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“Tucson Design Trends 2008”
This year’s predictions included the color blue coming on strong and becoming our new “green” color, strong use of neutral tones (creamy whites, grays, black and white) and the introduction of strong hues of purples, reds, yellows used as accents with the neutral palette. On the design end, a cleaner, more simplified contemporary interior devoid of heavy adornments, large scaled accessories and textured pieces, an understated luxury look and the introduction of metallics in everything from fabric to furniture. So how does Tucson fit into the current design directions? I took to the streets and asked a few local designers who are “in the trenches” everyday what trends they were seeing with their clients. Surprisingly, Tucson, even with our strong Spanish influence, was not too far off the trend map. Nancy Frazier owner of E Ryan Interior Design says most of her clients are requesting more contemporary interiors and are embracing simpler lines and a cleaner look. She incorporates a lot of metallic touches into her designs, especially bedspreads for that hint of luxury. Ms. Frazier just returned from the Las Vegas Furniture Market and reiterated that contemporary and modern looks were strong. “Oversized lamps and decorative accents were everywhere”, Nancy commented and went ahead to add, “Larger pieces, especially over scaled accessories, help to simplify an interior and add punch without creating a cluttered room.” Kate Fox, owner of The Rearrangers, agrees with the demand for a simple, clean look as well. Although she still does a fair amount of design work that reflects the Southwest, Kate says the demand for a “Pottery Barn” or “Crate and Barrel” look has increased. “The majority of my clients want an uncluttered sanctuary” Fox says. Robin Herman, Design consultant for Brett Interiors, agrees that Tucson customers are seeking a more contemporary look. She feels the trend is being driven in part by all the new electronics, i.e. flat screen television components. “As far as Southwestern, we still sell the look but it has a more transitional twist with just touches of Southwestern accents” Herman says. Linda Leonard, who specializes in art finishes and owns Beautiful Paint and Design Concepts, says she still does a fair amount of work with interiors that have a Southwestern and Tuscany theme, however, a lot of her repeat business comes from “updating” those finishes. Linda explained “I’ve been adding a lot of metallic accents and glazes to incorporate a more modern look.” The heavily textured faux finishes are being replaced with cleaner more solid fauxs and the addition of simple hand painted accents like bamboo stalks scattered around the room.
As far as the “green movement”, the consensus from Tucson Designers is on par with the rest of the country; customers aren’t demanding it but are incorporating the new looks and textures into their overall designs. The surprising element is that Tucson, often thought of as the “Old Pueblo” with a small town attitude and historically behind the times in the “design arena”, is embracing change. Sources for this article include Pantone’s Color Forecast for 2008 and The Color Marketing Group Trends for 2008 and Tucson’s local Interior Designers. Written by Debra Howard for Tucson Home and Garden Spot www.tucsonhomeandgardenspot.com an online resource directory for the local home & garden industry. Debra is a former antique dealer, retailer and interior designer who now helps small businesses get maximum exposure on the web, through her company www.creativeedgemarketingco.com |
Every year the Home Furnishings Industry predicts the color and design trends for the coming months. The trends are based on a number of factors including the political and economic outlook as well as environmental influences. 
All of our designers agreed that the heavy Tuscany look is being replaced by the desire to have a simpler, cleaner look. They also agreed that Southwestern, even though the demand has lessened, will always be with us because of our locale, our history and our never ending stream of snowbirds.