One of our clients asked me to put together a recap of the recent High Point International Furniture Market. We were asked to address color, key items, fabrics, natural materials and style categories.
These are always fun projects. When I approach them, I look at the color component first. That took me back to my notes, then on a stroll through the images I snapped in High Point.
I noticed again how neutrals were advancing in vignettes. This came as no surprise. The Trend Curve™ has been forecasting this potential for nearly two years. In fact, we felt so strongly about it that we released a forecast product made up completely of neutrals about 18 months ago.
Skin-Tone Neutrals™ 2006 – 2007 were everywhere in High Point. Oft repeated light values of Old Satin and Champagne formed a foundation upon which mid-value Browns like Nutmeg and dark accents like French Roast and Cocoa were added. Sometimes the mid-tone element included a complex, Pinky-Peach like Sachet Pink or Deco Blush. Larry Laslo put a combination like that together in his new line for Ferguson Copeland. It looked great in a mix of silky fabrics with suede textures (see images above).
It is always satisfying to see a forecast come to fruition. It is even more satisfying to know that the colors we predicted provide not only usable ways but also beautiful ways to create forward combinations with a neutralized feeling. If the High Point market is any barometer, our Skin-Tone Neutrals will be around for at least another two years.