Style File rounds up trend highlights for the year ahead

World Market Center has become synonymous with new products and the latest trends in home furnishings. Buyers and designers looked no further than the Summer Las Vegas Market for the hottest (and coolest) trends.

1. Sweet natured Soft and sweet, we see feminine florals, patterns and decorative accents return in a big way. A fresh and feminine approach to country, combining touches of French Country with more traditional aspects.

Key to the look: White-washed finishes, weathered touches, sweet florals, cut and etched glass, limed oak.

2. Space race Sleek, futuristic designs have been parading down the fashion runways, and designers are jumping on board with this fresh spin on modern design. Expect the unexpected, with geometric angles, high-tech finishes and treatments, and cheeky planetary-inspired designs.

Key to the look: Geometric angles, curves with motion, cheeky planetary-inspired designs, futuristic finishes and fabrics.

3. Florentine formal Old world luxuries with Italianate touches blend with modernized, approachable applications of formal design. Think elegant and elaborate detailing with thoughts given to comfort and everyday lifestyles.

Key to the look: Rich, glowing woods, intricate scrollwork patterns, subtle damask prints, warm finishes for metals.

4. Function added Today’s consumers multi-task in their everyday lives and are beginning to expect and demand the same out of their product choices. Think mattresses that offer healing attributes while you sleep, home entertainment centers that hide your TV when not in use, coffee tables that can masquerade as desks.

Key to the look: Integrated features, functions that are hidden until needed, surprise and delightelements.

5. Downsize me Some consumers may be living insmall spaces, but they still want big
style. As a result, the market for products done on a smaller scale has been expanding
at a rapid pace.

Key to the look: Innovative storage solutions, scaled-back sizing, sleek and tailored lines, uncluttered designs.

6. Artisan Applicable to a wide range of styles, Artisan refers to items that have a true craftsmanship look. Each item may not be exactly the same as the one that came before it, and that is exactly what people are looking for. Items may have a sense of history, or a story from the artisan themselves.

Key to the look: Complex and layered metal finishes, one-of-a-kind items, handcrafted touches, authentic detailing.

7. Authentically green The green trend has now gone from being a “trend” to becoming an actual lifestyle change for many consumers. As the consumer basebecomes more educated about their environments, they expect beautiful design merged with sustainable or recyclable materials. An added benefit is the calming, soothingqualities of bringing natural elements into an everyday environment.

Key to the look: Sustainable woods, environmentally friendly fabrics, dyes and other materials, natural elements, organic products.

8. Modern globalization Global inspiration in the world of design is nothing new, but what is fresh is how it is mixing and combining with other styles — subtle touches of African pattern work on modern shapes, exotic woods on contemporary pieces. It’s a true reflection of how global has moved from the fringes to influencing mainstream design.

Key to the look: Key influences are currently coming from Asia, Africa, South America andnewest to the scene, Turkey.

9. A space of my own Design keeps pace with teens’ highenergy lifestyles. As teenagers continue to become more sophisticated and design-savvy, they expect more (and wantmore choices) in technology,design and décor.

Key to the look: Sophisticated designs, touches of color, infusions of fun.

10. Tradition with a twist While this look appeals to consumers across the board, it is especially tied into Gen X’s core values, as this design-savvy generation is not afraid to mix and match — more tailored then traditional looks in the past. Think clean lines and crisp styling.

Key to the look: Updated shapes that retain traditional roots, fun mixed with formality.

Take a video tour with celebrity designer Tym De Santo (pictured to the left with products from Nova Lighting), finalist of HGTV’s “Design Star” that tracks these trends at Las Vegas Market.

Visit www.lasvegasmarket.com and click on the “Style File” icon to learn about the latest fashions in home furnishings as they were introduced at World Market Center during the Summer Market.