By Sandra Meineke
As the trend of “nesting in place” continues into 2010, homeowners are turning their homes, or at least a portion
of their homes, into a cozy space for relaxing and rejuvenating with family.
A strategically chosen chair can make a total difference in the look of a room.
Pop a brightly colored one in a spare corner to create a reading area or
inviting nook. This issue of
Lifestyles magazine takes a look at some of the newest and most popular chairs showing at
furniture markets across the country.
North Carolina’s High Point Furniture Market opens April 25. For a quick rundown on hot new
furniture items, the market
’s April issue of Furniture Today will contain an exclusive First Look section of what will be showcased at
market. If you can
’t wait for the April magazine, here is a hint at five major style trends:
•European edge: creative shapes, sleek lines and shiny accents
•Transitional scene: soft silhouettes, classic forms and a pleasing palette
•Inspired by nature: honest materials, rustic finishes and updated twists
•Asian artistry: intricate weavings, rich finishes and interesting hardware,
•Deco dreams: tufted treatments, glittering accents and architectural shapes.
From Las Vegas World Market comes these forecasts for 2010. Chairs, nightstands,
headboards and countertops are glowing with LCD lighting. Oak is making a
comeback. Home offices are being integrated into the main living spaces.
Relax/Work/Play themes are being incorporated into furniture design. Aspen
furniture has designed motorized recliners equipped with a tray
—just like on an airplane—for surfing the Web, eating, writing or whatever suits you at the time.
According to trend experts, people are needing a ray of sunshine to brighten
their outlook. Thus, expect bright and cheery colors such as yellow and purple
to take center stage. Intensity in color will increase in 2010 except for
walls, where neutrals will dominate.
Contemporary traditional is the popular style for today’s generation. People want to hold on to the comfort of Grandma’s dining table and still want a more updated look. Mixing traditional furniture
with contemporary and even modern accents has become the new classic, according
to Jodi King, owner of Artistic Interiors by Jodi.
Decorators and home décor writers across the country agree that some of the most prevalent trends will
be muted walls, such as gray or lilac, with bright spots of furniture in
eye-catching colors. Metallics are hot as is an eclectic merging of multiple
ethnic cultures. Comfortable chairs with plush cushions and colorful throws
will prevail in homes, offices, outdoor living areas and even in board rooms.
Ryan Coisson of Ezine.com, interprets 2010 furniture trends this way:
•Bright colors – Because wall color is trending towards neutrals, the color is being seen in the
furniture instead. Bright colors all across the spectrum will make a big splash
and bold statement. For the best effect, choose one bright accent piece, such
as a coral sofa, and keep the rest of the room more toned down, Coisson says.
•Metallics – Metallics work especially well in sleek, modern-styled homes with black and
white color schemes.
