Interior Insights
The five hottest home trends for fall and winter: Cooler weather means warmerdesign
Jonathan Adler collection couch at KravetPhoto by Altamese Osborne
Colorful glass is a big trend for fall.Photo by Altamese Osborne
Toy horse in front of the Andrew Martin storePhoto by Altamese Osborne
White and neutral furniture was found in many showrooms.Photo by Altamese Osborne
This year's fabric is heavy on abstract design.Photo by Altamese Osborne
You might not be able to tell from its nondescript exterior, but inside the Decorative Center Houston lies an interior designer’s dream: Floors and floors of home design showrooms carrying the latest and greatest in home decor essentials.
To celebrate the inevitable changes in home trends that accompany the cooler weather, the center hosted its Fall Market 2012. Design experts and novices alike had the chance to get a peek at the hottest — well, coolest — home design trends. Here are five that caught our eye:
1). Mix and Match: Whites and neutrals with a splash of color
Color lovers should not be alarmed if they begin to notice a heavy influx of white and neutral furniture this season — delightfully unexpected pops of color are just around the corner. What we’re noticing is a juxtaposition of mildly tinted pieces, with boldly colored statement pieces mixed in, such as a Jonathan Alder Collection bright turquoise couch we spied in the Kravet showroom.
It was also a joy to spot a hot pink chair in the midst of white pillows just around the corner at the same store.
2). Nature-inspired table accents
Seashells, blown glass and chunky wood in abundance: At nearly every showroom we visited, we found that this season’s table are heavily inspired by natural influences. This trend means a lot for DIY-happy interior designer enthusiasts.
Remember those fallen pine cones outside on your front porch? Now you can step outside and (after scrubbing them down with a little soap and water), you’ve got your newest — and trendiest — table accessory.
3). LED Lighting
Technology will play a big role in home design this fall and beyond — starting with lighting choices. Instead of the harsh fluorescents or hazy halogens we’re used to, the use of LED lighting will be found in more and more homes.
Why are LED lights gaining popularity? According to what I learned at the Designed Light lecture in the FSG showroom, LED lights are durable, energy-efficient and long-lasting. Additionally, LED lights (depending on the quality) give off a softer, warmer hue than other harsh lighting arrangements.
One tip when buying your LEDs this fall: Spend time with a lighting professional to get the right type of bulb for your home.
4). A Return to Vintage
Walking into the Andrew Martin showroom is like walking into a mid-century toy store. We saw larger-than-life rocking horses and a vintage dollhouse. It was also amusing to find a vintage Debbie Does Dallas movie poster hanging unashamedly in full view, along with other pin-up posters.
These quirky pieces shared space with rustic-looking tables, chairs and lamps, confirming our suspicions that modern design will be getting mighty cozy with vintage chic.
5). Abstract fabrics
Whether you use them as windows or wall and table coverings, the fabrics used for those will come emblazoned with geometrically abstract designs in hot colors. It seems that many of the purveyors of fabrics took inspiration from the current trend of abstract contemporary art hanging in the galleries right now.
Orange, anyone? You’ll find a lot of that color, plus its coral and peach sisters at Decorative Center Houston, or anywhere you go searching for your autumn interior design needs.
