Anything Goes

Trends are usually easy to spot, especially at myriad trade shows with an abundance of product on display. However, trend-spotting at the winter markets took a confusing turn, or turns: There was no single direction in decorative accessories. The free-wheeling atmosphere at the shows called to mind Cole Porter's song "Anything Goes." And just as the reference to Porter suggests, retro, 1930s glamour, and Art Deco are all among today's trends, where personal preference dictates the choices consumers are making in decorating their homes.

"Whatever looks good and feels good is right," says retail consultant and Gifts & Dec contributor Laurie Karzen. "Homes are much more eclectic these days. People can collect things from different places, and the different looks are pulled together by color and design."

"People are taking their personal style into their homes," agrees Allan Flamm, president of Flambro. "There's not necessarily one trend. People's homes are mirroring their tastes."

The trend in decorative accessories today, then, is all about bringing different styles together to create a unique look and an inviting atmosphere that reflects the consumer's personality.

While there may not be one definite trend in decorative accessories, there are a number of strong influences, including traditional, modern, retro, European, British Colonial (or island lifestyle), and the factor that crosses all categories: color. All of these can be mixed and matched if the right pieces are selected. For example, a modern vase with a simple shape will work well in a traditional setting, or a toile pattern can be combined with a retro look.

"Doing a house in one look is not happening anymore," says Flamm. It comes down to individual whim.

In spite of this range of decorating choices, Americans still look to Europe for design direction, according to Monica Sturgell-Loving, regional vice president of Kennedy Home in Dallas. She points to both country and formal French and Italian design influences as being very strong. But she also notes that modern (soft, contemporary) designs will always be fashionable.

One particular French motif that is seen everywhere right now is toile de jouy. The blue, red, cream, or black pattern of botanicals, landscapes, and other images can be found on everything from lamp shades to luggage. Pottery Barn currently has a line of toile bedding, and Blue Mountain Wallcoverings offers an American Patriotic Toile wallpaper that features the American flag, the Statue of Liberty, the White House, and other symbols of the republic in a pattern tied together with cherry blossoms.

"Toile is a traditional pattern that's not going to go away as fast as something that hasn't been around for a while," notes Laurie Karzen.

Another prominent motif is the British Colonial, island lifestyle. Monkeys, elephants, palm trees, and animal prints make up decorative themes in products ranging from tabletop to floor coverings. Ethnic influences — African, Moroccan, South Asian, and Latino — are also popular.

Color is playing an important role in decorative accessories, but in a subtle way. Splashes of color in neutral settings bring a dash of life to a wide variety of merchandise. The hot colors this season are red, pink, and green.

Karzen notes that warm Latino colors — particularly orange, pink, and red — are "in." She also sees metallics and black-and-white used extensively. But, she added, "Colors of nature are always part of the palette. They're mainstays in your store."

Monica Sturgell-Loving agrees: "Reds, purples, blues. Strong colors are making a resurgence," she says. "But neutrals will always be a mainstay. We use those to play off the golds and the silvers, and they can also be formal."

Flambro, which is perhaps best known for the earthy tones of its licensed Stetson line, has added color to its Flambro Home collection. The colored glass line features four shades: rust, lemon, amethyst, and apple green. But, says Flamm, "Stetson Home has chocolate browns, tans, and beiges, and those color ways have had a big impact for us."

This wide range of choices should be seen by the retailer as a godsend. You can go in any direction. Choose a traditional look, take a modern approach, or combine styles for an eclectic presentation. The different styles are out there for the taking.

"Retailers will be at an advantage if they're sharp," says Sturgell-Loving. "They can customize new trends based on where their store is located." She also thinks that vendors' product offerings will be more diverse because they want to capture the largest possible audience.

The important point is that consumers are enjoying their homes and they are making their own decisions about how they want to decorate. That bodes well for the decorative accessories industry in the long run.