Top Trends At Las Vegas Market

Furniture World Magazine

World Market Center Las Vegas provided an exclusive preview of future home design trends during the February Las Vegas Market when three of the country’s top designers presented their favorite picks during the market's first-ever interactive webcast and live panel discussion. Ahead of the Curve, an intimate design dialogue featured Barclay Butera, Amy Lau and Joe Nye, alongside moderator and Today show style guru, Susanna Salk. “One of our main objectives coming into Market week was to infuse a sense of optimism and excitement to both those on the campus and those who join us online,” said Robert Maricich, President and Chief Executive Officer of World Market Center Las Vegas. “Nothing is more exciting than watching creative people at work. We are thrilled to bring this esteemed group of designers together for a stimulating conversation.” Susana Salk remarked at the start of the event, “There is an incredible sense of discovery here (at World Market Center Las Vegas). We were all so delighted because we were able to go back and forth between small showrooms and large manufacturers. Las Vegas Market presents an engaging range of exhibitors in an efficient environment that isn’t available anywhere else in this country. At Market we were able to explore, educate ourselves and edit our collective thoughts into a manageable portfolio of trends that reflected what’s new in the world of home furnishings.” After scouring 5.1 million square feet of showrooms amongst three inter-connected buildings, which contain some 1,500 product lines, the design experts discovered many distinct and notable trends. “This is certainly the easiest Market to navigate,” said Joe Nye, a nationally acclaimed design leader renowned for his dynamic range of style, exquisite decorating and over-the-top client attention. “The convenience of being able to stay in a tight campus is easier and more collectively efficient because you can see more, faster. Also, Las Vegas Market has other attractions to make your business trip more enjoyable,” added Nye. Chinoiserie: The French term signifying "Chinese-esque" style attempts to imitate Chinese porcelain with the use of lacquer-like materials and decoration. Designers discovered colorful, versatile and affordable, many Chinese influenced furnishings at Market. Jardin en Fleur was a source of many such products. “I’m absolutely crazy for anything Chinoiserie or Chinese influenced,” said Nye. “Chinoiserie is still definitely big in the marketplace and doesn’t seem to be stopping. Something that dates back to the early 1800s isn’t likely to go away and I think it’s wonderful to see pieces in such a colorful way. Soft Color Palettes: Sophisticated softer pastels mixed with splashes of vibrant shades signified what's hot next season. Exotic: Punctuate any room with hand-embroidered fabrics, pillows and curtains in exotic styles and hot colors. This trend incorporates global goods and infuses interiors with a worldly feel. Karma Living is one exhibitor that provides examples from this trend. Gentleman’s Lounge: Every man needs a place to call his own. At Las Vegas Market, these designers uncovered an eclectic mix of texture and upholstery for the gentleman’s lounge with a glamour-era feel was prevalent throughout many showrooms. Showrooms housing the chairs, tables and mirrors needed to achieve this masculine look can be found with such manufacturers as Lexington, Henredon and Mirror Image. Historical References Reinvigorated: Making old new again appeared over and over. Many manufacturers and lines are revamping and breathing new life into historic pieces and accessories. “Another strong trend that I’m seeing at Market is furniture companies taking historic pieces from the past and breathing new life into them,” said designer Amy Lau, who recently was named as “Young Designer to Watch” by House Beautiful magazine. “We are going to start to see all of these historical pieces that have been brought back to life, but they are all lacquered white which is really fascinating because when they are white they can mix in easier and they are not too heavy in content,” she added. Myriad pieces like those described can be found at Robert Allen | Beacon Hill’s year-round showroom located at Las Vegas Design Center. Natural Materials: Clever and beautiful utilization of natural materials help bring the outdoors inside. An emphasis on elegant detail while offering the option of small size reflects an exciting trend seen all around Market. Palm Springs Outdoors: Retro style architectural pottery and wall ornaments with some historical elements can create a fabulous California-like space both indoors and out. Brazilian Furniture/ABIMOVEL provides beautiful wicker chaise lounge chairs while Seasonal Living has a wide array of pieces fitting this fun trend. Sustainable Furnishings: Art-like sustainable and eco-friendly furnishings reflecting high design and versatility are becoming a staple in the marketplace and are not just a fad. From coffee tables made of dried vines to bamboo linens, it's easy to incorporate socially conscious style in any room. Tenango makes pieces from reclaimed wood, as does Global Goods Worldwide. “At this Market I’m seeing a lot of trends towards the sustainable end of interiors,” said Barclay Butera, named one of House Beautiful’s “Top 125” designers. “When you walk around this Market there is so much diversity and I’ve been seeing a different approach to interiors.” Whimsical Wicker: A hand-crafted look that also creates fascinating sculptural shapes, wicker and rattan is helping redefine high-style outdoor spaces. Wild pieces using wicker can be found at Jardin en Fleur and Seasonal Living. To view an archived version of Ahead of the Curve, log on to www.lasvegasmarket.com/aheadofthecurve. February 2009 Las Vegas Market continues through February 13 at World Market Center Las Vegas. Complimentary M-Line Shuttles will run continuously all day from host hotels to World Market Center Las Vegas. In addition, attendees also will be able to register for the 2009 September Las Vegas Market and book discounted hotel rates during the February Las Vegas Market. For more information, please visit www.LasVegasMarket.com.