This fall there are many fabulous fashion trends and several of them align with the trends we are seeing in the interior design community. Here are a few that are worth considering for a fashionable fall:
“Metallic”
Nothing shimmers like gold…except maybe silver, brass or copper! Metallic sheen is a big fashion trend this fall, but not just in formal gowns and jewelry. You will see it in everything from handbags to nail polish.
Of course we all are familiar with metal furniture frames and hardware, but now there is an exciting new use of thin, tightly woven metal in “fabric”. These can be draped on their own or lined to allow another fabric to act as a backdrop. Also, brass is back! You will see it in furniture, hardware and accessories.
“Brocade”
Nothing speaks “high end” like brocade fabric. Dating back to the Middle Ages, a brocade fabric is “…a rich fabric woven with a raised design, often using gold or silver” (again, there is the nod to the metallic trend). Brocade fabrics lean to the formal, but you will see them paired with denim and t-shirts this fall for a more relaxed fashion statement.
Brocade fabrics have been a staple in the design industry forever, but they are super popular this season. Delicate silk brocades are fabulous for drapery treatments, while heavier woven brocades work well on everything from upholstery to bed linens. Either way, the end result is an intricate rich pattern that shimmers!
“Beauty Queen”
OK…think Audrey Hepburn, pink champagne, Paris, crystal, tulle, pearls and pastels. The Beauty Queen trend is soft and sophisticated. It is a delicate balance of old and new. It is sweet and enduring.
It is the lovely pink in a Chanel suit or the soft floral in swag drapery. It is the soft silk ball gown with beads and the luxurious tufted ottoman with tassel trim. The Beauty Queen is pretty.
Hmm…you know…maybe now is the time for that pink chintz sofa I have always wanted.
“The Artful Bohemian”
Throw away the rules! This fall trend challenges you to create your own unique style by mixing patterns, prints and textures. The common thread, if you will, is color. Select a general palette and use that to keep it all together. Consider a few key statement pieces that will get noticed and have fun with the rest.
This fashion concept is easily translated to interior design. Be fearless and create your own unique style. Choose a few key pieces that will have classic staying power and then build around them. Add dimension and interest with the floor coverings, pillows, artwork and accessories in non-matching patterns. A new exciting trend in textiles is fabric that is spray painted in multiple color and patterns. It is durable, soft and…oh so, dramatic. Now that is art!
“Wild Child”
This trend taps into your primal instincts. Time to break out the black leather and strut your stuff! Think clean tailored lines paired with faux fur or an animal print. This trend is sophisticated, but edgy. You will see it in clothing, shoes, handbags and belts. Use one piece or layer it up!
Animal hides and furs have played a commanding role in interior design for a long time. However, with recent concerns for the environment and endangered species, designers are now turning to fabulous synthetic faux furs, leathers and skins instead. These fabrics are so realistic that it is almost impossible to tell they are “faux”.
“Black and White”
What is more classic than black and white? This simple color combination has withstood the test of time and continues to trend this fall. You will see it however, with a few new twists. Look for black and white layered in various patterns, florals and prints–think Artful Bohemian without the color. Also, geometric patterns and stripes running opposite of each other will be used to create an interesting silhouette. As always, texture will also play an important role in layering black and white.
Black and white will continue to inspire the home furnishings industry. It is a timeless classic that can accommodate most styles and tastes. I like to kick up a black and white design by using a pop of color with the artwork or accessories. Red, yellow and green are my “go to” colors for this design maneuver.
