Trend-spotting at the Toronto International Home Furnishings Market 2000

Furniture World Magazine

On the threshold of the year 2000, we seek reassurance, curled up at home in that delicious cocoon that provides shelter from the disruptive elements of daily life - yet open to the world, enjoying our role as modem-day nomads. And today's furniture reflects both of these rather contradictory aspirations. There are pared-down collections with the austere flavor of the past, and modem, colorful, highly urban collections with a touch of audacity. Styles run the gamut from contemporary classic and urban to hybrid traditional and rustic... Inspirations range from Zen to Scandinavian to the '50s and '60s, with a tip of the hat to European-influenced modern reassuring presence, durability, and virtually endless possibilities Wood, with its warmth, remains the perennial favorite popular permutations include natural, blond, spice-toned, reddish, or very dark woods. Shapes are linear, straightforward, with geometric openwork, delicate grooves, metal accents and handles that reflect a meticulous sense of style and detail. Metal accents are airy and delicate, dancing along in the form of trellises, scrolls, arabesques, and geometric shapes. Pewter, platinum, gold or silver (mat or satin) finishes lead the pack. Moving up the hit parade: ceramic inlays used as table tops or decorative elements, with echoes of First Nations or Moorish culture. Armchairs, loveseats and sofas combine optimum comfort with wonderful eye appeal. Upholstered pieces are flexible or architectural in style, lending strong character to the living room or family room. Accent chairs look right at home as a counterpoint to more formal suites, spicing up any room décor. As for fabrics and leathers, take your pick: the old familiar earth tones, or a strong resurgence of vivid, exotic shades. Primary and secondary colors add vibrant sparkle. Spicy shades of saffron, cinnamon, cumin, and nutmeg take us on a sunny voyage of discovery. Refreshing, acid shades of lemon, mint, mandarin, and apple are resolutely modem. Mobility and flexibility are central to today's décor style - practical, convivial, great looking. To boost satisfaction levels, manufacturers offer chairs and sofas with adjustable, multipositional mechanisms that rock, swivel, and recline. Stools have practical appeal, and everything rolls around conveniently on castors. Some pieces feature multiple tops, hiding places, and storage niches. Entertainment units in every conceivable style are the perfect place for all that audio and video equipment, and headboards feature built-in storage space. Lighting follows all the top trends in materials and colors, - metal, ceramic, painted or colored glass. Ethnic, tribal, or modem, avant-garde accessories have replaced the neoclassical Greek and Roman accessories so popular in past seasons. Playful, primitive, or sophisticated, they come in a range of terrific shapes and shades. The dates for the Toronto International Home Furnishings Market are January 15 to 18, 2000. While this is a trade show, reserved exclusively for professionals, products launched by domestic and foreign manufacturers soon show up in stores where savvy consumers shop.