Inspired Design Notes

Dallas Market Trends January 2010

        Animal prints are still very visible in both apparel and home décor, however they are generally a bit more subtle than in the past, and are often mixed with other finishes and materials.  There is a cross-pollination occurring between contemporary and traditional features within individual accessories and furnishings, which softens the contemporary aspect and gives the traditional a clean, updated feel.  Natural, organic materials and objects are more and more prevalent, used either to soften the hard edges of urban statements or as stand alone features.   Mixing the natural elements into our décor is a reminder that we live in a fragile ecosystem for which we are the caretakers.  Which leads to the eco-friendly products that are becoming a mainstay - whether recycled, reused, and/or renewed all kinds of things are being created for home décor that are environmentally-friendly in production and use.   

      As with styles of décor and other trends, we have become a very global community, with easy access to everything, and it has made it possible to find a trend to parallel almost anything we want to create.  It is exciting and liberating to be in a time when the choices we make for our homes, reflecting our own personal style can follow the trends so easily.  For most of us, creating an eclectic mix of what we cherish and brings joy into our lives is what is most important and with a little bit of tweaking, it can be right on trend.

Dallas Market Trends - Christmas 2010

Wow! We recently got back from the Dallas market where we were focused on purchasing product for Holiday Magic - crazy that we prepare for the fourth quarter all but three months during the summer.  It is always fun to see what is new and find out if the product we need to create the themes we have planned is available.  This year was completely opposite of last – there were so many new products that we came home with four more themes than we went to market with, and two more trees than last year.

This is definitely the year of tradition, which is no surprise when reflecting on the difficulties our nation felt last year.  Red and green were the dominant colors, religious icons were prevalent, fairies were relegated to the forest (we did find some hiding for all the fairy collectors) as angels took over, and Santa has taken back the spotlight from the snowmen.  Of the figures not specifically associated with Christmas, the deer was by far the most popular.  From traditional to contemporary it is available in every color and finish imaginable – and we bought a multitude for the store because they were so irresistible.  Whimsy is very popular, again showing our need to experience a lighter side, and whimsical figures of all kinds can be found, particularly in the pet arena which we will feature again this year. 

Our looks for this year are varied, but a few of my favorites are the Mary Englebreit tree, a red, green and black look we are calling American Christmas featuring Jane Seymour’s art, and the entry tree which will be festooned with all shades of burgundy, pink and violet, covered in flowers and the perfect backdrop to the angels which will be flying everywhere.  We also have plans to incorporate natural shells into one of the looks, and doing an encore is the fabulous line of realistic stuffed animals that lived on the woodland tree last year.  Of course there will be no shortage of birds, butterflies and bugs, and Mark Roberts has created lots of new elves which will have a tree to themselves this year.  I could go on and on….. it may sound like a bit of an illness to some, but I can’t wait to start Christmas!