f midcentury modern? Drawn to classic elegance? Does the handcraft of global décor grab you? There was an era when experts said to pick just one, but now we can mix and match or go all in. Each season brings updated versions of successful pieces, plus an interesting array of new looks. This fall’s no exception.
This photo provided by Wayfair shows the Borghese table lamp, with a retro yet graphic vibe, that fits the style brief for fall 2014. (AP Photo/Wayfair)
“Keep an eye out for versatile accent pieces, the kind that can work in a myriad of places, and consider material and color combinations,” says Beth Kushnick, set decorator for CBS’ “The Good Wife.” “These are some of the easiest ways to refresh any space, and there’s a ton of stylish options out right now at a range of price points.”
After her sophisticated sets drew an online following, Kushnick has created her own furnishings line, which debuts this fall. She says fall 2014 is about finding pieces that provide maximum impact without a lot of effort. Some themes this season are offered on these pages.
TOUCH OF FALL
“Look for texture-rich accessories — like a box with stone inlay or a wooden sculpture — that add an element of nature to your space. Mix in a variety of metals to add a sense of luxury,” Kushnick advises.
Says Los Angeles-based designer Trip Haenisch: “I’m seeing a lot of fabrics with luxe textures this season. Linen velvets and woven fabrics are really in. You can quickly and inexpensively incorporate texture into your space through the use of pillows and throws.” (www.triphaenisch.comNOTEEndNOTEStart)
PATTERN PLAY
Ombre, tile, ziggurat, cinquefoil and filigree patterns grace lampshades, rugs and drapery. Naïve woodland motifs and ‘70s-era kitchen prints dress wall art and napery. The newest geometrics and traditional prints are overscale.
Responding to the midcentury trend, Ethan Allen has released a collection of Modern Art Master lithographs, including ones by Chagall, Miro, Matisse and Calder. (www.ethanallen.com)
Kushnick is enjoying wallpaper’s comeback. “The new temporary wallpapers are a great option for apartment dwellers,” she says.
Chasing Papers has hip versions of geometrics, animal prints and florals. (www.chasingpapers.com) And big, bold geometrics highlight Tampa-based designer Given Campbell’s Andover collection. (www.givencampbell.com)
STYLE SIGNPOSTS
After a few seasons in a supporting role, midcentury modern takes the lead this fall and winter. Accent chairs are armless or lower-profile, and furniture has either a California-chic or Danish-modern vibe.
New York furniture studio Miles & May has a collection of dressers and cabinets at West Elm in walnut veneer, and that finish is also on the Grasshopper office desk. (www.westelm.com)
Upholstered furniture gets its shirt tucked in. No more slouchy, sloppy slipcovers — the newest pieces tend toward trim and tight, but in comfier, softer fabrics.
We’re seeing a lot of side and coffee tables with metal legs. West Elm’s Waldorf coffee table is a slim rosewood slab perched on skinny brass legs. Cyan Designs’ Portman end tables are lacy, laser-cut iron drums.
You’ll see faceted pieces across the accessory spectrum, in mirrors, containers and trays.
Pop culture from the ’70s and ’80s shows up in vibrant retro-print pillows, furniture and accents. Check out Jonathan Adler’s sherbet-hued Brigitte chair and Holli Zollinger’s upbeat woven rugs for Deny Designs. (www.jonathanadler.com; www.denydesigns.com)
Global tribal motifs maintain a powerful presence, with India, the Americas and Africa strongly represented. World Market’s got a collection of well-priced round, carved tribal tables. (www.worldmarket.com)
In bedding, drapery, rug and upholstery fabrics, look for more new woodblock, paisley and medallion prints.
Ikat, kantha print and medallions grace textile collections at Pottery Barn, and there are Mexican tile print ceramics there, too. (www.potterybarn.com)
Accessories like carved animals, woven art, sculpted paper and ceramic vases, and ironwork and glass items draw from distant cultures.
Vintage-style globes, steamer trunks, map art and travel advertising continue to interest home decorators. There’s herringbone, tweed, plaid, Fair Isle knit patterns and lots of new takes on faux fur — Nordic and Danish designs in textiles as well as kitchen and dining items.
The rustic romantic look also has staying power, with outdoorsy pursuits informing everything from art to dishware. Native American motifs have graphic style; DGoods crafts a trio of wood nesting tables with a design reminiscent of a Navajo blanket. (www.purehome.com)
Look for feathers, camper vans, arrows, foxes and trees, and expect this look to be represented in holiday décor as well.
