Well I was going to skip this post but then I received an email from one of my readers letting me know that the little I had posted from my High Point trip was NOT ENOUGH 🙂 I had also come to the conclusion that a few of my blogger friends had already done such great recaps, like Traci Zeller with her comprehensive posts, here, here and here.
Really. I mean I just can’t add anything else new that Traci hasn’t already said. The above pillow collection was definitely the theme (I photographed it because I loved the little ruffle on this one). Burlap and linen and one showroom after another filled with gray, limed furniture
. 
Seriously, they all needed a hit of colour (like this piece of art) or an accessory from this shop (can’t remember what it was) look at that fabulous colour on the back of the shelves!
Above photos by Maria Killam
The colour pendulum has to swing back and forth every 10 years because we get tired of looking at the same colours (trend or no trends). We’ve had dark cabinets, now it’s the opposite– white ones (although these days everyone is adding a hint of blue or green to their white cabinets). We’ve been looking at earth tones for 15 years, time to go to fresh and bright (above photo). And gray, black and white is the best combination with bright and clean accents! So there’s my take in one little paragraph! Plus I’m in Portland next weekend for the Colour Marketing Group fall Conference so this won’t be my last post on trends that’s for sure!
If you are building or renovating your kitchen or bathroom right now, it probably looks something like these two photos (below).
Carrerra Marble. It’s flying out of the stores these days!
Still want more? Check out Traci’s blog for all the latest on High Point.
I’m still writing one more little review from my trip but it’s a critique of Clean and Dirty colours from two restaurants I saw when I was there and more suited to Halloween night so stay tuned! I’m thinking of headlining it Heaven vs. Hell or something like that, hahaha, not that bad but close! If you would like your home to fill you with happiness every time you walk in, contact me for on-line or in-person decorating and colour.
Related posts:
High Point and Comfortable Shoes Art from High Point
When is Gray the right Background for your Space?
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Funny that we are seeing many more gray, colorless interiors. I was thinking it had more to do with the state of the economy or something. I
recently painted my guest room SW -Amazing Gray. It's a warm gray and looks great with happy colors!
I love that color is coming back into interiors. I attended a great antiques class recently in SF and we talked about all the fact that gorgeous Eastern rugs are being dipped in acid to fad the color… amazing huh?
xo,
cristin
Been seeing the grays and marble trend in trendiest homes in TX for several years now. (by people wealthy enough to loyally follow trends, and completely eradicate all evidence of one trend and replace with another every 7 yrs or so, including reflooring, retiling, changing out all fabrics casegoods buying all new…including new antiques that fit the trend.) And I have LOVED it! But it is already starting to be overdone which means looking "tired". By the time it is in mass like it was at Highpoint, it is no longer a special look. And this trend has already hit some discount stores like Marshall's and TJ Maxx. IMHO the best trend is not following a trend -classic, timeless looks…there are countless photos of rooms done 10/20/30 years ago that are fabulous in design and color. Historical Colors like BM Northampton Putty is an example of a color that looks as good today as ever. Good design involves acquiring quality pieces and building a look and is a better investment in time and money for most rather than being caught in endless cycle of trends that quickly become tired and dated.
Maria is right on about trends histroically lasting about 10 yrs. However, it appears the cycle may be becoming shorter due to design blogs and volume of photos and info. Allows tiredness and fatigue to set in much sooner. Good news for designers, but not good for the homeowners time and wallets. I too say no to being a "trend dog" Go classic or dont bother….by the time you finally get a room completely finished and like you like it will be time to gut it all and start over – a vicious cycle.
You are so sweet, Maria! Thanks so much! Two more posts to go, and I will be wrapping up my High Point trend report. Whew! 😉
Oh, and that great showroom was Two's Company / Tozai Home!
I hope to check out some of the links you mentioned after we get done with square dancing with the kids in Galveston tonight.
We are breaking out the petticoats and cowboy boots.. I was interested to hear what you are talking about with the trends. I want to hear more about this. Your post was such a 'teaser'! I wondered what you thought about the comments anonymous made. If she is right, I wish she had left her name so we could visit her blog and see what alternatives she has …say photos and examples of what she means by a better option than working towards trends.
Personally, I get tired of out dated myself.. I love timeless..but don't want old-fashioned.
Even though our house is VERY country (only because of the antiques mind you), we are looking for a new couch and drapes but we want a modern style..not something old fashioned. I'm wondering. Rebekah and I are leaning towards whitish, beige, or leather but squares…not quite retro but close. We saw some beautiful options at Macy's and may hit their sales in January after we get Tim's bonus. So I'm taking notes on posts like this because you know, Maria, once we buy that couch..we're STUCK for at least ten years. Ha!
I like my antiques, but I don't want people to walk in and think they've stepped back in time. I don't know if you have ever done a post on something that uses antiques in a stylish way, but it seems that with all of the retro styles and furniture running around that something could be done that would not look to ou-dated. I guess that will be something for me to research. :o)
xo,
Donna @ Comin' Home
Just talked via phone with Traci yesterday and she had so many nice things to say about you! Loved her posts and loved yours about the High Point shoes:). Thanks for all your inspiration… I'm really learning about the color gray!
Traci
Maria,
I am a huge fan of gray especially for designing in a male only environment. It adds muscle with black, silver, white,
when colored glass is used in lighting it pops color into the layout.
High Point is a great preview for new ideas but until clients feel more comfortable about the economy they won't add that much more color. It's the mood of the country that's reflected in design as it has been in design history.
With higher taxes being predicted next year creativities will come in to save the day as designers work harder to get clients vision and budgets fulfilled.
Bette
Hi Anonymous 1 & 2
I'm fascinated that so many people are a 'reaction' to the trends conversation. And I appreciate both your opinions. And a classic interior is expensive. LIke the post where I mentioned Joni's post here http://bit.ly/arZcbF on what it takes to have a timeless interior, that looks includes french.
It's easy to fill up a home with a bunch of expresso brown furniture cause it is so cheap right now, a lot of it comes from China and you can make a home look very nice with it and then yes it gets dated faster. But not everyone can afford to have a timeless interior. That generally takes the skills of an interior designer to pull it off in addition to a lot of money to incorporate the antiques that make an interior look way more timeless.
I don't know what was better, your post or the quality content of your readers in the comments section! I love Carrerra Marble, it is a true classic no matter what you pair with it. I am going to check out Traci's posts, I haven't been to High Point in years, I would love to see what is going on today.
I love gray but has to be for the right person. I love POPS of color and they definitely make gray become a special backdrop and set the mood. I love it but do not want my whole house done in it. I few pillows and accessories scattered about and I'm good to go! That is an easy way to follow a trend but not be stuck with it. Very easy to do this with an already timeless interior…have a great Halloween!
~Margaret L. Norcott, Allied ASID
http://www.milieudesigngroup.com
I'll check the links you mention. Love that color is coming back into interiors. Happy Halloween!
Maria–
How about a series of posts on creating affordable timeless, classic home decor? First off, what IS classic and timeless? then, how can one achieve that look and not go custom or high end? Or wait ten years to buy the classic sofa on a budget? it's really frustrating "out there" — it's one thing to bemoan frequenting the big box stores or high end stores and another to find furniture that won't date in a few years or remind everyone of their last trip to Home Goods.
well, I like those two last photos 🙂
I love the idea that marble is back in the interiors world. Love to mix marble with wood – it gives such amazing balance between the two. To have a marble bathroom is a dream. It's so golden age 🙂
Hi Anonymous #3,
The link I posted above links to a post that outlines what kind of furniture you need for a timeless interior and it IS expensive. If you look at Joni's post, she shows 2 rooms from the 1950's, one filled with french antiques and the other a traditional (and obviously very dated) 50's interior. The first room looks very today and she explained it best in my opinion.
Without the funds that kind of look would take I think we should consider colours that we really love when choosing permanent and important pieces like a sofa. Some people say their favourite colour changes often so then that becomes harder to do.
Even 'beige' isn't timeless because anyone that has a 'cream and beige' living room right now probably wants a 'white' one because it's the trend.
Personally I get tired of the 'trends' conversation which is why I was going to skip this post but I can't avoid it. This is the world of residential and we are slaves to current trends whether we like it or not.
Thanks for your comment, and if there is an inexpensive way to create a timeless interior, I haven't figured it out yet. I couldn't believe what my oval back 'french' inspired dining chairs cost once they have been stripped, painted and re-upholstered even for someone in the business). NOT $99 each like an off-the-shelf parsons chair from a big box store that's for sure!
Hi Maria: The universe is whispering the same thing to both of us. My last post is colour emerging at High Point. I took a computer holiday, so maybe you've seen. I'm dying to know what you especially think. I agree Traci did a great job.
Best,
Liz
Thanks for the confirmation. I have always loved color, so I've always had lots of it. When I did this house somebody commented that everybody thought I should have done it in neutrals. I told him: "I don't do neutrals." I really don't care about trends, and I agree that Joni's post on timeless is definitive.
Best,
Liz