Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, May 14, 1995 TAG: 9505160124
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: E-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CHARLYNE VARKONYI FORT LAUDERDALE SUN-SENTINEL
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Last spring's market was one of the most exciting in years. Designers took chances with wider shapes on upholstered furniture, bright colors and unusual designs such as swinging beds suspended like porch swings from chains.
The press loved it, insiders said, but the buyers didn't buy.
For example, Swaim, an upscale contemporary furniture manufacturer, used a lot of bright colors last year. This year they shifted into neutral.
``We found that the buyers won't buy the bright colors,'' says John Mascheroni ``We have to show the pieces in something they will want to buy.''
In other words, this market was ``safe.'' We walked into showrooms faced with a sea of neutral beige and white fabrics. Tone on tone is popular, with texture providing interest more than pattern. Most times when color was used, it was muted. The most popular color this season is eco-green - sage or celadon.
Here are some of the other major trends from this market:
Asian made. Manufacturers are relying more on Asian craftsmen from Thailand, China and now Vietnam to transform water hyacinths into woven chairs, to elaborately paint furniture and do painstaking detail work with egg shells and coconut shells.
Baker's racks. The baker's rack is everywhere - from versions with ornate metal scrollwork for upscale rooms to simple racks for kitchens.
Decorator details. More of the custom details can now be purchased retail. Look for piping on seat cushions, fringes on pillows, elaborate pleating, scalloped bottoms and details on upholstery skirts.
Distressed leather. Nearly everyone featured soft leather upholstery that was distressed with scratches and scars to make it look like it had been handed down through the generations. Some were the texture of well-worn bomber jackets. But be prepared for sticker shock; prices are $3,000-$4,000 for a three seat sofa.
Eco-chic. Everyone is looking for alternatives to expensive wood. Armoires with raffia. Mirrors and tables are made out of resin. And Malden Mills introduced its EcoSpun velvet made with recycled plastic pop bottles.
Metal. Metal is becoming mainstream. It's showing up more in beds, tables and as part of mixed-media furniture made of metal, stone and glass.
Nailhead trim. The classic nailhead design is decorating fabric upholstery as well as leather.
Neo-Gothic. Gothic details - spires and arches - continue to show up in reproductions as well as new designs.
Neo-gilt. This gilt is softer and more casual than the formal gold leaf. it can be platinum, bronze or gold.
Sleigh beds. Sleigh beds have been popular for the past few markets, but they are getting softer. More are padded and covered with fabric or leather.
by CNB