Wes Kennedy

Buyers Hit the Color Jackpot at The Las Vegas Market

WHAT'S HOT AT THE LAS VEGAS MARKET
 

Here in Las Vegas, buyers checked the chilly temperatures at the door as vivacious hues set the market ablaze with fresh designs to help heat things up.

The widespread use of color goes a long way toward promoting a positive mood and generating energy on the floor. Ultra-bright combinations, such as hot pink and orange or lime and turquoise, generated the biggest visual impact, but softer pastels that read almost as neutrals are also a key look. Spa blue, mint and celery paired up with sand, cream and linen for an ultra-clean, calming effect.

As the trends turn at a slower rate, some tried-and-true favorites emerge as the winning looks this season. Classical competes against intrigue, juxtaposing opposite extremes in design.

Classic looks delve back into antiquity, spotlighting easily recognizable symbols such as busts, urns and Greek key motifs on accent furniture and accessories. Updated just enough to feel current, the sensibility is elegant, pure and streamlined, but stills retains the classical essentials. Roman-style benches and table bases, and Etruscan-inspired ceramics round out the feeling of timelessness.

In addition, French designs continue their hold on home accents. Antique-influenced looks are spruced up in mock croc or lacquered finishes, complementing subtly simplified designs. French looks also move into the modern era, borrowing from the early 20th century. Hammered and chiseled metal offerings reflect a sculptural, artisan quality, playing off crisp, aerodynamic Deco designs.

At the other end of the spectrum, exotic looks surge to the forefront. Unlike many seasons, there’s no clear bent toward, for example, Morocco. Instead, it’s a lavish profusion of influences from far and wide: Morocco, India, Thailand, Indonesia. The resulting mix is jam-packed with color and pattern, particularly dizzying geometrics and intricate medallions.

Richer, more saturated colors are the norm here, set off by crisp white and beige for a cooling effect. Ikat and Suzani prints are dominant, reworked on natural linen and cotton. Gods and goddesses abound, especially in sculptural form, and are shown in glossy ceramics or gleaming metallics on the modern side. Antiqued and distressed designs in wood and metal are also popular in this trend, capturing the feel of genuine artifacts.  --Lindsey Strader and Tracy Bulla



Franz’s Palanquin Elephant by Jean Boggio exudes exotic flavor in turquoise and white with subtle Greek key accents. WMC C-601

Sizzling hues of pink, orange and yellow combine on the Chintz Detail prints from

Art Classics. WMC A-450

Made of cast acrylic resin, the Buddha sculpture in grass green offers a spiritual vision from Haziza. WMC A-219

Calming aqua coats the ceramic urns in classic style from The Import Collection. WMC B-570

Sultry silver faux croc inserts glam up the Croco dining table from Luxe Living with white lacquer finish. WMC B-250a

A white linen shade tops Cyan Design’s Hindu Figure lamp with milk chocolate wash. WMC C-707

Gold embroidered Suzani patterns embellish the hand-crafted organic cotton pillows and bench from Karma Living. WMC B-270a/q

Strokes of pale green adorn an aqua background on the Spiro Aqua rug from The Rug Market. WMC B-306

Click here for a list of the Top Trends from Las Vegas.

Posted by Wes Kennedy on February 11, 2009 | Comments (0)