JACKSONVILLE, Florida – The annual spring High Point Market highlighted many stylish products that experts are calling the latest trends in home design.

“The High Point Market features more home furnishing products than anywhere else in the world and highlights the emerging industry trends,” said Judith Sisler Johnston, president of Sisler Johnston Interior Design and ASID allied member. “Understanding the latest market trends is valuable whether I’m designing a private residence or a builder model home.”

For more than 25 years, Sisler Johnston has attended the twice-yearly market where furniture manufacturers introduce their new collections and industry experts analyze and discuss memorable products and noteworthy trends. Some of this year’s most important product trends were showcased in the April 2008 issue of Home Accents Today. The following is the publication’s Top 10 trends.

1. Distressed: Well aged, distressed and antiqued treatments are surfacing on many modern and contemporary designs. Today’s sophisticated technology and innovative treatments make it possible to add unique finishes to leather, antiqued mirror, wood and porcelain.

2. Color: Saturated, bright gemstone colors overshadowed neutral tones with the exception of the elegant chocolate and ivory combination. The fresh, innovative hues included shades of citrine, yellow tourmaline and sapphire as well as the lively combination of coral and turquoise.

3. Velvet: The original luxury fabric dominated market showrooms in sophisticated neutrals shades including slate, espresso, caramel and cream. Velvet exudes elegance and pairs well with leather. Expect to see more accent furnishings dressed in velvet.

4. Zebra: There are many animal prints to choose from this season, although zebra is the most popular and adds graphic style to home accents. In addition to traditional black/white and chocolate/ ivory combinations, zebra also appeared in vivid combinations of orange/white, chartreuse/ white and cobalt/white.

5. Metallic: An array of metallic-coated furnishings and accents added shimmer and sparkle to this market. Unlike the intensity of previous seasons, this year’s collection highlights multi-layered and pale glimmering metallics that provide soft, subtle shimmer.

6. Shapes: Designers are using ornamentation to stylize designs, embellishing with shapes that range from geometric to botanical to classical. Clean, plain and simple took a backseat to sharp, edgy and curvaceous shapes.

7. Handmade: One-of-a-kind designs made with premium quality and attention to detail took center stage at market, including hand-cut and sewn fabric pieces. Furnishings designed with reclaimed wood make identical duplication impossible and hand-dyed treatments make each piece slightly different. Handmade provides a uniqueness that cannot be duplicated with machinery.

8. Lacquer: Lacquer adds modern elegance and style to home accents. Most pieces at market showcased a solid high-gloss finish, although some designs featured a distressed look with multiple colorations. Lacquer is available in a spectrum of colors along with neutrals.

9. French: Modern French design encompasses everything from Décor to Art Nouveau to Neo-Baroque to art and architecture movements. Early modernism showcases sculptural influences as well as a connection to nature. Sophisticated and luxurious materials, such as bronze, mirror, glass, gold leaf, parchment and shagreen, complement the simpler designs of this period.

10. Rustic: Today’s modern design brings sophisticated style to rustic materials. Furnishings and accents highlighting this trend feature clean, contemporary lines and are designed with natural woods, stone and other organic and natural materials.
With every design, Sisler Johnston considers current trends as well as other design influences and personal style. Her philosophy is to approach trends with wisdom and balance so they reflect individual personal style preferences.

“While trends are important, it is also vital to consider furnishings and décor that complements an individual’s taste and lifestyle,” Sisler Johnston said. “The key to successful design is selecting products for both the home and the workplace that people will use and enjoy.”
Sisler Johnston Interior Design offers comprehensive interior design services for residential and commercial clients. The company designs private residences, builder model homes, community centers, hotel guest accommodations and office suites. Sisler Johnston Interior Design also provides marketable designs for senior lifestyle communities.

ASID Allied Member Judith Sisler Johnston and her team of licensed, talented designers help clients enhance their surroundings with designs that range from traditional elegance to classic contemporary style. Sisler Johnston is Jacksonville’s leading authority on designing spectacular spaces that are beautiful, functional and reflect her clients’ personalities and lifestyles.
Sisler Johnston’s design work has been featured in numerous books, newspapers, magazines and television programs. Sisler Johnston Interior Design celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2004 and has been recognized with more than 100 industry awards.

For more information about Sisler Johnston Interior Design, call (904) 288-0908 or visit www.sislerjohnston.com.

Photography:

1. Judith Sisler Johnston, president of Sisler Johnston Interior Design.

2. Saturated, bright gemstone colors overshadow neutral tones with the exception of the elegant chocolate and ivory combination as seen here at ICI Homes’ Emerald model at Plantation Bay.