Canadian Home Trends Colour & Trends 2014 | Page 24

Laura Stein’s official trend report What’s in store for 2014? This year’s trends are sophisticated, luxurious, refined yet colourful, with a hint of exotic style. Laura Stein Text Laura Stein Four-legged Friends Notice an influx of wildlife lately? Animals of every , kind are parading their way into our homes on textiles elephants, rhinos, wallpaper, art and accessories. From and giraffes, to dogs, foxes, and squirrels, animals are a popular theme for 2014. Look for bronze or brass a sculptures and lamp bases, or fun wallpaper prints for r room or den. powde Gold Bulldog, Front for Moooi www.moooi.com Recycled Sari Throws, Ten Thousand Villages, www. tenthousandvillages. ca; Painted Leather Elephant Bank, Ten Thousand Villages, www. tenthousandvillages. ca Rabbit Lamp Front for Moooi www.moooi.com Photo by Mike Chajecki With so much attention on the Royal Family these days, ce it’s easy to see where our interest in Old World opulen comes from. While you and I may not be setting up digs in Kensington Palace any time soon, that doesn’t mean we can’t give our homes a royal treatment. Dramatic, architectural detailing, like carved stone and intricate plaster mouldings, are making a comeback this year. For something on a smaller scale, look for furniture made with old European techniques, like marquetry or hand carvings, and luxurious materials like marble, velvet or traditional Jacquard. Add another layer of texture to your room by enveloping it in wallpaper or upholstered panels in a tone-on-tone floral or damask pattern. Don’t forget the gold accents! Sofa, 1stdibs,1stdibs.com 24 World Traveler While the “Global Village” keeps getting smaller, our access to design from around the world keeps growing. With the explosion of the cottage craft industry and easy access to global markets, textiles, furniture and tableware from skilled artisans around the world, they are finding their way into our homes. Many of these pieces are handmade using Old World techniques, sustainable materials and fair trade business practices. The result is an interesting, colourful and eclectic look with a worldly feel and a story lingering behind each piece. Even if you never leave the country, your home can look like you’ve traveled the world. Keep this look from feeling cluttered with a simple white backdrop and frequently curate your collection.