Florida - As we settle into a new season, one of the most commonly asked questions by antique dealers and vintage curators, often revolves around the theme of purchasing stock based on popular style and design choices for the upcoming year. Gone are the days when dealers could simply rest on their laurels and hope for the best when it came to moving inventory purchased on the fly, or collected over years of random picking. Today, there is a need for a symbiotic relationship not only between those selling antiques and vintage items, but also between others in the decorative arts field such as interior designers and style influencers. The past two decades have seen a strong move toward modernist elements in decorative design - from mid-century to retro - along with a number of related vintage infused styles in between. However, this year, not all emerging trends appear to be about the shiny and new. In fact, some of the anticipated upcoming styles seem to be shaking off the 50s futurist platform in favor of more woody and earth friendly tones. To help you make sense of where some of these decorative art trends are headed for this year, we checked in with a few top designers and industry tastemakers for some guidance. From rounded corners and shag carpets, to unique handmade steampunk pieces, these are the top five design trends to keep on your radar in 2019. Standout With Softer Wood The pendulum is once again swinging from the completely austere 1950s era cabinets with metal accents and vivid coloring, back to a more simple line with the use of natural wood and patina. The statement is far more reflective and subdued than in years past, with an emphasis on the natural grains showing through and softer corners on many of the cabinets and tables. Lower-contrast patterns and a mixing of like materials and scale is becoming more popular than ever. - V. Candice, interior designer Dark Oak (Oxidized) While we all know of the Golden Oak period from the Victorian era, the newest take on that trend appears to be the oxidization of such wood into a washed-out black. "Out with the old, in with the oxidized oak," seems to be the saying for 2019, at least according to style-influencer and designer Amanda Brown. Simple pieces washed dark, from the thirties and forties, with kitchen-style pulls to add to the modern flair are a great fit for almost any décor. Plus, there's a great selection of these types of cabinets at most second hand and vintage stores - perfect for an inexpensive wash. A. Brown, style influencer Steampunk Infused Design There seems to be no end in sight to the inferential movement towards a neo-Victorian rebirth, based largely on the growth of Steampunk, as not only a wearable fashion, but as a design concept too. Married pieces from the Victorian era with lush colored upholstery and hand wrought metal are especially sought after, and are in high demand with many top designers. The desire for a return to handcrafted authenticity, especially when it comes to furniture and the decorative arts, versus buying mass produced items (including even those made during the mid-century period), will continue to be popular in 2019, and likely beyond. J. Garner, interior designer Traditional Bedrooms For some antique dealers this might be the sign they've been waiting for... "Cozy warm bedrooms are making a return, says Jan Moyer from an upscale design firm on Manhattan's upper east side. "Bedrooms are definitely getting the warm-wood makeover from years past - we're having trouble just finding enough antique beds and accompanying suites to fill the needs of our clients." Moyer thinks that a return from the stark and linear designs of the 50s is likely to start in the bedroom, since it's where most people want to feel cozy and protected from the world outside. - J. Moyer, interior design firm 70's Style Returns And finally, for those of you that have been collecting and buying mid-century like madmen from the 60s, Geena Cole, a style influencer on multiple social media platforms says it might be time to drop everything, hit up your platform shoes, and head for the thrift store for anything rounded and 70-ish. "I see so many of my followers accounts just bursting at the seams with seventies design and fashion," says Cole. This will definitely be the year to get ahead of the crowd and start buying up that curvy design aesthetic - especially the 1970s-inspired rounded furniture which has become the poster child for items from this period. G. Cole, style influencer - A.I.A Staff Writers NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: [email protected] or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508. |
A.I.A. Staff
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December 2019
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