Picture this: You're shopping at Target for essentials like toothpaste or laundry detergent when your eye is drawn to something in the home goods aisle, maybe a stylish serving bowl or a cute picture frame. Something about it looks so fresh and appealing that you can't resist picking it up and adding it to your cart.
Staying one step ahead of what you and I will find irresistible is the role of Camille Thomas, president and CEO/owner of JMC Retail Group, Minneapolis. Thomas watches the world for emerging trends, scrutinizing major design shows and other cutting-edge resources, then advises mass-market retailers on how to bring those looks to you. "We interpret shows and make recommendations," she said.
We talked with Thomas about the themes that will have the biggest impact on home decor, now and in the months ahead:
Heirloom touches: Instead of being borrowed straight from Granny's china cabinet, this look has an updated twist.
"It's a rich, warm and welcoming aesthetic," said Thomas. Heirloom chic is all about details and finishes, like embellishment on a basic wine decanter or two complementary textures on one item. The rose gold that has been popular in jewelry is now making household goods shine. On bowls or other containers, "rose gold looks beautiful and special," Thomas said.
Mixed metals and finishes, such as copper with pewter, brushed metal with pounded metal, dark woods with inlay and marble combined with quartz are other appealing combos. "Ordinary products turn into treasured items worth holding onto, keeping in the family and pulling out year after year," she said.
The '70s revamped: The midcentury modern revival that has been influencing architecture and design for several years is now starting to home in on the 1970s decade, according to Thomas. "You see it in apparel with fringe-y edges," she said.
Expect to see that '70s influence next in picture fames, place mats, even a revival of those macramé plant hangers that you — or your mom — had hanging in a first apartment.
But before you turn up your nose, rest assured that this '70s reboot will be "a little more sophisticated and refined," according to Thomas. "Color will be a big part of this theme," with dark woods like walnut and mahogany paired with mustard hues. So will patterns, particularly small geometric shapes, such as diamonds, showing up on everything from table linens to ceramics.
Asian influences: The West looks to the East cyclically, falling in love with various elements of Asian design. "It's emerging again," said Thomas. "It's a really important influence, and it will continue to be strong, influencing all areas."
You'll see it in simple, subtle shapes and natural, sustainable materials, such as bamboo and cork. Color-wise, expect a strong showing for indigo blue, a Japanese staple. Blues across the spectrum — from deep midnight to pale, washed shades — will take a primary role in home goods. "You'll see all hues of blue — blue on blue," Thomas said. "You can put a gray blue with a bright blue and still feel right in this trend."
Glass: This design trend is crystal clear. Glass, particularly recycled glass, is being used in homes of any style. "We're seeing it used in really creative ways, from decorative to tabletop," said Thomas. We clearly want materials that are authentic and environmentally friendly in our homes, and glass fills the bill. "It's sustainable, it's real and it can't harm you."
Kim Palmer • 612-673-4784 • @stribkimpalmer
