This holds true in both the fashion and interior design worlds, as the two smartly go hand in hand.
After the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City wrapped up earlier this month, I took note of what colors were being shown on the runway for fall 2012.
Designers were eager to strut such sassy hues as citron, yellow, hot pink and turquoise — yet the sensible colors like black, white, cream and navy were still standing.
Appropriately, this year’s color palette for home design complements what has been seen on the runways.
As it does each year after New York Fashion Week, the New Jersey-based Pantone Color Institute surveyed clothing designers to capture a snapshot of the most important color trends.
Looking at the institute’s preview of colors for fall, it is more than apparent the retro vibe reverberates throughout the color reports.
The spicy Tangerine Tango has been named color of the year, while the trending colors of this fall include Pink Flambe, Ultramarine Green and Bright Chartreuse.
“Everyone is looking for a splash of color,” explains Dana Hookassian, co-owner of Vintage Scout Interiors in Centerville, adding orange and pink, in particular, makes an especially popular combo. “The versatile neutrals are still there — but dressed up with a pop of color.”
At the same time, points out Connie Tschantz, senior interior designer at Krispin’s Contemporary Furnishings in Centerville, the classic color combinations (think black and white) are here to stay, while such autumnal favorites as bronze, chocolate, gold and mocha also add balance to the more psychedelic colors cropping up this year.
Here are some other key trends I have discovered during my trendspotting in home fashions:
1. 2012 marks the return of the sectional sofas. "I really have to say sectionals dominate the market," says Tschantz. Sectional seating "creates a warm, inviting space for your family and friends to gather and to be more communal."
Remember the so-called pit seating from the 1970s and 1980s? It’s back, only with a deeper sit.
“It’s all about relaxing and lounging in your space,” Tschantz notes.
2. Fabrics are soft, soft, soft. Tschantz says the textures are simply luxurious — from the lightly woven velours and velvets to ultra suede.
Ultra-soft fabrics, for instance, appear on overstuffed sofas to create a cozy yet chic seating combination, says Rob Klaben, vice president of marketing and advertising for Morris Home Furnishings. “The style is lounge comfort. You don’t sit on the sofas, you sit in them.”
3. Cocooning is still the buzz word. The designers agree people are entertaining more in their homes, and they are ready to invest in high-quality furnishings.
Tschantz says folks are eager to create luxury getaway environments in their own homes — whether through high-end home theater systems or spa-inspired bathrooms.
4. Everything old is new again when it comes to pattern. Klaben cites such traditional patterns as chain link and Ikat as coming back with a present-day color palette.
“These patterns add a punch of excitement to classic and contemporary room settings,” he explains.
The store, with locations in Dayton, Centerville and Cincinnati, is also expanding into Florence, Ky.
5. Soft furnishings, including pillows, throws and bedding, and accessories are important — and provide easy ways to inject a dash of the color du jour. "Pillows are huge everywhere," Hookassian says.
Many designers are mixing pillows for a fresh new look, adds Klaben. “Patterns — layered on top or next to other patterns — are definitely the current trend for accessories.”
6. Vintage is still new. "At market, there were a lot of reproductions of classic pieces," says Hookassian, adding she saw a lot of remakes of vintage signs.
7. Lastly, never underestimate the elegant durability of leather, according to Tschantz.
“Leather is a major force in the industry for its performance and luxuriance” — and the way it can accommodate any lifestyle.
A leather sofa, for instance, works perfectly for a family with small children. (It’s easy to clean.)
Another perk: Leather lasts four times longer than any other fabric.
Special leap year deal
On an unrelated note, 2012 is leap year, giving an additional day to this month. Anything that happens once every four years is worth celebrating, so Tanger Outlet Center in Jeffersonville on Wednesday is offering a free $29 gift card to the first 100 shoppers to show $100 in store receipts. (Limit one free Tanger gift card per person.)
Visit www.tangeroutlet. com for updated offer information or call (800)-4TANGER.
The shopping center is located at 8000 Factory Shops Blvd.
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