Trend Report: Fall 2008
WithIt,
Women in
the Home Furnishing Industries Today, held its semi-annual Competitive
Intelligence Trends Panel in High Point last Thursday. Panelists included
Barry Dixon, Barry Dixon, Inc.; Raymond Waites, Raymond Waites Design, Inc.
and Michael Wolk, Michael Wolk Design Associates. The panelists and moderator
Ellen Gefen discussed several emerging trends in the industry:
Colors: Minimal and earthy neutral pallets, as well as organic influences
were noted as strong. Dark brown, parchment, berry, rose and pink were mentioned
as prominent colors. Further discussion indicated that reds are becoming
warmer, greens are moving to more olive tones, and purple is lightening
to lavender shades paired with grey for a subdued effect.
- Customization as a Competitive Weapon: Panelists discussed
the ability to offer the customer exactly what he or she wants as a
way to stand out from the competition in both upholstery and case goods.
This has the added advantage of bolstering domestic production. Strong
unique looks can draw attention, particularly on the high end of the
market.
- Smaller Scales: The many advantages of featuring smaller-scale
furniture were highlighted, including lower transportation costs (more
units per container) and lower costs of the raw materials which translates
to lower, more compelling, retail price points.
- Other Highlights: Case Good Trends - Inlays and marquetry in
case goods with motifs inspired by and reminiscent of tattoos were noted
with interest. Limed finishes to highlight the grain of wood, and walnut
finishes were noted on case goods.
- Upholstery Trends - Swarovski crystal accents, bold Marimekko-style
prints, flocked fabrics and linen weaves were mentioned by commentators
when discussing upholstery.
- Overall Trends - Organic textures, pewter-finished metallics,
softer aesthetics in contemporary furniture, and historical references
in clean-lined, smaller updated traditional styles were mentioned
about as impacting all categories.
When the discussion was opened up to the audience, attendees contributed
the following observations:
- Berry was the "in" color in Paris's recent fashion season. Noted by
Connie Post, the Connie Post Companies.
- We may be entering the era of "Victoriana II" where diverse styles
and designs from cultures around the world, as well as past and present
times, are combined into new forms. Noted by Jenna Hall, AspenHome.
