What better way to make a design statement in a room than with a fabulous accent piece? The spring’s home furnishings market at High Point, N.C.showed off a multitude of statement-making pieces that can give a room a distinctive personal look and special character. Tables, case goods and accent chairs are great ways to add pizzazz to a room.
Drexel Heritage, known much for its classic style, showed a rope wrapped table that makes a wonderful statement about organic modernism. They also showed an ivory curvy Hollywood glam bureau that would dress up any dressing area. Is it classic or contemporary? You decide.
Accent chairs can always add excitement to a room. Funky styles and patterns seemed to be everywhere at market. The message: Be bold. Bring on a fun chair to give your room color, charm, even a little comedy. Make your room make you smile.
Rugs, always a great accent piece to add color and character, can make another statement as well. Reclaimed materials, or as Uttermost calls them ‘rescued materials,’ are used in a new line of area rugs that feature rescued denim and leather. The reclaimed materials are woven with natural materials including wool, jute and cotton.
The denim colors are blue, black and khaki. The leather comes in tan, brown and black. They are easy to coordinate with what you already have and you can tell your guests you have decorated with materials that otherwise would have been discarded.
“American-made” was an even more prominent theme at this spring’s market. India-based Surya, known mostly for its rugs, was promoting itself as “Your complete source for American-made accessories,” which include poufs, pillows and wall art. Poufs and ottomans, by the way, are most popular with Gen X consumers (ages 33-48), according to a recent survey by Home Accents Today magazine.
The growing emphasis on American-made is driven by more than a statement about patriotism. “The color and design style of U.S.-made products is more in sync with the U.S. marketplace,” says Seth King, Surya’s vice president of sales.
David Haseley, our vice president of merchandising, summed up the spring showings saying, “the market was loaded with lots of bold, bright, fun, colorful fabrics which I love to see from a design viewpoint.”
“Customization was the term I heard most from both the upholstery and casegoods suppliers. The ability to easily and affordably add embellishments and customize colors to suit the client, and make a statement, plays right into what we do as design professionals. Bottom line, consumer can enjoy our help putting it all together and today there are more choices than ever.”
