High Point Market, Maison+Objet Trend Ambassador Patti Carpenter and renowned designer Kelli Ellis shared a few key trends that will influence the home furnishings industry in 2019.
These trends include the color green, floral patterns, new neutral colors, graphic patterns and furniture for smaller spaces. To get the casual industry’s pulse on which of these trends will be most prominent next year, Casual Living featured a reader poll asking just that.
Out of more than 70 responses, a majority (38%) said furniture for smaller spaces would be the most popular. This was followed by new neutral colors (29.6%), as well as floral patterns and the color green (both at 12.7%).
“We are seeing growing interest in furnishings and accessories designed to accommodate smaller and more intimate outdoor areas,” says Ashley Newton, EVP, Watermark Living. “This reduced size also offers greater opportunities to mix and match with possibly larger pieces or architectural elements.”
But don’t assume that smaller in profile means less interest in the product. Newton says this is a common misconception, and interesting details, colors and textural constructions are all trending in outdoor boutique-like furnishings. “Also, the addition of accent pillows, pops of color and add-on comfort can enhance even the smallest style furnishings,” she adds.
Fermob USA COO Leslie Thompson says furnishings for smaller spaces need to have form, function and flexibility, as well as be multi-functional.“Also, pieces that are compact and can fold and store easily or be moved around are key," she adds. "Furniture designed for small spaces can effortlessly fit in both indoor and outdoor spaces and allows people to save living costs and reduce their footprint without sacrificing being in touch with nature and sustainable living.”
Christian Sippel, digital marketing manager at Safavieh, says they see the trend going one step further. Many of the company’s outdoor furnishings are created for smaller spaces.
“What we see, and have taken note of for quite a while, is demand for home furnishings that work well in a multitude of unconventional spaces. And yes, smaller unconventional spaces, too,” Sippel says. “If you think about it, this trend makes complete sense, and reflects the movement to, and revitalization of, urban America: a demographic and societal shift now well into its second decade.”
e adds that young people across the country have been moving back to America’s major cities and the neighborhoods surrounding them for the last 15–20 years. And, in doing so, they have breathed new life into a variety of historic structures by transforming them into viable, enriching living spaces.
“So, what could be more common sense than demand on the part of these new urbanites for inspiring home furnishings that work well in small and unconventional spaces?” Sippel asks. “Their desire for rugs and furniture that reflects their lifestyles and enthusiasm for all things with ‘historic charm’ inspires us to bring our inimitable grasp of ‘historic charm’ to new contemporary, classic looks and complete collections that we believe will connect with this generation. It also invigorates the ‘unconventional’ living spaces that they are transforming into the new American landscape.”