3/10/10

Experts Monica Pedersen and Julie Smith Vincenti Highlight Trends at WMCLV

Trends in design for 2010 are a veritable safari of nature-inspired patterns, bright swatches of color and sustainable woods. That's according to HGTV's Monica Pedersen and Nine Muses Media trend expert Julie Smith Vincenti, who showcased the latest and greatest introductions of the coming year during "First Look" at Las Vegas Market on Monday, February 1.

There's a lot to look forward to, with an upbeat and eclectic aesthetic to play with, said the experts. Here's what to look for:

Soft shades
Yellow and gold will replace the vanilla and beige neutral colors of years past. "It gives the room a jolt," said Smith Vincenti, using an Ottoman Area Rug from Harounian Rugs International and a Catalina Area Rug from KAS Rugs as an example of how subtly the colors can freshen up traditional décor.

Wood Accents
Natural themes will grow more popular well into 2011, taking the form of carved, distressed and mosaic wood pieces, ranging from veneered lampshades to a three-panel wall hanging. Pedersen and Smith Vincente demonstrated the beauty of wood using the example of Christopher Guy's Lattice Twig Screen. Carved out of solid mahogany, the screen also has a metallic sheen, another big element that continues to dominate the home fashion scene, the experts revealed.

Woods are ideal for private spaces, such as bedrooms and sitting areas, said Pedersen. They're rustic, charming and even eco-friendly and safe for nurseries.

Smith Vicente highlighted a Petrified Wood Mosaic Lamp and End Table by Palacek to demonstrate the unique appeal wood can have. She and Pedersen pointed out that bamboo, one of the world's most sustainable resources, is a great way to add a natural touch and unique texture to most designs, whether it's in its natural wood form or transformed into a soft textile.

Animal Prints
Look for animal prints to be big this year, but not just in their traditional pattern. Designers are taking them to an almost abstract level, as with the energetic Giraffe Pillow on display by Company C and Noble House's Safari Area Rug.

Bold Accent Colors
Turquoise will rule as the color of the year in 2010, whether it's taking shape in throw pillows, lampshades, rugs, textiles or larger furnishings, like the Lexington Home Brands Opal Accent Chair in turquoise mock croc upholstery. Other colors to look for include lavenders, eggplants and purples, as seen in the Orchid Chair from the Vivienne Tam Collection by Rowe Fine Furniture. Shades of purple go well with gray tones and distressed woods, the home experts pointed out.

Pedersen reminded attendees that because color trends change nearly every five months, it's best to incorporate accents into the home—like Napa Home & Garden's Lavender Container or Cyan Design's Murano-style Glass Chandelier—rather than doing a full-fledged makeover. "Bring it onto things you love. A wall won't give you emotional satisfaction."

Ethnic Motifs
Enliven the home with ethnic-inspired pieces, but don't bother being specific to any country or continent. Instead, Smith Vincente suggested adorning the home with a broad range of ethnic spice from across the world. "It helps the homeowner feel well-traveled," added Pedersen.

Prime examples include Paragon's Tattoo Giclee Prints, Karma Living's handcrafted pillows, Manual Woodworkers & Weavers' Fleur di Lis Pitchers, Midwest/CBK's Casa Cristina Collection and Global Views' Great Continent and Tangelo Pillows.