Accessory Trends for 2010

Just as designers and retailers attend “market” twice a year to view the latest collection of furniture and fabrics, they also attend the International Gift Fair (IGF) held in several cities across the nation.  The recent gift fair in NY disclosed several  accessory trends that you can expect to see in the upcoming months.

• The green movement is alive and well in the accessory market.  Natural wood and organic shapes continue to be popular.  We are moving away from dark, heavy stains and seeing more wood in its natural, unstained form. Other sustainable materials are popular including cork and bamboo found in everything from candles to placemats to wall art.
• Mixed metals is a popular trend.  This look combines a shiny smooth metal with a matte or textured finish or it combines two different metals like silver and bronze.  You will see this combination in candlesticks, bowls, vases, picture frames and lamps.  The mixture of metals makes it easy to introduce a new piece into your home without worrying about whether it “matches” or not.
• The ethnic look has been around for a couple of years now.  The goal is to create a room that appears to be decorated with items collected from travels around the world. This would include pillows made from ethnic fabrics like suzanni or Ikat.  Animal figurines, statuary, carved candlesticks, woven baskets, in fact anything that appears to be handcrafted, will complete the look.  Lanterns and exotic mosaics will add an adventurous and ethnic feel to your rooms.
• Turquoise is certainly the color of the year but it can also be found in accessories.  A bowl of turquoise stones in their natural form, a turquoise lamp base, even pretty hand soaps can all be found in this color thought to have healing qualities.

Accessorizing with the latest in trendy items is an affordable way to update your home for a season or the entire year without breaking the bank.

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Paisley, Ikat, Tie-dye?

Just what is paisley, ikat and tie-dye?  Well, contrary to how they sound, they are not some dreaded disease or exotic animal.  They are weaving and dyeing methods that produce patterns in fabrics used in both fashion and home decor.

1. Paisley is a mix of curves and swirls that resemble an elongated teardrop.  Several colors are commonly found in paisley fabrics, making them an elegant choice for draperies in a formal living room or as upholstery on dining room chairs.

2. Ikat is a weaving and dyeing process  believed to have originated in Asia.  It produces a pattern somewhat geometric in design.  The shapes can resemble diamonds, elongated “flames”, stripes or circles.  This lovely fabric will add texture and interest to window treatments, bedding or accent pillows.

3.Tie-dye is a dyeing process that, depending on where the fabric has  been “tied off”, produces an abstract design.  Remember the hippies from the 1970′s? Well, it is back in fashion and can be fun to decorate with if you have a teenager or just looking for some piece of nostalgia for your family room. Just remember, a little goes a long way with this pattern.

Consider using one of these interesting fabrics in your home decor.  They will all add color, texture and pattern to any room in your home.

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