Many new design concepts are being unveiled in European markets, and incorporating them into projects here in the United States could be just what some clients are looking for.

Looking across the Atlantic Ocean might prove to be a valuable source of inspiration for U.S. designers. Many new design concepts are being unveiled in European markets, and incorporating them into projects here in the United States could be just what some clients are looking for.

As president of the International Furnishings and Design Association, I receive invitations to several furniture shows throughout the year. This year, I attended the Maison & Objet and Planete Meuble shows in Paris in January, as well as the Winter 2007 World Furniture Market show in February in Las Vegas.

Although the Maison & Objet show has been one of the premier furniture, textile and accessory shows for more than 10 years, the Planete Meuble show is only in its second year. Attending Maison & Objet is a must for all American furniture manufacturers, designers and retailers. I am surprised that more do not attend. As a designer or retailer, this trip is worth volumes to put you ahead of the rest. With knowledge comes professionalism and the ability to educate your clients.

Attending this show allows you to provide your clientele with cutting-edge knowledge that can't be gained by the competition. You'll be able to inform your clients that, in Europe, white is the new beige. Off-white is out and bold colors are in. Faux-finished walls are out and being replaced with clean, clear tones, and many of these clear tones can be used together in the same room.

Some of your clientele will be interested in participating on the cutting-edge, and some will not. But all will be impressed with your knowledge.

An entire pavilion called "Verve" was designated to showcase high-tech products, including the latest in multimedia. A considerable amount of high-tech furniture in bold colors was exhibited. Most of the furnishings were done with metal legs and smooth or micro-fiber solid fabrics. The pavilion also features pieces with lacquered woods, harking back to mid-century design at its grandest.

In a more traditional genre, the exhibit demonstrated that the bergere chair is alive, well and living in Europe - everywhere and with every style. This chair can be put in any room with contemporary and traditional settings.

The new take on this old chair is that it is not finished in wood finishes such as mahogany or birch or oak, but rather it was shown in black, white or bold colored lacquers. This is paired with two-toned damask patterns of black and white or any other bold color with white.

The wood tone in the forefront was a grayed driftwood tone - somewhat of a dried-out finish. Some wood finishes didn't even look sealed or protected; it appeared to be just raw wood. Displays were absolutely fabulous with entire houses built in the convention hall - floors, walls, drop ceilings and all.

Easing into International
Attending furniture shows in Europe does not have to be an overwhelming experience. I found clear signage and helpful services available for North American attendees.

For example, a country of origin flag was shown at the entrance of every space. These signs identified the origin of the furniture, as well as the value of our dollar.

There is also a tasteful symbol at the entry to the spaces that indicated whether the manufacturer would deal with designers or just stocking dealers. It was wonderful to know the requirements in advance, and this would be a great concept to adopt in this country.

If you plan on purchasing, there are agents available to assist with the language barrier, along with dollar conversions, import fees and container pricing. The agent also tracks your purchases through to the United States, although it might be financially better to bring home ideas to create the concepts through local suppliers.

Show on the Home Front
From Paris, I flew directly to the World Furniture Market in Las Vegas, and I saw a few concepts that were displayed in Paris creeping into our arena.

One main difference between the two shows is that Las Vegas really knows how to put on a party. The Blue Man Group was brought in to entertain with a huge opening bash. The Maison & Objet, on the other hand, is all business.

Some of the showrooms in Las Vegas are always inspirational, such as accessory and accent furniture company Global Views and Arteriors lighting company. But, we still have certain vendors that simply line the furniture up, which leaves little to the imagination. Shows are not just for selling; they should also inspire - with inspiration comes sales.

The new building in Las Vegas is no slouch. There is indeed a lot of glitz and glamour on the strip in Las Vegas. The magnificent architecture of the two World Market buildings is unparalleled; the second building is more fabulous than the first. Flying into Las Vegas, from the plane these two glorious buildings are visible past the strip. They have brought elegance and stature to this town. The July 2008 World Market will bring on the third new building. I, for one, can't wait to see what is in store.

Blazing the Trail
Be a leader, not a follower by attending shows for inspiration. I believe that what is shown in Europe this year will be shown within the next few years in this country.

Is the United States ready for these exciting new concepts in this country? What can be more American than contemporary ingenuity? Not only are we ready, but in our own way, high-tech contemporary is what our inner-city designs are all about. Perhaps we are not embracing the bright colors yet, but history shows that we will, as we have with past European concepts.

It may take quite a few years for these bright, traditional concepts to enter our market with much substantiality. Our clientele tends to be more conservative regarding color choices. Acceptance by neighbors, family and friends keeps us from stepping out of the mold of beige, sand and browns with a touch of green and persimmon. In a few years, I predict the presentation of bold colors and color contrasts will excite our clientele.

On my return from Paris, I asked the CEO of a major upholstery company in High Point, N.C., if his company would add white or black lacquer to his wood choices. "Not a chance," he said. Let's see if he changes his mind in about five years.

Judith Clark, FIFDA, CID, is the international president of the International Furnishings and Design Association. She is also the owner of Design Elements, a home furnishings store in Danville, Calif. For more information, call 925-837-5839 or visit www.judithclark.com.