Design Trends for 2006

The 2006 Canadian Home Furnishings Market Show Recap

Primarily, the interior design trends at the 2006 Canadian Home Furnishing Market Show geared towards contemporary.

Transitional decorating is also becoming an emerging trend.  Homeowners are mixing “old” with the “new”.  This emerging trend allows you to mix and match, blending furnishing to create a space to call your own.  It works well for homeowners on a budget, having to purchase one or two new pieces to work with one or two of their favourite existing pieces.

Colours:
A predominant theme that is influencing interior design is using earth tones, such as rich chocolate browns, rusts, burnt oranges, golds and olive greens.  These colours are homey and comfortable.  More and more homeowners are choosing a design look that speaks to a down-to-earth look.  This new colour trend both warms and personalizes the room(s).

Furniture:
A number of homeowners are eliminating furniture that is ornate and fussy replacing them with furnishings that have cleaner lines and simpler designs.

• Plain coloured fabrics and soft leather upholsteries are the buzz.
• Wood furnishings (dark or natural stained) are also becoming the trend.

Window Treatments:
Homeowners are also losing the fussy draperies and replacing them with window treatments that have more of a contemporary look.  Clients are leaning towards the layered-look, such as wood or woven blinds finished-off with a simple valance or side panels.  Homeowners are showing more window and window-trim/framing then ever before.  Windows have become a focal point and are no longer hidden.