Dan's Papers - June 5, 2009 -

You have to wonder about this notion of interior design trends. Where do these trends germinate and who sets them?

If there is any harbinger of things to come, home décor wise, then it's the High Point Furniture Market. It's the largest furnishing industry trade show in the world and is held every six months in High Point, North Carolina. This is ground zero for the serious retail home furnishings buyer. It's been said, "If you can't find it in High Point, it probably doesn't exist."

This year, not surprisingly, the emphasis continues to be on eco-friendly products, sustainable and recycled materials and energy efficient lighting. Designers continue to look for and develop more unusual ways to incorporate green design.

There is however a notable difference in attitude and direction. There is a sense of conservation, with an eye towards organic forms as found in nature and away from more minimalist transitional approaches.

Wooden furniture is finished to age well with hand-planed and distressed surfaces. Gone are the formal lacquered finishes that required your best behavior, as they were easily scratched and marred.

There's a kind of blending of styles, too. Modern upholstery, so straight-lined and spare in the past, now comes with the softer cushioning and curved edges one associates with traditional styles.

Small is beautiful, when you invest in decorative accents. The general idea is to update your home with a few gestures and bold accessories rather than with a complete design overhaul. To that end, the economic downturn has not resulted in a downturn of spirits in the interior fashion world. An historical corollary might be the 1930s. The worst years of the Depression were the golden age of Hollywood musicals.

As in the movies, where "over-the-top" seems normal, rich colors and patterns, glitter, glitz and even fur create a sense of luxury. Though interior colors still tend to be based in neutrals, think exuberant flamboyance in small enough doses to incorporate glamour into the real world.

To execute these flourishes, fashion design and interior design have linked and crossed over in some areas. Some of the trends seen on the runway showed up as fresh ideas in home déécor fashion by way of accessories.

Here are some of the major trends:

1. Sophisticated neutrals continue to rule the day with a rich variety of grays leading the pack. However, the overall effect is ramped up with vibrant colors such as purples, oranges, and yellows, for snap, pop and sizzle. According to Pantone, the global authority on color and professional color standards, Pantone #14-0848, Mimosa Yellow, is the color of the year. The company states, "The color is a warm, engaging yellow and deemed perfect for this year of change - hopeful optimism that the economic and political atmosphere will clear and provide utmost reassurance."

2. Carrying the optimistic point further, gold is used everywhere possible: on small items like flatware and candlesticks, and in embroidery. It's a symbol of prosperity and represents hope, in the form of a good luck charm.

3. Bling isn't what it used to be - iridescent wallpapers, textiles dressed with sequins and/or metal beads and shiny threads abound. Metallics are big, as are mirrored inserts. Anything shimmering and reflective goes. In fact, mirrored anything, from a box to a side table is a good and bright (literally) idea.

4. Sinuous, organic shapes define large tabletop sculptures and make for very effective focal points. "Expense" is no longer the key word; now it's "interesting" and "unique."

5. The themes of "back to nature" and "bringing the outdoors in" are seen with leafy motifs on fabric, as well as wood chunks or wrapped stems used as lamp bases. Small accent tables with tree trunk bases are such an example used on furniture.

6. Feathering your nest takes on new meaning. Feathers (yes, really) are used on tassels and trims, pillows, and table skirts. Think decadence, but don't overdo it. Use peacock feathers - they offer the best color and quality.

7. Fur, faux or the real deal, is very big this year. Use it wherever possible, on pillows, seat cushions, throws, rugs, and bedding. Fur still represents luxury.

8. Here's where you can throw your clothes on the furniture. As decorative touches, embroidery and ruffles are used to fluff up the scenery by adding more texture in an uncommon way. Speaking of "fluff," be careful with the ruffles. They are best used on small pillows.

Though moderation and flamboyance don't usually belong in the same sentence, do your best to proceed with these two words in mind. Exuberant style packs a powerful punch with just a small gesture. One or two of these ideas may be all you need to give your rooms a fresh new look. This is one area where "less" is definitely "more."

Cindy Lee Bergersen is a home design consultant, graduate of F.I.T., New York, allied member of ASID and home design writer. Her company, Decoding Decor, offers design services as well as access to trade resources and discounts. Visit her blog/website http://DecodingDecor.com.