Home Color Trends From TannerMeyer Drapery, Bedding & Blinds

Once a year Kip Meyer, co-owner of TannerMeyer Drapery, Bedding & Blinds, and I travel to the Market in Highpoint, NC to buy fabrics, bedding, and accessories. Believe me when I say it’s a multi-day experience meeting hundreds of vendors, seeing thousands of items, and walking for 10 hours a day. However, on the last night of our adventure (throbbing feet elevated on pillows and a full bottle of Chardonnay at hand) we were inspired by the latest colors and trends we are seeing in the home market. It’s a widely known fact in the industry that color trends in the home tend to mimic the apparel market—albeit a couple of years behind.  Color trends also are influenced by the economy, books, TV, world events, and movies. For instance, gray and taupe dominated the market during the recession. Now that the economy is on an uptick, we are seeing vibrant colors bouncing back into the picture–with a bang! Speaking of color and world events, the last couple of years have seen Great Britain in the limelight with the Diamond Jubilee, Olympics, and the royal wedding/pregnancy, etc. Big are the vibrant reds and blues of the royal flag this year. In fact, there were many more color trends in the home market. Let me highlight them.

Warm Metallics

Because of movies such as “The Great Gatsby” the “roaring 20s” is a big trend in both clothing and home couture. Vintage influences added to modern are popular, and lace overlays and metallic embellishments are all the rage. The use of burnished brass or brushed copper can add a timeless look to any room and be both contemporary and traditional, without being hard and edgy. In fact, we have seen a rise in sales of metallic fabrics in the last couple of years locally.

Floral Bouquet

Remember red? Well, it’s back. Not the Ralph Lauren dining room red that dominated the 80-90s.  I’m talking about the vibrant reds. This year we are seeing reds such as cherry blossom pink, coral hibiscus, and poppy red. In fact, these reds and other vibrant colors are finding their way back to the home in large floral designs or futuristic geometrics.  Vintage aged floral patterns are also big.

“Am I Blue”

Navy is the new black. In fact, many designers now regard shades of medium to navy blue as neutral tones. What really stands out this year are the pops of vivid blue, such as sophisticated sapphire, bold aquamarine, or violet. This look is elegant but also classic and comfortable. Velvets are hot this year, and many have lovely blue tones (in addition to the popular metallic velvets).

Spice Market

We are seeing lots of designs that are mixing sensual spice colors. Cinnamon and chili are splashed with cream, mustard, or dark coffee.  Mixing cultures is the new way to make a room look eclectic, and the color of spice lends itself to many multi-cultural items. Spice often hints of warm fall leaves, but it can also sizzle with heat.   An updated 60’s and 70’s retro mix is big as well.

Ladies & Gentleman, the color of the year is: Emerald Green

Verdant Greens and emerald greens are popping up everywhere. Cool moss or mellow fern colors add a relaxing mix to any room. We are seeing a mix of warm, cool, and khaki greens with the more high –browed emerald. To soften your greens mix them with browns or milky white. Notice the major use of emerald in the recent “Oz” movie, and the release of the “Wizard of Oz—3D”?

The next time you go to pick a paint color, don’t just grab that tried and true beige or taupe. Think of at least a pop of color on an accent wall! Don’t pick that safe fabric you’ve seen for years. Pick the large vibrant print! Or, if you don’t want to commit to the large print on a big scale, use it in pillows and/or accents.  Try to instill fun and interest with mixing cultures and adding metallic to your space. After all, times have been tough. Don’t we deserve a little color in our world!