Hi everyone!

Happy Friday! Hope everyone is finishing off summer with a bang!

Summer or not, we’re always sourcing around here and this week I took some time to hit the pavement and walk a trade show. While it’s always a little tiring (the importance of comfy shoes cannot be over-emphasized!), it’s important to get out there and stay abreast of industry trends. Plus, I seem to always find some new resources to help me deliver to clients customized design packages that aren’t just a copy of a page torn out of a catalog.

Today I’m here to share my observations along with a bunch of snapshots from my phone.

Design Trend: Gold/Brass

This trend is showing no signs of going away anytime soon. It’s everywhere and at all price points - from mass market retailers like Target and Home Goods to West Elm or Crate & Barrel and spans all the way to high-end trade-only furnishing resources. Quality is the differentiating factor but everyone has the opportunity to participate in the aesthetic, regardless of budget. It’s so democratic! 

The aesthetic is translated across categories too - decor, furnishings, hardware, plumbing fixtures, tabletop, and even fabrics, wallpaper and art! While it can be easy to go overboard and turn everything gold, the goal here isn't to look like Trump tower. This is gold in a softer, brushed brass finish. Less is more and the great thing is that there's endless ways to elegantly incorporate gold into a space and invest wisely. Feeling less enthusiastic? No problem, perhaps pick up a few decorative accent pieces. Feeling the gold rush? Consider investing in high-quality furniture pieces.

Design Trend: Global/Tribal

This is mainly expressed in textiles, but is also captured in artwork and decorative objects. In textiles this includes mudcloth, shibori, and tie-dye, as well as highly textured and tactile wovens. Juju hats capture this aesthetic spirit quite perfectly. Overdyed, distressed, and Kilim rugs also fall into this category.

Design Trend: Wallpaper

This is decidedly not your grandmother’s wallpaper. Modern interpretations run the gamut, including fresh interpretations of tie-dye, hand-blocking, peppy-preppy options, and even marbleized finishes. The options are truly endless, and even though the traditional installation method is still king, peel-and-stick options are also becoming widely available and are a great option for renters.

Are You In?

Have you incorporated any of these into your space? Tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see!

And just for fun, a snap from the show that has absolutely nothing to do with any of the above trends but made me chuckle. You know that design saying to always including something controversial? Well, Warhol will often do it!

Until next time! Keep the clowder under control please.