Artisan, Glamorous Furniture on Rise

As we look to furniture design trends for 2011, it is fascinating to connect home styles with what is happening in our economy, culture, values and personal lives. Everything is connected, and nothing happens in a vacuum…especially design!

Melange Flowered Drum Table

Here’s a look at two megatrends for 2011 and the cultural influences that are driving them:

• ARTISAN QUALTY AND CRAFT-INSPIRED FURNITURE. Today’s shoppers are beginning to crave decorative accessories and furnishings with a handmade artisan quality or a craftsman feel. Often, these pieces use natural materials. “Craft connotes value,” says Nancy Lindemeyer, former editor of Victoria & Better Homes & Gardens and current author of My First Best Friend. “Americans are starting to realize how much our heritage might be lost if we don’t commit to celebrating that heritage,” she said. That heritage –whether expressed in the craft of a potter, metal smith or artist—will be an increasing grassroots influence on design. Adds Lindemeyer, “Interior designers are more sensitive to including craft  in homes, both in accents and major pieces.” Vintage looks that hint at yesteryear with romantic florals, patchwork, ticking stripes, tapestry, quilting, lace and embroidery also fit into this trend. These looks soften the harsh world that comes at us, a world filled with hard-edge technology, complexity and economic struggle. At Hooker Furniture, we have designed a collection of one-of-a-kind artistic accents called Melange that taps into this artisan and vintage feel.

• RETURN TO GLAMOUR. While the glitter, gloss, shimmer and shine of glam furniture is a completely different feel from artisan looks, the return to glamour in many ways is also a reaction to the harsh economy and stressful world. The drama and excitement of glamour counters the challenges that surround us. Like the artisan trend, glam also has its share of nostalgia on hand with styles that evoke Art Deco and Hollywood Regency of the 1920s through 1940s. Elegance is supreme in furniture inspired by French and English Regency, Greek Revival and Art Deco styles that characterized Hollywood Regency. Fabrics are lush with velvets, silks, jacquards, metallics and sheers in cool, sophisticated neutrals. Clean, architectural lines in furniture combine with lavish accents such as lacquered and mirrored pieces, crystal chandeliers, chinoiserie, Asian-inspired pieces and lush rugs. As far as the glam trend is concerned, bling is beautiful! Everyone needs a little bling in their lives, and home decor is stepping up to the plate to offer bling in the form of fringe, mirrored and silver/gold leaf finishes, nail heads, beading and sequins. At Hooker Furniture, our tufted Sanctuary bed is one of the best examples, pairing a linen fabric with an antique mirror border in a scroll pattern. It’s Hollywood all the way!