We’ve all fallen head over heels for something trendy, spent big to bring it home, and discovered it wasn’t so great after all. With furniture or home décor, those missteps can take a big bite out of your wallet.
That’s why working with an interior designer can be a huge advantage, explains Lisa Matrale, a design consultant at Ethan Allen in Watchung. “A good designer steers people away from purchases they’ll regret, while bringing in what they love in a way that will stay relevant for years to come.”
At Ethan Allen, clients can come into the Design Center to work with a designer, but they can also make at-home appointments and schedule virtual appointments. Design service is offered at no extra charge—an incredible value—and includes 3D planning to help clients visualize their projects, as well as the chance to review hundreds of fabric, leather, and finish options for creating custom furniture.
We asked Lisa and her fellow Watchung design consultants, Lizette Louis and Stephen Kimak, to share trends that they love now—and that you can love forevermore. The team agrees: “Our goal as designers is to help you discover your signature look, incorporating trend pieces that will have staying power for years to come.”
1. Curves Everywhere
Lizette says curved furniture is all the rage, and for good reason: it’s such a positive for a space’s function and feel. “Curved pieces like our Calista sofa soften a room’s angles, encourage natural traffic flow, and give the whole space a cozy feel.”
2. Retro Nods
With so many design trends having come and gone—think art deco, midcentury, industrial—Lizette says clients love to mix and match pieces from all kinds of eras. “I steer them toward something with retro charm that still has a sleek, transitional feel, like our Nadia console. The glass tabletop compartment says ‘1800s curio table,’ but those clean lines will never go out of style.”
3. Light Wood Finishes
Lisa says her clients are asking for lighter, more organic-looking wood finishes in all kinds of rooms. “A light finish lets the wood grain show through, giving piece more of a connection to nature,” she says. “These finishes serve as neutrals in a room’s palette, and their natural vibe feels fresh and modern.”
4. Scandinavian Forms
Stephen notes that clients feel more forward with color, but they still like clean, simple lines—and Scandinavian styles fit the bill. “Pieces like our Arya bed, because they’re simple, will work no matter how your décor changes around them.”
5. Rich Colors
When we asked Stephen what’s trending, he had two words: more color. “Clients are loving warmer shades like terracotta and goldenrod, and I want to make sure they’re going to love those colors over the long haul.” He says keeping big-ticket pieces neutral while using bold colors in accents—think drapery, throw pillows, or artwork—gives clients an out whenever that warm palette no longer feels right. “That said, if you want bold upholstery, go for it. Dip your toe in with an accent chair or plunge into the deep end with a red velvet sectional.”
Transform your home with Ethan Allen’s complimentary design service. Visit the Design Center in Watchung at 1605 U.S. Hwy. 22, call 908.754.7200, or email watchung@ethanallen.com.