On the road again with Designingwomen2Story & Photography by Kari Rasmus, DW2
We always look forward to the Las Vegas World Market and our chance to share with you the latest design trends. This year’s market did not disappoint. While the finds were not substantially different from previous years’, there were new twists on old ideas that we can't wait to bring to Fargo. But, let’s back up for a moment. We implore you, please don’t follow a trend unless it speaks to you; a trend, by its very nature, is mercurial and temporary. On the flip side, choosing the right trends can keep your environment looking fresh. So, in the interest of staying fresh, we're taking you to Market to show you DW2 partners’ favorite looks. Go Big or Go Home All of us were impressed by the lighting options. This often forgotten design feature can and should be so much more than overhead ceiling lighting. Design is in the details. “It is shocking and delightful what a large fixture can do in a small space,” noted DW2's, Kris Carlson. "Use lighting in different applications - for example, an island light can be used in a bathroom with daring success!” DW2's Linda Birmingham gravitated to light fixtures made from natural products. "The natural elements provide texture and updated warmth to any room. For extra drama, consider hanging a light between two chairs, instead of a lamp." Oversized accessories caught my eye. Even if you have a small space, you have room for a large statement piece. My tip: use a large accessory instead of several small pieces that fight for visual attention. Shout it out! Okay, this may not be a design trend, but it's long overdue! Perhaps because Linda is a fairly new grandma, she delighted in finding performance fabric. But she also seems to always have someone sleeping on her sofa at the lake (oftentimes my son), which also means performance fabric is a must. Regardless of the reason, she is now embracing the once undreamed of whites for clients with children. Will the Circle be Unbroken? I initially started taking pictures of spheres to tease a client of mine who said, “just don’t give me any worthless balls in a bowl.” Soon, however, I was seeing them everywhere. I can’t say that it's a new trend, but it is still in style. With all of the sharp angles in homes, think of this as a way to soften some of the corners. The Swiss Army Knife of Furniture Did you grow up with a multipurpose room in your school? All in one day it could host a morning mandatory dodgeball game, an afternoon all-school assembly, and an evening band concert. Kris shares a small apartment in town for snow emergencies, so she was immediately attracted to the multipurpose furniture. Growing up, multipurpose furniture used to equate to an uncomfortable metal bar in-the-middle-of-your-back hide-a-bed. Today, that means a phone charging, storage, drink holding, light up, computer table, sofa/sectional with a memory foam mattress. Or, just a coffee table that converts to a storage meets new-fangled TV tray. If you are short on space, you should check these out! Not Just Another Brick in the Wall Updated framing, 3D art, people and whimsy all found a place at this year's Vegas Market. Black and white art framed with natural woods were a favorite of Linda’s. While black frames are classic and always in style, natural colored framing offers one more muted color to work with in your room. Also, because both are neutral, they can work with almost any color furniture. As Linda pointed out, “your art will not fight for dominance with your area rug or pillows.” Also, Linda is the queen of whimsy; she was drawn to art that makes you smile. Whether it be skiers from a bygone era or color, Linda embraces a happy aesthetic. You’ve most likely seen rugs layered on rugs in design magazines, but the new twist that seems to be gaining traction is layering art. We saw several vignettes that featured art layered on bold painted graphic walls. There was also much more dimensional art. Whether it was burled wood or neon added to an acrylic painting, 3D art is in vogue. People who need People are the Luckiest People in the World At Market, there were people everywhere, and we're not talking about the crowds! Statues, pillows, paintings and furniture all sported faces. I’ve never embraced the idea of putting a representation of someone I don’t know in my home. But, these were abstract images, they could be anyone. Thor the Viking God meets Eames the Nordic Artist There were still plenty of furniture vendors showcasing an industrial vibe, but it seems to have married the Mid-century mod aesthetic. Edges were cleaner, wood didn’t look as distressed, and all were more artistic in form. From accessories to furniture, the look is more refined. The Answer my Friend, is Staying Put in the Wind Kris always looks for the newest in contemporary design. As a lake homeowner, she also looks for the outdoor furniture that will withstand not only our wind but also our snow. Some of her favorites from Market were the outdoor tables made from volcanic rock; as you can imagine, that makes them virtually indestructible. So unless the air temperature gets to the boiling point, these pieces will keep their shape and color. Speaking of the temperature changing... Hey Kermit, it’s getting Easier to be Green. There are so many ways to define “green”: sustainable woods, reclaimed material, recycled material, durable, low toxicity, up-cycled furniture, etc. This movement is growing in popularity. The term, movement as opposed to trend, was purposely selected. Fueled by creative people with a heart for the environment, we have more and more options to choose green. I was ecstatic to see Loloi recycling torn textiles into stylish art and Pacific Green creating masterpieces from sustainable woods. Pop Quiz: How many favorite trends can you spot in the following picture? Take me Home Have you been trying to find Designingwomen2? We moved to a new location where we specialize exclusively in original design for each and every client. Call 701-476-0938 to arrange for an appointment, or stop by and see us on Tuesdays at 3499 39th Street South in south Fargo. Finally, if any of my pop culture references escaped you, ask a boomer. Don’t know a boomer? Call the number listed above. For more information, contact: Designingwomen2
 
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