11 Apr “The New Modern” by Tracy Bulla of Home Accents Today

Modern design is in its element this market, as clean, minimalist looks edge out more traditional styles. Far from cold and austere, these minimalist designs get dressed with sequins, beads and metallic accents for subtle, yet luxurious elements of luxury. Sequins and bead work found a home in many soft good showrooms in an elegant, as opposed to flashy, manner, while also accentuating mirrors, boxes and more.

Metallic accents showed up in non-traditional settings, adding a hint of glamour on a rug or piece of art. Lacquered finishes also made a luxe statement in shades of silver and gold on furniture and accessories; mixed silver and gold finishes reveal an abstract splatter-type effect. Understated metallic finishes also added lustrous sheen to leathers and fabrics. Natural, organic elements met incredibly sophisticated materials in this new modern style. Look for Lucite to be prominent and on the rise with its seamless versatility. Natural, yet richly appointed materials such as horn and mother-of-pearl offer exquisite sophistication that is somehow tranquil and harmonious.

Lizard, snake and crocodile-embossed leathers enhance the feeling of pure luxe, played out in ultra-calming palette of white, cream, sand, flax and soft gray. Geometric patterns continue to enthrall across all categories: lighting, furniture, rugs, bedding, wall décor and decorative accessories. On the more futuristic end, spheres and orbs evoke a Sputnik-era feeling while more abstracted patterns reveal a painterly influence.

Crisp, extraordinarily clean designs appear to be the most prevalent and are both timeless and dynamic.