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On the Level with Neville: Hot New Trends for 2009
Hot New Trends for 2009 |
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Written by Neville MacKay
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Here we are in a new year, all clean and shiny and ready to start again! I hope this is the year that I lose the weight I gained from Christmas (2004!) but we’ll see ... With the start of a new year, I think it’s time we talked trends, so we can all be a little more prepared for what’s to come.
What’s in store for 2009 and into 2010 really depends on several things. We have to look closely at not only world trends like the global warming issue, but also at national and regional demographics, etc. A great place to see the future is to look at what’s going on in Europe, remembering that it usually takes a year or so for anything new to swim across to us. In 2008 I travelled Europe as well as the U.S. and Canada doing design shows and speaking and got the inside scoop about what’s on the go for the upcoming months. Let me try to break it down for you without sounding like some old fruit who is full of stats and figures (although that’s what I am!) Really though, I did get a lot of great information when I did a show in Minneapolis last fall with Sandy Schroeck, aifd, from Koehler & Dramm Wholesale Florist and Corey Harbour, aifd, who works in the Orient on product development. We had a great time together and I was pleased to find out that many of us here in Canada are already embracing a lot of the newest trends! (Unless, of course, we are so far behind that we’ve finally caught up!)
When I first heard that brown was making a big comeback, I threw up a little in my mouth, but like it or not, we’re going to see a lot of it! Now, it won’t be the big stripes and plaids that some of us witnessed in the ’80s (remember those sofas!) but we’ll see it used as more of an undertone and as an accent colour. Don’t just call it “brown” either; use words like mocha and chocolate instead to describe the colour. Brown tones emulate the ground, roots and nature and are comforting and soothing. Of course, brown goes with everything as it is an earthy colour, so away you go! Look at using natural materials in your designs like driftwood (you can get a lot of that in Saskatoon!), branches, and natural dried grasses and flowers. Yes, dried materials are coming back in vogue, and not just for the fall! (My nerves, what next, shoulder pads?) This adds to the botanical look that we already do a lot of here in Canada. Oh, and wicker is dragging itself out of the closet faster that Clay Aiken did, but this time we’re seeing more wood and rattan than reed baskets.
There’s a big trend to use any colour of green and blue, as these are both relaxing and calming spa colours. When using these, try to put a little accent of white with them and you’ll be a hit! Natural green moss is big, huge really, and can add a lot to that whole eco-chic look.
Texture and shape play a strong roll in the future – specifically geometrics and contrasting textures. Circles, squares, rectangles and triangles are sizzling hot, especially with the generation Y folks, and a mix of smooth and very rough texture together in one design is very much the thing to do indeed. When you use wire in your arrangements, try bending it at angles rather than smoothing it, for more emphasis.
Now that I’ve mentioned generation Y, we’d better talk about them a bit. They are our up-and-coming flower buyers, so their wants and desires are trends that we’d better take a careful look at. These kids are all over the place with fashion, and as we all were, a bit rebellious to what their parents liked and disliked. Carnations will make a comeback as will baby’s breath, because their parents didn’t like them, and gerberas are the new rose! When talking to one of these people, don’t be afraid; just learn a bit of their language. Use computer terms when selling to them, like “We can ‘upgrade’ that arrangement by embedding some jewels…” These are terms they understand, so you can charge for them. They love bright, contrasting colours also, so get out your colour wheel, girls and boys!
You know, the best thing to do is to look at what’s on the go in furniture stores in your area to get a handle on what you’ll need to start offering. Check out shelter magazines, and even talk to interior decorators and designers and see what they’re up to. Remember also that what’s hot in Fort McMurray might not work in, well, anywhere really, so keep your locality in mind. Go online and Google (I remember the first time someone told me to do that!) floral and/or colour trends, or go to a paint store or site to see the latest and coolest!
I’ve gotta go now and try to squeeze into those flared jeans I picked up at Frenchy’s Used Clothing Store! I’ll be so hot! Now, where is my Bedazzler . . .
Neville owns and operates My Mother’s Bloomers in Halifax and lives close to Peggy’s Cove with his partner, David, three cats and an overgrown garden. For more info on Neville or to book him for a show or talk, check out www.mymothersbloomers.com .
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