Arren Williams is a Toronto-based stylist, editor and trend reporter. His work appears regularly in publications such as National Post, House & Home, Style at Home and more. He is also a guest expert on Citytv's CityLine, and is the creator of the online style resource, Arren Williams Design Lab.
Even though we’ve all been trumpeting ‘personal style’ like some kind of design battle cry, there are still a fair few
key trends that are well worth a gander. Noticing trends is not necessarily rocket
science, in fact you’ve probably clued into a few of the following already,
but it’s in understanding why something is a trend that helps us bring a bit of it home.
In other words, pinning down the je ne sais quoi that makes you scream I want
that rug/lamp/colour right now! Here are my top 5 faves and why...
Flat on the floor
Clockwise from the top: Anthropologie Conure rug Bev Hisey Dhurrie; Gan Palermo Kilim.
Pile, loop and shag, it seems, is over. The hottest rugs currently on
the block are flat-woven numbers in wool, cotton and chenille (or a
combo of two of the above). Sometimes called dhurries or kilims, they
pick up on the casual, anti-formal vibe that’s been happening in
interiors, as well as our love for arty designs and graphic colour
combos. Oh, and not to mention price – for the most part, flat weaves are
waaay less expensive than fancy hand-tufted or knotted rugs, so this is
a trend that’s happily softer on your bank account.
Kooky and Bright
Shine by Sho table lamp; Jonathan Adler Ravello Table Lamp; Anthropologie Fruiteria Lamp.
Time to toss out your dull, dull, dull, brushed nickel lamps. Y’know,
the ones that came three in a box (including a wobbly floor lamp) that
you bought more for price rather than style? Those. Instead, switch them out
for vintage inspired lighting that has quirky, one-of-a-kind appeal. These are very popular right now because it's an easy way to
give your space – there’s that buzz word again -- personality. Top line
designers like Jonathan Adler are a good go-to resource for kooky lamps,
but you can always hit vintage stores and charity shops for the real
deal, and really, the more lamps in a room, the better.
Trunkapalooza
CB2 Metal Trunks; Restoration Hardware Aviator Trunk; Vintage Trunks via Geishaboy50's Flickr stream.
Trunks and suitcase, both vintage and new, seem to be riding the
coattails of the rough luxe industrial feel that’s one of the strongest
trends out there. So strong in fact, that Restoration Hardware has
completely flipped their look for a mix of worn wood, bashed up metal
and raw linen, inspired by vintage and salvaged finds. Why, you may ask? Texture! Patina is king in creating depth and interest, and the time-honoured surfaces of old trunks offer just that. Use a trunk for a
swish coffee table / storage solution and pile a bunch of secondhand
suitcases as an end table – they look fantastic painted out in white,
btw -- and yes, you'll find these pieces will bring depth and interest to both mod and trad
interiors.
Hot and Brassy
Baker Tony Duquette Paris Snowflake Screen; Jonathan Adler Hans Hourglass Table; Anthropologie Sun-Tipped Silverware.
Going gold has never been a stronger push than now. Thank fashion, if
you like, for the look's re-intro into the world of decor, but
well, truth be told, the look is probably more on the warmer and less
bright brassy side of things if we're talking interiors. Mix metals if you fancy (it’s okay,
honest), but gold works best in pieces that look hand polished, brushed,
hammered or handmade – Nothing too perfect, otherwise you’ll tip your
interior into a Dynasty fuelled '80s bling look. And that’s just plain
wrong.
Grellow
CB2 Grellow Rocker; Romo Kimura wallpaper; Angela Adams Ruthie rug.
Okay, I totally wish I’d come up with that word – a combo of yellow and
grey – but it’s down to the smart folks at CB2 (who’ll be opening in
Canada around the end of this year). This is still a strong colour combo
that’s transitioned from a bright yellow, to a dirtier and
sophisticated citrine tone, and from a paler grey to something that’s
stronger and more directional. Both look fantastic with a bright white, and hence are easy to work in with that vintage/mid mod direction in which style is still heading. And if you can’t get
behind this combo, then another to think on might be an intense indigo
and orange.
Thoughts?
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