WV Design Team: Home design trends for 2016 found at Furniture Market

I am writing to you from the passenger seat of the “Yeager Mobile” (our work truck for Yeager Design & Interiors) as we head back to West Virginia from the High Point Furniture Market in North Carolina.

As I reflect on the last four days and the miles and miles we walked, the thousands of pieces of furniture we sat on, the complimentary bloody marys and wine we had to drink (hey, it’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it), I am beginning to thread together just where the design trends are headed this spring.

Over the past few markets I have seen the introduction of reclaimed wood, then the addition of metals to make it different. Then came the linen sofas, etc.

I couldn’t help but wonder what the next big thing would be at this market. Who was going to break out of the Restoration Hardware bubble and guide us to a different design? I’ve got to tell you, not many people are straying from the path of RH, but I did spot a few noteworthy trends that you may be interested to know about.

Neo-classical vintage is what I’m naming the new trend. What is Neo-classical? Neo means new and classical refers to furniture and accessories that resemble styles of the past — revamped and now mixed with vintage objects and architecture to create an updated, polished look that is colorful, fresh and purposeful.

Hues of blue

Blue has been big for a few markets now, but what I’m seeing is a departure from the turquoise, teal and aqua to a more concentrated direction toward navy, cobalt and truer blues. Everything from art canvases, drapes, pottery, pillows, throws and upholstery were decked out in blue. It was mixed with golds, pops of gem-tones and even classic blue and white.

Velvet upholstery

Throughout prominent furniture showrooms and even the temporary booths, we noticed a resurgence of velvet being used on classic frames of accent chairs and sofas. Whether it was gray velvet or emerald green, these furniture pieces were used as the glamorous centerpiece of roomscapes and paired with interesting woods and metallic accessories.

Metal chairs

We’ve seen metal chairs everywhere this market, whether they are counter, table or bar height. Predominantly, the Carlisle Chair was the most present and accounted for, but in bright new colors, some with wooden seats, some with a shorter back height and even some in kids sizes (too cute).

We think these are a fab way to break up the monotony of everyday kitchen and bar seating and even mix your colors.

Bonus tip: Most of these can be used outside as well.

Gold, gold, gold

I’ve said it 1,000 times, but I’ll say it again: mix your metals.

I can’t tell you how often I try to introduce gold into my clients’ homes and they look at me like I’m a crazy person. Listen, we aren’t talking about your grandmother’s brass light fixtures and door knobs. We are talking about gorgeous gold sculptural accents, gold-dipped feathers, golden-hued lighting dripping with luxury and crystals.

Gold is everywhere, and I, for one, am ready for the gold rush.

Joined and repurposed wood tables

“Reclaimed” wood has been on the scene for quite a few years, but “repurposed” wood is on a whole new level. Dining tables made from an old slat gym floor, barn wood, railroad ties and more stole the show.

Joined wood tables can come in all kinds of shapes, sizes and thicknesses and can be anything from subtle and refined to colorful and loud. Some may be rough-hewn with texture, while others are hand sanded to the point of perfection for an ultimate luxurious feel.

Selenites and agates

Whats and whats, you say? Selenites are a cloudy/semi-transparent mass of gypsum crystals. They can be the size of a small log or even the size of a nugget. But they were used all over market showrooms as a beautiful white accessory. And we even saw some with hand-applied gold leafing. Gorgeous.

Another stone-like accent used everywhere was agates. Agates are a crystal-like variety of silica that look like a stone that may have been cut in half to reveal a beautiful, sparkly surprise inside. They were used in paintings, as book ends, table accessories and even light fixtures, and came in many different colors and sizes.

In general, market showed us some repeats of shows past and, thankfully, a few new tricks to pull up our designer sleeves. But there’s one last trend we saw that may not be for just anyone. Everywhere we looked we saw well-dressed young men sporting handlebar mustaches.

In all seriousness, though, keep your designs fun, adventurous and true to what makes you happy. As my mother always says, “Buy what you love and you’ll love it forever.” Don’t fall for fads and maybe embrace this neo-classical vintage style, one sitting at a time.