pieces. Traditional, contemporary and reclaimed furniture, also know as shabby sheik or urban sheik, are popular choices when it comes to style. Window treatments are also making a huge comeback. Fabric choices are limitless, as is drapery hardware. Acrylic can be bent around corners; and finials are made of crystal, metal, or painted materials. Drapery ties also decorate a room. Ann Monroe of A.E. Monroe & Company showed us various performance fabrics that just came out this spring. These beautiful options withhold sun, don't fade or hold water, and are mold and mildew resistant. With bright, bold colors across the board, there are many prints available, with traditional and southwestern prints being popular. Like wallpaper, these fabrics are not like the outdoor fabrics seen in the past. The plush feel and textures allow for many more options when designing outdoor furniture. Monroe also told us that her outdoor carpet line is more commercial, without a commercial look. When talking with Thom Capretta of Atelier Lapchi, he shared that rug trends are an entity of their own that don't necessarily follow fashion furniture trends. As with furniture, he's seeing big colors as well as black, gray and taupe. His custom-designed rugs are created with hand-dyed wool and silk, and when asked what's hot, Capretta said it must be hardwood floors since he's selling larger rugs. As far as style, he showed us transitional designs that can be used to pull in a contemporary or traditional look. At Bello Design, a more contemporary showroom, designer Laurie Lindbloom told us people are getting more comfortable with a style that incorporates clean lines, a mix of different materials and an overall look that is not so matchy matchy. Even those who are more comfortable with more traditional homes will welcome a contemporary table, lamp or fixture to add a little bling. About animal prints? They're classic and will be used forever. When asked what's hot, Saule Narabutaitis, Bello Design assistant manager, said bold is in. Large art is in. Recycling is in and clean lines are in. “What's really in depends on the space, style and needs of a client,” she said. Outdoor Lighting W ith the snow melting and ground thawing, it’s time to think about outdoor lighting. The three reasons to consider outdoor lighting are safety, security and ambiance. When asked what’s hot this year, Chris Ursetti of Liberty Landscape Lighting said it’s definitely the LED lighting that’s available now. “Technology is really good. The bulbs look like halogen lights, don’t have the blue tint anymore and reduce electric use by 70%,” Ursetti told us. “A 50-watt spotlight only uses 9 watts of electricity.” Along with this technology comes new products that enhance the lighting. Copper and brass are in, and Ursetti said that his products have a lifetime guarantee and add value to your home. “All the way around, outdoor lighting provides a win win situation,” Ursetti said. Tile W Furniture T o get another perspective on furniture trends, we talked with Joseph Kogan, owner of MC Furniture in Willoughby, who told us the demographic of those who favor contemporary furniture has doubled from 8% to 16% over the past few years. When asked what’s hot, Kogan told us that espresso wood finishes are big, and a lot of furniture with walnut wood is now being shown. And, he said, “Very bright colors!” He also favors Scandinavian designs because of their simple forms, clean lines, unbeatable craftsmanship and timeless elegance; as well as their combined use of materials, like natural woods and leather or fabrics. Kogan said that contemporary hand-crafted furniture from Italy, Canada, France and the United States is hot. He also agrees that clean lines are in and that individual tastes tie in with styles that create peace, elegance and harmony. Kogan realizes that not everybody has a high-limit budget and guarantees the lowest prices for the merchandise he sells everyday. “What’s hot is being able to affordably and tastefully decorate your home while staying within your budget,” he said. hen talking with Lori Kirk-Rolley, vice president, brand marketing, at Dal-Tile Corporation, to see what’s trending in tile, she told us that wood looks are clearly among the hottest trends in the marketplace. The use of tile that emulates wood, in long, linear plank sizes, continues to gain momentum in both floor and wall applications. What was first introduced as a traditional take on hardwood floors has evolved to include more colors and textures to choose from than ever before. Porcelain tile that realistically mimics the look of hardwoods allows for beauty, long-lasting durability and ease of maintenance. Here are some additional trends expected to be seen throughout 2015: • Gray will continue to be the hottest color in 2015. Clay, taupe and other neutrals, including soft blacks, will start to rival gray’s popularity. • Pastel blues and greens, as well as peach, coral and purple, are popular choices as accent colors. Marsala, PANTONE’s 2015 Color of the Year, will also be in high demand as the industry leader sets the tone for the annual color palette. • Mosaics have evolved and are growing in popularity. • As an alternative to granite, quartz is set to be a favorite in 2015 thanks to myriad color and pattern options that mimic other natural materials, and the low-maintenance qualities of the slabs. • Large-format tile sizes push the limits each year, allowing for more continuity in an open floor plan, allowing furnishings and décor to define the space. • Long, lean planked tiles in various styles and finishes that mimic natural materials are popular. • Long rectangular tiles are becoming more popular for backsplashes and shower and tub surrounds. • What’s old is new again – Retro design will continue to be popular, especially in bathrooms. • Daring colors and unique orientations of materials are setting some homes apart from the rest. • Classic marbles in large formats and unique floor patterns are becoming more popular. April 2015 n Beachwood Buzz 9 Continued on page 10