Trends For 2005 at The Canadian Home Furnishings Market

Furniture World Magazine

The Canadian Home Furnishings Market, to be held January 15 to 18, 2005, ranks among North America’s leading events in the home furnishings secto. Canada’s only show of such stature, it’s the launching pad for all the latest trends and collections poised to appear on store floors. If we had to sum up current trends in just two words, they would be “classic” and “contemporary” – meaning that the latest collections are classics, yet solidly rooted in the present, reflecting consumers’ ever-changing needs and desires. More dark wood this season: North Americans just love wood. This year’s incarnation of everyone’s favourite material is somewhat darker without being overly formal. Dark finishes offer a wealth of nuances, letting the wood grain show through, with light or “wiped” finishes softening greys, blacks, and browns, lending warmth and character. Dark woods are sometimes paired with white, beige, or ivory fabrics, while lighter woods are still in favour. Architectural profiles, barely-there curves: This season we pay homage to pure silhouettes, geometric shapes, and structured profiles, pointing to a classic, elegant contemporary style. Light, supple curves dispensed in discreet doses soften architectural volumes and add a sense of rhythm, as revealed in a delicate base here, a headboard there, the subtle contour of a table top – you get the picture. Classicism revisited: Sofas and armchairs come with low backs, making any room setting look more spacious. Many sofa designs feature platform bases with structured backs and arms. Poufs, AKA ottomans, are extremely popular – square or rectangular, with hidden storage space galore. This year’s models are wider and longer, with some built into sectional configurations. Colours are bright but slightly toned-down this season: In upholstered furniture, bright reds and oranges, electric blues, vivid yellows, and forest greens are making way for blood red, brick, soft orange, navy and sky blues, clear yellows, and washed-out greens – all right in tune with the back-to-the-classics movement. Earth tones are back too, along with whites, ivories, and beiges. All these trends apply to leathers as well as fabrics. Microfibres that look for all the world like suede are big favourites. Metal keeps it simple: Chrome, such a hot trend last year, is yielding to stainless, brushed steel, and mat metal finishes, adding a highly urban touch while lightening the look overall. Metal bases have that delicate look. Trends and more trends: Upholstered headboards are a big hit, while sofas and sectionals with built-in chaise longues up the comfort level. Plain fabrics have definitely triumphed over all those patterns, and large decorative pillows are sitting pretty on structured sofas with wide armrests. Many sofa collections reflect the influence of the home-theatre trend – a leisure activity that seems to be here to stay. The pared-down look is also seen in lighting and decorative accessories. Lamp bases are fine and delicate, gently elongated. Glass and ceramic accessories are seen everywhere, in sombre shades or rich tones that harmonize beautifully with current trends in furniture. Trends Display 2005-settings that speak volumes: Don’t miss the Trends Display 2005, the brainchild of design experts André Caron and Pierre D’Anjou, who have come up with yet another surprising concept showcasing furniture from exhibitors at the show. Inspiring and stimulating, this sixth edition of the Trends Display is sure to send retailers home with all sorts of bright ideas designed to make their in-store displays truly outstanding.