At Haven Custom Furnishings, their to-the-trade design showroom, business partners Terri McCormack and Jennifer Uddo offer furniture, lighting, fabric, accessories and fixtures so that designers and their clients can handle a project from beginning to end. We asked McCormack and Uddo, who go to Highpoint Furniture Market twice a year, for a primer on what’s new in home design.
Warm Colors
While whites have been a perennial favorite in the South, McCormack says the design world has seen a shift toward warmer, earthier colors (creams, rusts, browns, greens, burnt orange). Haven stocks anchor pieces such as sofas in neutrals and keeps the display streamlined so that customers can envision their own spaces. They carry a vast array of fabrics and everything is customizable.
Statement Lighting
Statement lighting ranging from oversize chandeliers to sculptural, art-like sconces continue to be an important element of current design. “Chandeliers are like the jewelry in a room and have become larger in size,” said McCormack. In contrast, she said recessed ceiling lighting has become smaller, usually two to four inches in order to visually fade away.
Casual Luxury
Rich, textural fabrics such as velvet instantly elevate a space. An entire velvet sofa is an elegant way to dress up a living room, while velvet pillows, an occasional chair or bench are easy, less expensive ways to indulge.
Individual Spaces vs. Open Layout
McCormack says there is a move away from the open concept living of recent years toward cozy individual spaces. Case in point: libraries and studies. “A study is like a powder room,” said McCormack. “You can have a lot of fun with lighting and wallpaper and paint.”
Wallpapers and Murals
The design world’s love affair with pattern and images on walls continues to be part of the layering that is bringing warmth and texture to interiors.
Performance Fabrics
According to McCormack, there is greater diversity than ever before in performance fabrics. There are a wide variety of indoor/outdoor offerings, durable polyesters with soft hands and inexpensive price points, and Crypton, known for its life-extending protective coating.
Curves Ahead
Organic rounded shapes have become popular in furniture, lighting and architecture and are part of the trend toward cozy environments. An enveloping curve on a sofa or chair visually softens a space and is like adding a hug to your seating arrangement.
Trends aside, McCormack said Haven also keeps its finger on the pulse of local designers.
“We make sure we communicate with designers about what they like to see in the showroom. We bend over backwards to service the designers.”
- Beware of trends warns McCormack. Incorporate meaningful pieces, such as items from your travels, and family heirlooms.
- Don’t hesitate to use the services of a design professional who can lead you. Decorating is an investment that should have staying power.
- Take your time and make every piece count.
About the Experts
This year Haven Custom Furnishings celebrates 10 years in business. With 8,000 square feet and 60 vendors, owners Terri McCormack and Jennifer Uddo have created an inspirational A-to-Z design space under one roof.