FALL FASHION HITS FOR YOUR HOME
Keeping up with the weather while following fall fashion in home decor is no easy feat. So consider these top 5 trends from last month’s Toronto Gift Fair.
SAY IT: Words, letters and phrases are back in vogue. Possibly influenced by the popularity of texting, we can express our feelings via accent pillows, throw blankets and wall art. Your political views are now presented to your guests before they ask. Typically the sentiments are positive statements but you don’t have to look far to find “Go away” and “The mirror on the wall lied!” Add them to bedrooms, family rooms, dens and games or play rooms — this trend is best used in casual locations.
VELVET: Nothing warms up a corner the way a cotton-velvet chair can. The tactile fabric is big for fall this year and once you have it, you will wonder what took you so long to get it. Any colour seems to be a little more intense when done in velvet. If you’re not quite ready for a piece of plush furniture, then opt for cushions. Cotton-velvet is a very durable fabric well-suited to family spaces. As the weather starts to cool, you’ll be drawn to that warm velvet chair.
HOT RED: This shade, currently trending in fashion and home accents, is anything but blushing — its strength makes it the first thing you look at in a room. A little goes a long way, which also makes it cost-effective to incorporate. An ottoman, toss cushions or a series of red boxes are all you need in your living space to really to make a statement. For instance, add a simple red kettle to the kitchen, a red candle for the powder room and some red florals to the dining table and you’re done.
COOL MARBLE: Nearly everything you can imagine has been marbleized. The look has migrated from innovative fabric design to lighting, wall hangings, candle holders, even phone cases. And, fortunately, it’s a faux marble, so no need to hit the gym to be able to lift the pieces. The trend is so hot that there really is something for every room. But go with just a few statement pieces, such as the simplicity of these house lanterns from Abbott. They’ll last beyond the trend: In a few months, change the candle colour to kick off your holiday decor.
GLOBAL ACCENT: Throw blankets and textiles with international flair are right on trend this fall; go ahead and embrace the world in fabric. The look includes traditional, local styles along with international patterns. Do you have your grandmother’s patchwork quilt stored away? Well, it’s time to bring it out! Consider an Aztec-influenced woven throw with an African-print cushion. The style gives your home that “international traveller” look, but for each space use just two different styles. Throw blankets are perfect for the coming weeks — so why not also warm up to world cultures? Glen Peloso is principal designer of Peloso Alexander Interiors, national design editor of Canadian Home Trends magazine and a design expert on the Marilyn Denis Show on CTV. Contact him at pelosoalexander.com, follow on Twitter at @peloso1 or @glenandjamie, and on Facebook.