[High Point, N.C.] Color, pattern and making a personal statement drive interior design from the floor up.
“The basis to a room is the carpet, be it broadloom or area rugs,” said Barclay Butera, California-based showroom founder and interior designer. “I always think, let’s start with the grounding element of the room and then proceed all the way up. Art is also a personal taste piece, and the carpet is the grounding effect to creating a statement about the room.”
Butera and Kathy Ireland, actress and model turned real estate mogul and entrepreneur, recently spoke at the Nourison showroom during the High Point Market, held here. They participated in a discussion moderated by Home Accents Today editor in chief Jenny Heinzen.
The creative force behind his Newport Beach design firm and showroom, Butera said his style is coastal chic, All-American and timeless. “I’m very much a believer in color and pattern. Layering pattern on pattern and color,” he said. “Having the opportunity to own a company that’s a large design firm with showrooms gives me that incubus to test the market. I am able to see what is actually selling to the end-user in my environment.”
Butera's Madagascar rug layers color and pattern.
Ireland added she believes the industry has evolved, and customers who once preferred beiges and neutrals have started incorporating bolder colors.
“I encourage people not to be afraid of color. Discover your own personal style,” said Ireland. “I’m seeing mixes of mediums and textures and that’s exciting. The looks are wonderful — the shines, the shimmers, the rich fibers. A lot of eclecticism is something we’re seeing and it’s powerful.”
Talking Trends with Kathy Ireland
Kathy Ireland, model, entrepreneur and founder of the Kathy Ireland Worldwide brand, talks with
FCW’s Caroline Alkire about interior design trends and their impact on form, function and flooring.
FCW: What are some popular overarching trends being seen in the market today?
Ireland: Color trends are becoming a more important part of the home than ever before. Neutrals are a constant. Snow is a powerful color and clients and customers are learning to warm it in new ways, such as using neutral rugs with rich, dark floors and beams for the ceiling. Jewel tones are being used as accents. Area rugs are gorgeous anchors with multi-colors, setting the style for the room. At Kathy Ireland by Nourison, we’re experiencing a classic return to elegance and that’s very exciting.
Kathy Ireland's Illusion rugs shimmer.
FCW: Are there specific products and colors you like to use when it comes to interior design?
Ireland: Absolutely! When we take a step away from neutrals, we love pastels and the mid-tones that celebrate personality, fashion and global travel. It’s not a surprise that during the election season, neutrals and cool blues were very important. Now ruby red and emerald green are starting to peek through. These colors exude excitement and confidence.
Everything starts with color. In flooring, form is critical. Are we working with broadloom? What is the function of the room? Who will be using it? Is tile too hard a surface for babies and elderly family members? Wood floors with area rugs designating spaces is simply divine.