Every year, September not only marks the calendar for us as the end of summer and beginning of fall; it also brings to us one of the most exciting events of the year – Fashion Week. And while there are many Fashion Weeks worldwide, the “Big Four” take place between September and October and kick off the years’ style trends in a grand firecracker way. What is draped and trotted down the runway in New York, London, Milan and Paris is sure to be seen throughout the next year in the fashion industry on elite couture name brands and on small designers alike. And while we may not be Burberry or Chanel, interior designers have to keep a close eye on the fashion weeks worldwide to be able to anticipate what the upcoming trends will be in the home furnishings industry. It seems the fashion and the interior design industry play a continuous game of cat and mouse. What’s printed on the hottest fall clothes will likely be making an appearance in our industry on upholstered pieces, fabric, case goods and so much more by the holiday season. So what is it we should be seeing? Read on below to get the insiders look at this year’s most wow worthy trends.
Fur, Fur, and more Fur – While designers in the fashion industry have always had a love affair with fur, this year, the textile hit the runways with full force. Both real and faux, statement pieces in bright colors and patterns were seen in a number of couture collections. In our world, be prepared to see more fur on upholstered furniture pieces and in bold accent rugs. Use fur in pops in your home on a vanity bench, in an accent rug below the bed, or in throw blankets and pillows. For the more daring, fur is gripping on entry way benches and on bedroom or living room poufs.
Pink and Yellow – While the Pantone Colors of the Year were a light pink and blue, it was actually pink and yellow that was seen on the runway. And while they are both considered spring tones, designers used the two hues in conjunction with a more muted fall palette and warmer clothing styles like turtle necks to tie all the colors together. In the home, pair the color scheme with neutral hues and splash them on your walls and use them in artwork. The dusty pink and yellow also make great color options for accent furniture or as statement hues in sofas.
Metallics and Metal Accents – Hitting the runway in a marathon type manner was the use of metallics and metal accents. Golds and silvers were seen plenty in design styles in both color and in accentuating buttons, jewelry, belts, and shoes. The use of tinsel was even main stream in some big name brands like Dolce & Gabbana and Fendi. In the interior design world, we will see this trend in nearly every aspect of the home from paint colors to furniture nails to accent pieces and case goods. With nail heads on trunk furniture and tinsel covering throw pillows, this trend can work for both classy and edgy designers alike.
Velvet – Making a splash this year was the unexpected return of this soft to the touch material. As the fabric of the year in fashion design, we can expect velvet to be the most desired textile in the home furnishings industry during the next year. Look for it in upholstered pieces, as the main element in sofas and statement chairs, and in window coverings. The rebirth of this renaissance fabric is welcomed in our industry as it can so effortlessly tie traditional design to a more modern and chic approach.
Plaids – Typical of this time of year and the return to school, plaid continued to wow during fashion week. While the usual muted brown and red plaids were plenty, the pattern was worn excessively in blues, grays and golds. Look for the new color scheme in the interior design and furniture manufacturing industry in upholstered pieces and in window coverings. We’ll also see the pattern woven into throws and small living accessories. In your own home, create more traditional fall farmhouse feeling by draping the design on your upholstered dining chairs and by using it in a runner along your table top.
