Design Forecast Trends for 2017 to Use to Your Advantage
There are many design trends forecasted for the new year, but it's not always a safe bet to follow them in your showrooms. Trends can often be short lived, but here are a few predicted directions for 2017 that can impact your furniture showroom in a positive way.
More Than Just a Rug: Area rugs are becoming more of a piece of art rather than a basic floor covering. Today's homeowners are building rooms around these accessories instead of just on top of them. This trend will create a great opportunity for showrooms to feature rugs. Not only does it help pull the furniture displays together, but they are great add-ons to a ticket. Area rugs are going to be an easy avenue for adding that "drama" to a room without a huge cost for today's homeowner. Now is a good time to bring in some rugs, or even increase your assortment.
Expanding to the Outdoors: Houses are being built smaller, especially in urban areas, so more people are extending their living areas outdoors. The momentum behind outdoor furniture is building, especially with mixed media finishes which could mean that now is the time to start carrying outdoor furniture.
The Feminine Aesthetic: The new feminine aesthetic has evolved and is trending. Based on the power behind by the current strong female influence seen on an international level you will see a trend of bold, eye hitting elements juxtaposed with softness. This can be seen in hard architectural elements mixed with softer shapes, or sharp colors contrasted by subtle neutrals. Don’t be afraid to feature furniture and accessories with some of these elements, they might be a big hit.
Designed by Nature: Traditional interior design is being interrupted by natural elements and it’s taking things in an unexpected direction. This trend is a reflection of trying to balance nature with man and the result is can be seen by an emergence of earthy colors, nature inspired patterns in bold ways, and materials made with the fusion of technical knowhow and nature. Take notice of the furniture and accessories with the perfectly imperfect woodgrain finishes, the nubby woven rugs, and promote them.
