CURRENT ISSUE
| Cover Story |
| Columns |
| The Color Forecast |
| Column | |
| By Hanna Aronovich | |
| Sunday, 01 July 2007 | |
 The Summer 2007 Las Vegas Market is scheduled for July 30-Aug. 3 at the World Market Center. Lamb said that families' changing lifestyles and the need to multitask will continue to influence design. The presence of technology in the home grows every day, and designers are incorporating features such as pullout laptop desks on the edges of sofas and entertainment centers designed to hide connections and cables. "Modern traditionalism" will continue to emerge through 2010, Lamb noted at the show in February, describing modern traditionalism as "tradition with a twist," such as a sofa with classic legs, but no arms. She also said traditional furniture will be redefined with luxurious fabrics including silk and satin, as well as graphic patterns and new textures. Designers are "giving tradition an update," she stated. Other trends Lamb highlighted included wallpaper making a comeback; rich fabrics; flocking; metallic ink, collages and embellishments on walls and fabrics; tulip patterns; and contemporary, angular surfaces. The industrial trend is hot in certain markets, Lamb said, and rougher looks, such as dressed-up concrete, bare bulbs, stamped sheet metallics, tables with industrial overtones, laboratory glass with pyrex beakers and porcelain flowers are making an appearance. Lamb predicted that contemporary, angular surfaces are a trend to watch from 2008 through 2010. Sustainability also remains a top focus, and Lamb said designing and buying with a conscience is big, especially for manufacturers such as Copeland Furniture, Eastern Breeze, Environment Furniture, Aaron Foster Designs and Four Hands. Reclaimed and recycled wood, soy-based cushions and water-based fabrics are all popular materials. However, despite the growth in environmental trends, Lamb pointed out that synthetics are making a strong counter-trend. "A sizable group of consumers want the look but can't afford it," Lamb said. As a result, laminates with the look of wood are growing in popularity along with other man-made materials, such as metallic plastics and vinyls. Sales in the youth market will reach $5.7 billion by 2010, which is a 24.5 percent increase from today, Lamb said. The youth market – from newborns to teens – is taking on an edgier look with the use of leather, skull-and-crossbones prints and even black cribs. Christine Chow, director of membership for The Color Association, gave attendees at the Colorwatch Seminar at the Las Vegas Market an idea of upcoming color trends. Color is interlinked, Chow said, and nature is influencing interiors. Kabuki reds and sky blue accent a palette of moss greens, browns and stone grays. Home décor trends continue to mimic fashion trends. Black steps aside for indigo and deeper purples, and Japanese themes are reflected with plums and olive greens, Chow stated. Metallics continue to appear in aged, brushed or hammered hues of brass, pewter and copper. The less-flashy look make metallics a new neutral, Chow said. New optimism is reflected in the full-color spectrum as the cultural mood become happier and more energetic, Chow explained. Lush colors and dramatic styles are coming into vogue. In outdoor fabrics, Chow said, unexpected color combinations, organic prints and patterns will be popular. "Color impacts us on levels both conscious and unconscious," Chow said. Multi-color designs will remain important, she explained, adding that color combinations are key, and "colors cannot exist alone." Chow also noted that color can be interjected in the home through functional items, such as hued iMacs that double as a décor accent. Mark Your Calendar To learn more about the latest trends and industry news, visit the Summer 2007 Las Vegas Market. The event is scheduled for July 30-Aug. 3 at the World Market Center. Visit www.lasvegasmarket.com for information. |
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