Upholstery Trends 2009
A traditional market, for the most part, the Greater Nashville area is changing, according to David Buffington of Brentwood Interiors, as the city becomes more metropolitan with the construction of high-rise condominiums and lofts.
“We’re seeing the rise in popularity of more transitional and modern design,” he says. And, although grays are forecast to be the next trend in neutrals, according to Buffington, he’s not seeing much demand for them yet.
Amanda Burdge with AB Home Interiors reports she is seeing a slight move in the neutral shades of gray. “We’re beginning to move away from the brown palette and moving into a muddy gray color. It’s great and blues and greens are becoming the new neutrals,” she says.
According to Holly Gaus at The Fabric House, upholstery trends are widely varied at the moment. “Everything from ‘green’ organic cotton and bamboo in the family room to silk in the bedroom. Updated versions of traditional designs such as damask and paisley are popular as well. While chocolate remains strong, white and cream are great for monochromatic color schemes, and earth tones are still a good option for timeless pieces.”
At The Fabric Outlet, Monica Grimes reports damask prints have made a huge comeback as well as paisleys, “but both are being used in a more modern, upbeat fashion for refreshing yet comfortable looks.”
Grimes adds that while micro-suedes and chenilles continue to be top sellers, we’re also seeing leather and suede combinations, as well as suedes mixed with chenilles. “Sofas are being covered in solids and matching arm chairs are being covered in funky patterns or vice versa.”
In agreement is Susan Kreft of Calico Corners, who says she’s seeing the interest in browns and neutrals growing. “Today’s trends are for clean lines and contemporary designs. We’re noting increased demand for solid chenilles and linens, and the ‘linen look.’’’
Baylor Bone of Baylor Bone Interiors says, “Neutral colors still tend to be timeless. Bright colors such as limes, greens, and turquoise are popular, especially for exterior porch rooms. The most recent trend combines multiple fabrics and textures, harmonizing colors seem to be the only rule. Casual rooms tend to invite even more combinations of textures and colors.”
Solid sofas with patterned pillows and matching chairs are the most common combination of materials in the area, according to Tanna Miller of Trends & Traditions. However, she says, “a huge baroque pattern on a sofa is a great idea for style—it’s less daring than a huge drapery pattern and has the benefit of being durable and hiding stains.
Miller adds, “In modern rooms I favor use of unique colors such as mango, raspberry sorbet, smokey coral, and peacock. Woven chenille patterns are the strongest fabric across all style movements. I favor the new tapestry woven designs with a smooth background having only the pattern in chenille, which gives durability without the ‘fuzz’ factor that feels too hot during the summer.”
While the “spa and brown” combinations are still popular, Buffington reports that some brown with reds or greens are catching the eye of the consumer. “The common denominator is still chocolate, be it dark or milk chocolate,” he says.
Shari Martin of Designer Floors says, “New upholstery fabric introductions are all about color. Even if you are living in a beige world, you can bring excitement to your surroundings by adding small pops of color, bold geometric designs, or woven textures. It’s all about adding color without overpowering.”
Upholstery fabrics need to blend with curtains and rugs, says Amy Simcik of Harmony Home. “There’s a lot more thought process that has to take place in order to keep a room from looking too ‘busy.’ Matching side chairs are really a thing of the past. I’ve used three or more patterns or pattern/solid mixed on furniture groupings. As long as one pattern doesn’t mess up the balance of the group, it’s ‘anything goes.’”
Anna Aycock of Designs by Anna Aycock says upholstery fabrics differ room by room. “The movie theater/TV lounge rooms tend to use leather upholstery, which now comes in a variety of colors and textures. “Some high end leathers are embossed with interesting patterns and designs, others are braided or studded with nail heads. Upholstery for family rooms tend to be neutral in color, but woven for durability.” While Aycock reports seeing lots of purples and plums paired with gold and apricot tones. “The stronger colors are often used on accent pillows,” she adds.
Innovative ways to make your home combine comfort and beauty with function are more available in today’s upholstery fabrics, according to Carolyn Campbell of John Richard Fine Furniture. “Our goal is to create rooms that reverberate with color, texture, and youthful energy, but still remain classic and timeless. Linen looks with a metallic thread woven into the cloth, or a ‘waxed’ finish, or a knubby raw silk make striking pieces that have a fresh feel,” she says.
Camille Moore of Camille Moore Interiors suggests buying durable, not just “pretty” upholstery fabrics. “A thin fabric will look bad in a very short time. Some thin fabrics are made for upholstery, so verify that before you buy.” She adds that she loves the look of velvet headboards with tufting and faux weathered leather, which she says is sturdy and supple and as easy to work with as it is good looking.
The Nashville area has a number of sources for upholstered furniture including:
AB Home Interiors
Brentwood
615/ 496-3911
Baylor Bone Interiors
Nashville, Hendersonville
615/ 822-2289
Brentwood Interiors
Brentwood
615/ 376-6361
Calico Corners
Nashville
615/ 269-4551
Camille Moore Interiors
Franklin
615/ 794-9249
Designer Floors
Nashville
615/ 310-8482
Designs by Anna Aycock
Brentwood
615/ 794-7561
The Fabric House
Nashville
615/ 837-0000
Fabric Outlet
Clarksville
931/ 553-8324
Harmony Home
Franklin
615/ 791-0414
John Richard Fine Furniture
Nashville
615/ 712-7920
Material Things
Hendersonville
615/ 822-7077
Trends & Traditions
Nashville
615/ 399-0661
VM Designs
Nolensville
615/ 714-4590
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