More notes from market: styles and trends

Here are some random observations I made while at market last week, during my whirlwind buying trip for Pomegranate.

First, I love to complain about the "junk."  Junk meaning cutsie, stupid, meaningless, purposeless products that, when given as gifts, often end up in the garage sale/white elephant gift pile. I'm talking about talking, wiggling moose heads. Baskets with tutus and chicken head handles. Clown lamps. Lamps with plastic dolphins leaping into the air. Dr. Seuss-style santa heads exploding out of a cookie jar. Mermaid figurines holding pink plastic purses (also mermen figures – they do exist). Resin teddy bears with goofy 'inspirational' signs in their little paws. Oh, there's no end to the tragic display of useless objects (ahh, I wish I had pictures to prove it).

But, I have to say there was far less junk at this market: perhaps the times have dictated what will fall out of the edges of the retail world. Good news is, there were many more products that had a green attitude, that were well-designed, clever and beautiful. There were more small manufacturers and artisan companies that are making their products right here in the USA or Canada. I was really impressed with all these innovators and entrepreneurs, and judging by how crowded some of these booths were, other buyers were just as wowed.

There was some absolutely beautiful furniture at this market. We don't have the room to show much furniture at the shop (especially upholstered pieces), but that didn't stop me from observing and drooling over some of it. There was such a simplicity and naturalness to a lot of it. Great designs, less traditional and more modern shapes, mixed with rustic, organic and industrial design. My favorite design aesthetic is modern mixed with vintage, and so many of the offerings were right on target. It's kind of a Belgian/French takeover of the design world. If you've seen the work of Belgian designer Axel Vervoordt, you'll recognize the look. But it can go too far, too. There was lots and lots of burlap everywhere, which I like in small doses. Not so much as upholstery on a chair: it's scratchy! Give me a gorgeous linen (or burlap's softer cousin, jute) over burlap any day.

I also am a big fan of orange, and am so happy to see more of it. Tangerine is Pantone's color of the year, so expect to see it in little pops of color. Orange is a happy color, indoors and out. You might not want an entire sofa done in it (unless you're a daring Italian designer), but some pillows, or little accents here and there are so much fun. And, there are so many variations on orange. I love love love that soft, saffrony color you see in silk saris (in fact, that's exactly what I'm going to use to make new window coverings at home). Imagine some bright tangerine butterfly sling chairs in the garden (let's time travel to the 60s); what a fun contrast to the greenery. I'm bringing in my little orange fix via lanterns and artwork, totes, etc.

Other strong color statements were yellow, aqua, and magenta. And white. White is still classic and clean and goes everywhere. Navy is making a comeback, too, and not just for the Ralph Lauren crowd. We forgot about navy for so long. Did we get tired of it? Don't know what happened, but navy looks great with yellow, gray, and yes, tangerine.

The animal print thing will not subside. I saw even more products covered in faux leopard, and I still don't get it. Really cute on a pair of reading glasses. Not so charming all over a chair or on a big carpet-bag style tote. Maybe it's just me, but all I can think of when I see these prints is Siegfried and Roy.

The bird theme is still going strong, and I'm so glad for that. I've always loved the look, trend or not, and what I found in it feels timeless. Owls were another big icon everywhere, and I do love them, but don't want to go overboard with it. Funny how that was such a big thing in the 70s, and it's made full circle. My grandmother had all sorts of owl "things" everywhere. Sculptures, candles, prints. Wish I had some of it now, because all of a sudden, it's vintage and cool.

The city of London was another big theme this season Was it the royal wedding that sparked our interest, or the bold, graphic iconography of the Union Jack that has everyone in love? Not sure, but again, a little goes a long way. One pillow tossed onto your family room sofa is probably enough. Pull it together with a knitted red or navy throw, and stop right there.

One final note, on hotel silver. If you've been to our shop, you know that's one of our little passions, and we are constantly on the lookout for it. We just love the simple lines, beautiful patina, and rich, romantic history these pieces represent. At market I saw a lot of reproductions (another 'trend' I suppose), and honestly, they can't hold a candle to the real thing. Some of the new products were pretty cute, but I didn't  order, preferring to bring in our authentic vintage finds (even if sometimes we can't source enough of it). We'll keep looking, and so will our trusty scouts. We'll always have something interesting and unique for you!