Ask A Designer:
Q. What’s new for next year? What trends do you think will continue? Why?—E.S.
A. Next year brings more variety to all price points and style groups. International trade, internet shopping, and social media have reformed trend development.
Just a decade ago, a prediction was based on getting the “first glimpse” of what was coming. Now manufacturers stock very little while they attempt to produce merchandise in response to customer demand. Clusters of style groups can exist within cities, and regional preferences may decrease because each person is exposed to many more options.
In general, though, a few sweeping trends can be expected. International styles will influence main stream taste. Niche styles such as Country French or Art Deco may become more intense. Geometric patterns and Mediterranean designs will be safe “classical” choices that please the most customers.
Color has the potential to go “individualistic” although Nashville holds tight to neutrals (likely because of the healthy real estate environment). Intrigue tends to lie “in the details.” This is especially true in draperies where simple panels are trimmed in meaningful ways and rugs which appear to be solid but are full of subtle pattern and textural changes.
Social media style leaders can suggest an idea, and a manufacturer will probably take up that idea and bring it to market. Whether it catches on is up to each of you, and it could change with little notice. Architecture and high cost items will change much more slowly, but options are expected to increase.
Note: We welcome all questions related to home design—ask us about color, room arrangement, planning for a new home, selecting furnishings, lighting, flooring, and more. Answers provided by Tanna Espy Miller, B.F.A., M.B.A., who has operated her award winning interior design practice DesignNashville.com for 26 years. You may also contact Tanna at 615/ 601-0552.