Back in the fall after the highpoint market I listed the trends seen this year and have been selecting some to highlight.  Lacquered Furniture was very popular as well as bright colours.  This treatment on traditional pieces gives an entirely new and exciting look.
Adding a bright pop of colour to a traditional piece makes it unique and exciting!
Here are a few examples of some lacquered pieces, both contemporary and antique

 

 

Pantone Colour for 2014 -

Well, it's here - another new year and another new Pantone Colour.  This year's choice is #18-3224 Radiant Orchid, a captivating, magical, enigmatic purple which brings a bright spot to the current dull days we are experiencing.  Radiant Orchid seems to be a mix of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones which gives it a nice joyful  & uplifting look.  To me it brings a feeling of spring since I think of the lovely spring flowers in that hue.  In looking back over the past few years it is quite noticeable that Pantone has been selecting bright colours as their 'Colour of the Year'.   There have been many studies on the Psychology of Colour and how it impacts our moods, feelings, behaviours and the image it tends to portray.  There is also historical significance in colour.  When you actually think of it you will have a certain feeling about a colour and whether or not you like or dislike it and this could be from a past situation etc.  I always think spring when I see colours like Radiant Orchid, Violets, Mauve's, Pinks, etc.

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®.  says “Radiant Orchid encourages expanded creativity and originality, which is increasingly valued in today’s society.” It also inspires confidence and joy.  

Being in the Purple family, this lively colour relates to imagination & good judgment and has an uplifting spirit. It is the color of people seeking spiritual fulfillment. It is said if you surround yourself with purple you will have peace of mind. Purple is a good color to use in meditation.  It has been used to symbolize magic and mystery and historically was the colour used by Royalty.  It is a combination of Red and Blue, warm and cool so many think of it as an ideal colour

We will be seeing this hue in Fashion, Beauty products, Interior Decor and many other places this year.  

Wearing and using this colour will enhance the skin and create a healthy fresh look.

When looking to home decor we can see how this colour can be used in many ways, including accent pieces and accessories which will liven up and offset all the neutrals we have seen over the past decade which is a great way to add colour and re energizes almost any color palette by providing a unifying element for diverse spaces. 

Just writing this post has given me a happy feeling by thinking about spring and sun, warmth and good days ahead and a few minutes where I forgot the cold and snow we are dealing with today.

      
A few rooms in this pretty colour

 
Spots where it is used as an accent

       A dramatic Dining Room

Accessories

   

Dishware

 Jewellery

  

 

    

 Clothing

  

    

 

Trends from Highpoint Furniture Market, Fall 2013

I always look forward to seeing what comes out of the Highpoint Furniture Market.

I was not there this past fall, however I have done a little research below are some of the trends

Glamour seems to be a strong message.  

We are also seeing a lot of Bright, Saturated, Complementary Color Palettes.  Big, Bold, Geometric Prints in Bright Colors.  We have had neutrals for so long it is now time to brighten up our spaces. 

 

Blue is once again popular.  Blue is evident in any photos I have seen from this market.  

  

 

Lacquered Furniture – lacquer on a traditional piece of furniture gives an entirely new look.  Adding a bright pop of colour is even more unique.

   

 Mid Century Modern – This has been more popular lately and even more right now.  If you grew up with it, you probably are not into it, however there are many who find it refreshing and fun.

Brass & Gold & Black - Very popular last year and continuing even more so this fall.  It adds a touch of warmth to our decor as well as a little luxe.

Metallic – Always a welcome addition and seen in accessories, tables, mirrors in the past but now we are seeing Metallic Leather 

Fretwork in cabinetry

Wallpaper is gaining in popularity as people see the new fresh designs and texture

   

Hide Rugs in Innovative Colors and Patterns

Natural Branches, reclaimed and live edge woods