Black is the New Black

Geometric motifs create distinctive texture in ceramic lamps from Murray Feiss.

The new Marie's Corner upholstered collection from Central Station Interiors merges modern with all-natural materials.

Palecek spotlights sea urchin spikes with organic, contemporary styling.

Jardins en Fleur reinvents the classic foo dog with a bold wash of orange.

Black is back with Currey & Company's new Bamboo and Grotto collections.

Elephants and monkeys frolic with animal prints in the boldly exuberant Caravan Collection from Dransfield & Ross.

Natural, embellished picture frames exhibit tribal styling from Ibolili.

From Tozai Home, astro-logical symbols swirl around the mystical Zodiac plate.

From The Platt Collections, a tribal-patterned table reflects a luxe look with a glossy lacquered finish.

Texture and distressing lend an antiqued feel to Firefly Home Collection's bottle-shaped vase.

This season, designers have incorporated both strategies with styles that aim to seduce buyers through simple, classic-driven forms able to withstand the test of time. While the number of overall introductions has dropped, the end result is tight, well-edited collections that star only the best of the best — in short, only looks with a "Love!" consensus made it to market.

Selectivity, in this case, is a very good thing; the newest looks blend elegance and a distinctly stylish perspective, along with an understanding that these designs will look just as fresh a few years down the road as they do now.

The color trends this market are divided. On the one hand, there is a continuing accent on bright, happy colors (think hot pink, orange and blue) that elevate the mood and promote optimism — for obvious reasons.

On the other, neutrals resurge with typical sophistication. These color choices offer longevity from a style standpoint, promising an easy-on-the-eyes appeal day in and day out. The new neutrals range from cream, buff and stone to smoky, ashy gray tones with a hint of lilac. But the most trend-forward is a return to black, in itself a classic. Here's what we like in black: bamboo finished in black, solid black crystal, black glass furniture and accents, and black pottery.

In addition to refreshing designs with color, designers have opted for texture, distinctive finishes and classic motifs. Ceramics received a great deal of attention this season, highlighting relief, crackling and other hand-crafted techniques for a subtle, not showy effect. Touch-me fabrics like slubbed silk, hide, nubby linens and cottons added a hint of luxury. Recurring motifs around market reach back in time, including obelisks, balusters, foo dogs, stripes and all manner of geometric prints.

A trend toward downsizing emerged, reflected in tiny table lamps. Accent furniture, too, showcases leaner, lower lines, especially in chairs and sofas — low backs, narrower frames and low-to-the-ground seats. Stylish cigarette tables and slim-lined etageres and chests also made an appearance.

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