Casual Living

Courtney M. Paschal

Trends and other tidbits
June 13, 2008

As we approach a busy time for the casual industry (premarket is right around the corner, just in case you need to be reminded), I thought it would be fitting to review some current trends from within not only our industry, but the fashion, home accents and interior furnishings worlds as well.

OUTDOOR

Deep Seating Thick, plush cushions are key to this trend as designers fashion outdoor sofas, loveseats, club chairs and ottomans after their indoor counterparts. Modular pieces and sectionals are highlighted in this category while woven/wicker materials and teak are the top materials.

Vertical Living As more townhouses and condominiums are constructed, so too are furniture sets that can fit in smaller spaces. From bistro sets that include a smaller mosaic table and two chairs, to umbrellas that are halved to allow for more space, creating a posh outdoor living room even for tighter areas is certainly possible without scrimping on style. The continuing popularity of container gardening is highlighted as well.

Grill Mania The barbecue trend is best summed up by Leslie Wheeler, director of communications for the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association: “Offering grills and accessories for every budget, every occasion and every personality and style, manufacturers recognize the need for convenient, easy to use yet sophisticated state-of-the-art product.” Noteworthy trends in this category include super-sized grills, outdoor kitchens and smaller, portable grills.

Accessories Forgetting something? Just as area rugs, lamps, linens and wall art are key to decorating the interior of the home, the same can now be said for the exterior. Once the dining set and living area is complete, accessories are needed to complete the look. All of these items and more are available to you for the outdoors and can withstand whatever Mother Nature has in store, from rain and snow to the sun.

Being Green From packaging to construction, the green trend continues to be a topic of conversation. Whether utilizing sustainable hardwoods to construct a chair, utilizing 100% infrared energy to grill or crafting garden accessories from recyclable materials, consumers are asking for more eco-friendly products and manufacturers are happy to oblige.

AND BEYOND

New Definition of “Mass” Goes beyond what you buy at Wal-Mart. Includes objects that everyone knows about, at any price range (think Louis Vitton, Rolex, etc.). Attributed to global marketing and new middle class hungry for luxury products. Market needs to shift to unique and custom products.

Who/What Is Influencing Trends China, India, Brazil and Russia

Trend Direction to 2010
Updated Traditional – Using familiar in cleaner, simpler, more contemporary ways

Integration – Incorporates elements of sustainable materials, organic shapes and textures; Chinese and Asian design (Asian influence not going away anytime soon!); Handmade looks; African patterns and animal hide prints; Recycled, eco-friendly materials.

Materials and Motifs Toile; florals like tulips, orchids, roses; rustic chic; natural elements like birds, bees, butterflies, fish, coral, shells, sea creatures; metallics

Colors visit pantone.com for more information
Color Combinations are key.
The New Neutrals are Slate Gray, Desert Sand, Champagne, Taupe, Pinkcast Beige and Complex Mauves. Metallics in antiqued copper, green-tinged bronze, overcast silver and shimmering gold.
Blues: periwinkle, cornflower, iris, indigo, sapphire, ocean blue, spa aqua and robin’s egg remain popular
Reds: blue-cast raspberry, fuchsia, coral, salmon
Yellows: canary, saturated saffron, marigold, rich godls
Greens: teal, lime, warm olive, herb garden, moss, gingko, wasabi and undersea green
Oranges: hot and spicy tones to soft tangerine, burnt orange, apricot and peachy
Browns: grayed taupes to decadent chocolates, russet and fawn
Purples: dusty mauves re-emerging; aubergine, lavender, quiet violets

Some of this information gathered from The Trend Forecaster, S&S Consulting for The Encore Group, Winston-Salem, N.C.

And here's another tidbit - if you get the chance check out one of my favorite blogs, http://retaildesigndiva.blogs.com/

Posted by Courtney M. Paschal on June 13, 2008 | Comments (0)