The Three “C” of HD Expo 2008
Color, Comfort and Clarity were the predominate themes at the 2008 HD Expo
Fresh tropical inspired corals, oranges, blue and greens, with white being the neutral were the primary colors. Gem stones, such as the Blue Agate, by
Majestic Gemstone were incorporated into furniture.
Swarovski Crystals are embellishing practically every interior design object: drapery finals, cabinet hardware, faucets, furniture, art work and contemporary light fixtures. A good example is the hanging fixture from
Bruck Lighting.
Glitz and Glam is not restricted to the Hospitality Design. The “Sex and the City” movie is here. Fans who have long waited for a glimpse at the girls’ glitz won't be disappoined. Many of the items in their glamorous wardrobes are embellished with Swarovski Crystals and other gemstones.
Hospitality Trend
The competition in the hospitality industry continues to increase, as room supplies grow and demand slows. Hotels are putting more glitz and glam into their properties. This was particularly apparent at the HD Show.
Spa Trend Continues
Spa Colors continue to gain momentum. Over worked consumers have raised the Luxury Bar; gone are the days of pleasing them with a comfortable bed and soft towels. Consumers want an experience.
Chroma Therapy, Aroma Therapy continues to support the Alternative Healing movement. Southing blues, greens and chocolate browns have become the quintessential stress reducers.
Donna Johansen, an artist and Reiki Master whose work is beautiful and healing. As a health care interior designer for over 20 years, she now produces paintings for hotels, spas and health care facilities available through
Inspired Spa Decor.
Donna incorporates Reiki healing symbols into her paintings and embellishes them with Swarovski crystals; this art supports in the reduction of stress, depression and other ailments.
Acrylic & Glass
Acrylic products in brilliant colors are emerging to support the Renaissance Modern Movement. This includes retro 70s furniture, lighting and sculpture.
Multi layered slump and hand blown glass is becoming more prevalent in commercial spaces, where in recent years was not as common. This is greatly due to manufacturer’s ability to make glass safer.
Fire rated doors now have glass panels, where in recent years would have been unheard of. There were more glass art pieces at this show than in recent years such as these stunning pieces by
Fusion Z.
Textures & Patterns
Textures and Patterns are becoming more simplified. One to three colors in scheme is the norm. Subtle colors give focus to form, texture and pattern with interplay of shadows and light.
Patterns continue to be organic, nature inspired while others are reminiscent of the 70s. Special affects of the same hue in various sheens was prevalent in virtually every kind of product as in these doors by Fused Graphite® with Mirror finish door from Forms+Surfaces
Tri-Kes Wall Covering pushed the customization envelope for wall covering, with their applied deco elements. The droplets provide even more dimension to the already beautiful product
Marketing Trends
With the down turn of the economy several Non Competitive Color companies have joined forces to maximize their marketing efforts. Some shared booths at the show, while others are sharing floor space in stores. One dynamic duo particularly stood out for their innovative marketing approach.
Big Apple Wall Coverings Inc. has installed display monitor kiosks in several Benjamin Moore Paint stores. This enables their customers a one stop shopping for paint and wall covering. It eliminates floor space for wall paper books, the maintenance of them, as well as preventing discontinued wall paper books from going into land fills.
Denise Turner is an internationally recognized Color Forecaster, Certified Interior Designer, member of Color Marketing Group and founder of the Colour Turners.
A dynamic public speaker, Denise is an ASID National spokesperson and has been published nationally and internationally and regularly appears on radio and television.
