Tigers & Teal
Elizabeth Vehko is co-owner of Shaver & Ramsey Fine and Custom Rugs, which specializes in selling the finest woven rugs in Denver. She is readying for a year of not-so-subtle trends in the home design space, projecting popularity for the color teal, a bluish-green shade that evokes tranquility and healing energy.
“Teal evokes feelings of being by the sea, and having grown up by the coast and then living in Colorado for many years, I seek colors that elicit the calmness of the sea,” Elizabeth says.
Animal motifs have always had their place in the design space, whether it’s a zebra print accent or a wild bird soaring across a throw pillow. This year, Elizabeth thinks the Tibetan tiger will be the face debuted on fabrics, wallpapers, blankets and pillows for its regality and symbology.
“In Tibetan Buddhism, the tiger is a symbol of awareness, kindness and confidence,” she says. “The most beautiful homes I go into incorporate objects, whether it be a hand-knotted rug or hand-painted wallpaper, that have meaning and tell stories of travel, history and other cultures.”
Shaver-Ramsey.com
Ceramics & Candles
Located in Denver, the Artisan Center is a creative oasis where the work of unique artists is celebrated and brought to the public in its charming storefront. Alex Nielsen and Julie Scott are co-owners of the company and have seen a resurgence in people wanting to feel more connected, whether that is by shopping more locally, connecting with them personally to share stories and exchange design ideas, or learning about the artists whose work they love. When it comes to trends, they are seeing ceramics and candles at the forefront of home goods purchases.
“We have noticed more than ever that people are excited about handmade functional pottery. People are buying beautiful serving pieces to make their own meals look even more special,” Alex and Julie say. “Candles have also been very popular for us, in part because people are spending more time at home and it’s an easy way to add ambiance and scent to their offices or homes.”
ArtisanCenterDenver.com
Return to Nature
CODA Studio provides unique and sustainable furnishings handcrafted by artisans from the U.S. The president of the studio is Angela Feddersen, whose expertise in all things design points us toward two trends for 2022. As COVID has shifted many of us to a work-from-home lifestyle, outdoor gathering spaces are on the rise. Angela recommends pushing the focus to patios, porches, balconies and backyards as a place to gather with loved ones. These areas can be updated and elevated with a design-focused approach that take al fresco living spaces to new heights.
Bringing more biophilic design to spaces inside and out is another trend Angela says is on the rise.
“There is a strong desire to bring greenery or design elements that incorporate this motif to create harmony between nature and the home,” Angela says. “Natural lighting, organic shapes and natural forms will be big in 2022. This correlates with reimagining the home as a healthier living environment conducive to well-being and productivity and goes hand-in-hand with the demand for more eco-conscious home goods, like salvaged wood, rattan and recycled materials.”
CODA Studio is currently offering their goods on their Instagram shop @coda.denver.
A Layered Approach
Anna Lambiotte is the principal and lead designer of Studio Lambiotte, where she crafts timeless and accessible spaces for clients across Colorado. As she reflects on her time spent at home for most of 2020/21, she has realized many people are looking for quality products that engage the senses and abandon uniform designs.
Anna feels that one of her guiding design principles is to create interiors that connect to the outdoors. This starts with the architecture and layout of a space, and making sure that rooms promote easy access, flow and strong visual lines to the outdoors. Additionally, Anna likes to “use products that have an organic touch to them, such as leather and shearling, that tie us closer to the natural world.”
“Perhaps it’s more a timeless credo than a trend, but I see design embracing a more layered approach that incorporates a variety of styles, price points and textures,” she shares. “This more accurately represents life, after all, and thus gives residents a living environment that feels more real, more authentic and ultimately, more enduring.”
StudioLambiotte.com