The farm-to-table movement is all about eating fresh and local food. It is also concerned with supporting local economies and limiting the carbon footprint of each meal by reducing the distance food travels from its source to your plate.
But if you think that’s all farm-to-table is about, you should think again. Over the past six months, home-furnishings products in the spirit of this trend have been popping up in categories from textiles to tableware. Seeing this trend also take root in product items with long life cycles, like furniture and lighting, confirms that this movement will not be going away any time soon.
The farm-to-table lifestyle has country overtones, yet its appeal is growing for urban and suburban consumers. For example, Stickley had an excellent response to new wooden pieces with a rustic, painted and hand-planed finish from urban buyers at the High Point furniture market. At the NY Tabletop market, Villeroy & Boch revealed that Petit Fleur, a mini scattered-floral design from the 1970’s, is having a revival. The Standard Hotel, in NY’s meatpacking district, has selected this country floral for their breakfast service.
In addition to floral motifs, this trend also embraces imagery featuring fresh fruits and vegetables and gingham checks, dots and stripes. Add a dose of whimsy to the hens, roosters, cows and pigs that also appear in the mix.
Sturdy glass—never thin or fragile—appears in everything from canning jars to lighting. Wood looks natural or has painted-and-worn finishes. Stoneware and clay are preferred. Wicker returns for baskets, lamp bases and more. So do thick-and-cozy chenille, and classic cotton, canvas and denim with a homespun flavor.
Here are a few items from trade shows over the past three months that connect with the farm-to-table trend:
