Okay, so I’ve digressed the last couples of posts. The last installment from High Point highlights will be covering the eco-friendly movement. Over the past couple of years, the eco-friendly or green movement gets more and more play at each market. This Spring was no exception. In fact, not only did we see that trend increasing, but related to that was the increase of more traditional, vintage, and comfortable furnishings and accessories. Items that were repurposed or used recycled materials were also popular. There was a lot less glitz, glam, and Hollywood Regency. My colleagues and I were on the contemporary furniture floor in the largest building called IHFC (International Home Furnishings Center), where they have most of the contemporary furniture showrooms and the whole floor was dead. You can have 20-30 buyers in one showroom at a time and this entire floor was empty. It was shocking. In the past, the hallways would have dozens of people in them on this floor. So here is my theory on that. With the economy in its current state, I think people are less likely to take a chance on something that feels like a trend and are sticking with classic timeless traditional purchases that feel safe. I felt a more casual vibe too. I'm seeing it in the catalogs too. Restoration Hardware has the new vintage trunks collection and Wisteria has a lot of linen "grain sack" upholstery. So here are some pictures to illustrate.
Petticoat Floor Lamp, Organic Uphostery and Fabrics
Penshell Lamps and Wood Console
Swoon! You'll be seeing more of this fabric
"Vintage" Trunks make great cocktail tables
So, what do you think of the look?
I agree. Since I was with you at Market - I couldn't believe the lack of interest in trendy style. However, I enjoy the classic and always have so it is nice to see some favorites coming back into play. Recycling furniture is very green as well and I have found beautiful timeless pieces that I have in my own home and placed in clients' homes. The Internet makes that very easy with places like 1st Dibbs.
Posted by: Paula Grace | June 11, 2009 at 06:35 PM
I love pieces that have some history to them...I always wonder who may have owned this, where it traveled...to me they are gems!:o)
Posted by: Lara Harris | June 12, 2009 at 01:25 PM
I love vintage - when furniture has a natural worn in look to them it feels so much nicer than something shiny and new
Posted by: Daly Essentials | June 12, 2009 at 06:38 PM
Although I love some of the new trends out there I live in an old house (200+) so I try to inject some new with the old. I'm going for country modern and I love some of the items above like that chair with that burlap-style fabric!
On another note, what is the wall color in living room 01? We are about to paint and that is the color I have been thinking about!!!
Posted by: daily decorator | June 12, 2009 at 10:42 PM
The color on the walls in LV 01 is Ben Moore HC-89 Northampton Putty. It is a fail safe neutral and one of my many HC favs. Is that fabric not awesome? Stay tuned next week for more on that fabric.
Posted by: Kristin | June 13, 2009 at 08:48 AM