With our situation of uncertainty, reigning-in may be necessary, but it is also a time to celebrate the blessings we have, and make our homes feel warm, inviting and rejuvenated, because many of us are most likely spending more time at home than we have in the past few years.
When Pam and I were at the Dallas World Trade Center Market in January we saw many of the incoming trends in home décor and color that were forecasted last year. The one thing that stands our most is how eclectic everything has been becoming in the past few years. While there are definite trends on all fronts, there are so many, and they are at times so mixed, that done tastefully almost anything goes. From contemporary to classic, black to white and every color in between, you can be fairly certain it is available somewhere.
One of the reoccurring themes we encountered was the use of grays and neutrals warmed by the natural elements of weathered and unfinished woods. Adorned with nature’s gifts of shells, antlers, reeds, and branches, this combination was evident in furniture and accessories, including a more traditional European country setting which we named The Belgium Estate.
The Belgium Estate is reminiscent of Shabby Chic, but the distressed painted wood has been replaced by pickled pine. The use of stain finishes in shades of gray are highlighted with butter-cream yellows, ivory and amber. The Shabby Chic and Belgium Estate styles mix easily and are wonderful when used with architectural and mirrored pieces. As a texture compliment, upholstery often incorporates the simple elegance of non-patterned linen resulting in a focused simplicity. Accessory pieces may have a touch of clear crystals that tease the light and add a touch of whimsy suggesting an understated grace of bygone eras. On the more contemporary side, Palecek displayed mixed wood furniture and tortoise shell accent pieces on a soft gray wall that created a peaceful contrast. We loved both these presentations and feel they offer a way to renovate and update some of our favorite pieces.
This color palette is warm, soft and has an organic feel. While in the gray tones, it is warmed with brown which prevents the colder, industrial feel gray is so often associated with. Whether blended in with just a few accessories or making a bold statement in furniture or wall color, it is updated and fresh and offers a nice contrast to darker furnishings.
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