Trade shows give peek into upcoming trends

Treasure Island in Las Vegas resembles a bazaar from Turkey or Greece. Las Vegas is the ultimate example of theme decorating, which is gaining in popularity, led by national trade shows.

Twice a year, once in April, then again in October, the huge trade show for the furniture, home furnishings and design trades is held in High Point, North Carolina.

Loose Ends has a permanent space in this show, and it always is exciting to see what trends are going to be shown by the major “movers and shakers” in the business.

Although thousands of buyers attend, it tends to attract predominantly those hailing from either the Midwest or the East Coast.

Whether you're looking for handmade paper, furniture, fabric or accessories, you will find it at loose ends. If it is unusual, organic and fabulous, then loose ends is the place. Showroom hours are 8 am to 5 pm weekdays and the first Saturday of each month 10 am - 3pm at 2065 Madrona Ave. SE, Salem, or visit us online at www.looseends.com Questions? Give us a call at (503) 390-2348.

Last week, a much anticipated, new show premiered in Las Vegas.

These trade shows largely determine what you will be seeing in the magazines and stores next year. These are the people who decide leather is out and silk is in, that persimmon orange and apple green is the in color combination and over-the-top fringed and tasseled lamps are not only NOT gaudy, but actually are the new taste.

Since many of the same manufacturers are at both shows, many of the looks were similar. Probably the single largest difference we saw between the two shows was the much heavier accent on organic and natural materials in Las Vegas.

Sandi Reinke is an author, frequent television guest and lead designer for loose ends (www.loosends.com), a Salem-based interior décor, garden, and casual lifestyle company. To ask Reinke a decorating question, e-mail info@looseends.com or mail her at the showroom address, 2065 Madrona Ave. SE, Salem, OR 97302. Phone: 503-390-2348.

Bamboo, wicker and rattan in every imaginable type of furniture were a big story at this show. Some of the pieces were elegant, others very casual, but the predominate theme was organic and natural.

Handmade paper was being presented as an alternative to traditional, pricey wallpaper. Exotic, usually tropical woods were fashioned into vases, candlesticks, bowls and other accessories. Seashells, as expected, still are very much present on mirrors, table bases and as specimen pieces.

Many large items were transitional, equally suited for use indoors or out but not in the traditional sense of outdoor furniture. These were sophisticated pieces, suited to the newer concept of the outdoor room.

We also were delighted to see far more whimsy, a sense of play and even fantasy at this show. Perhaps it was the influence of being in Las Vegas, but the concept of theme decorating was evident. Actually this decorating/design approach seems to be a growing trend, and certainly no place is a better example of the concept than this incredible city. August 12, 2005