Style watch: Sustainability, color, function in spotlight
By Michael J. Knell -- Furniture Today, January 6, 2008
Toronto — This weekend's Canadian Home Furnishings Market will set the trend for what consumers see on Canadian retail floors over the coming months.
"This year's show draws attention to the fact that society is evolving, consumer needs are changing and the marketplace is adapting," said QFMA President Jean François Michaud. "More and more consumers are developing a responsible and ethical attitude toward the environment, which is slowly changing their purchasing habits.
"When it comes to buying furniture, consumers are not only looking for quality, durability and flexibility, but also for furniture that is made according to their personal values."
Furniture manufacturers are responding to this new development, Michaud added.
"The preoccupation with sustainable development, which re-examines the way furniture is made, is just as likely to be prevalent when considering product workmanship as with the manufacturing process, product life cycle, as well as the choice and source of primary and secondary materials," he said.
Reviewing what the 400-plus exhibitors are planning to display here, organizers said they believe buyers can expect to see more harmony between form and function.
"Some of the show's manufacturers will present collections featuring contemporary styling for urban lifestyles — soft lines and curves inspired by the look and feel of today's lofts and condos," they said. "Other exhibitors prefer a fusion of modern design with classic traditional style by combining delicate yet supple lines with larger pieces to create the appeal of solidity.'
Buyers also should expect some new approaches to finishes. The preferred application for several producers is a wiped-on stain that allows the wood grain to show through or gives the wood an aged look.
"In fact, giving wood the raw treatment is definitely in," organizers said. "Several exhibitors have chosen to revisit the smashing '60s with its molded, round and chrome shapes, as well as the '80s with its playful and audacious décor, vibrant colors and oversize prints."
Customization will reach new levels this market as producers offer more choices, giving consumers the ability to "create" their own furniture from a range of materials, shapes and sizes and then choose the style, type and color of wood, fabric and accent materials.
Multifunction is another anticipated trend this market. Introductions include new beds with built-in storage; footstools that provide storage and turn into tables; and oscillating chairs with arm, back and seat rests that can be sized according to body type.
"We're now enjoying the discovery of a wide range of furniture that is geometrically variable, modular, transformable, foldable, lightweight and compact enough to beautify and facilitate interior living spaces," organizers said.
In upholstery, the industry's most fashion-forward category, retro looks will be in the spotlight. New pieces will feature tapered profiles and contoured shapes, matched with vibrant colors.
"The current trend, which leans toward the transformable and the versatile, will introduce the market to even more modular or variable-shape sofas whose various components can be modified to change a piece's overall allure and function," the organizers said.
Leather is expected to remain strong this market. In addition, matelassé upholstery is making a comeback, as are velvets.
Color is expected to continue its growing dominance as a design element for both upholstery and wood this market.
"While the trend to beautify spaces with warm classic browns is set to continue," the organizers maintain, "the shift toward colors like Granny Smith, prune yellow, khaki orange, sun yellow, aqua, dark red merlot, blue, cranberry, sage and Dijon is in full gear."
Several movements are being seen in new dining room chairs, accent chairs and living room sofas.
"The eco-trend has inspired the return of green in all its flavors: gray-green, olive green and the complete gamut of vegetable greens," the organizers are forecasting.
"Nonetheless, natural shades are sticking around to provide an elegant and sober charm."
Among the anticipated highlights are large prints with geometric shapes and stripes, in a variety of vibrant and funky colours such as lime green, pink and bright orange. Providing a touch of retro are new black/white and cream/brown contrasts.
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