in years past.

COLORS

Gray is still strong, but no longer dominant. Blues, white and greens are back in the palette—some woods are even “limed” (a process of rubbing white wax into the grain). Fabrics are softer, with more use of chenille and linen, and we saw a lot of large, botanical prints on natural fabrics. Strong reds were there, too, especially in some manufacturing lines offering a retro look.

TRENDS
Now more than ever, styles are all mixed together for a sophisticated, eclectic presentation. Transitional pieces share the spotlight with antiques and contemporary art. Even the major “name brand” lines are mixing up styles within their collections, so that pieces complement each other rather than match each other. Of course, we’ve been doing that for years—but it takes longer to turn a cruise ship than a yacht. (I had to think about that for a while, too!)

It’s always interesting to see what is happening on the international scene, and which styles filter down to local retailers. Usually the public’s choices are limited to what a store buyer thinks he or she can sell the most of, which often prevents an earnest shopper from even knowing what’s possible. If you can’t tell, this is a plug for designers, who if professional don’t buy from retail stores. It’s why we always go directly to the various Markets around the world for our inspirations, and ultimately our clients.