Spring 2014 Furnishing Collections

Furnishing companies look and listen for the latest trends in event furnishing from the fashion world and from clients themselves. Previewing their Spring 2014 collections, sales and rental companies like CORT, Freshwata, AFR and FormDecor turn classic designs into contemporary works of art with modern pops of color that please the palette.

“Consumers are becoming increasingly color savvy and color aware,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director, Pantone Color Institute. “With consumers seeking distinctive styling and considerable substance more than ever before, it is critical that retailers and designers be aware of future color trends. To successfully entice consumers, colors and color combinations must be appealing, evocative, transformative and most importantly, on-target.”

Featuring nine directional color palettes, Pantone Color Institute, a global authority on color, releases the next hues of the spring season.

CORT

Kevin Dana, director of marketing and product development, CORT

We always keep our eye on color trends in fashion and home furnishings when we make product decisions. Current color trends favor mixing bright colors with softer tones to create equilibrium, and our collections contain many different colors.

CORT’s exclusive new Napoleon collection is a modern take on classic French and Victorian furniture, updated with a whimsical color palette, including light blue, pink, green and red. We chose a mix of brighter tones and softer colors to give a broad range of options.

One of our most popular items is the color Vibe cube ottoman collection. It’s offered in a range of bright colors, including orange, yellow and gold; that help make an exhibit pop. It also gives companies the ability to communicate their brand through color.

Another way to achieve color accents is through lighting and accessories. We recently introduced the LED Lighted Edge Cube Ottoman and Edge Cube table that can be set to one of six colors and run on battery or plug-in cords. CORT also offers a range of rugs, pillows and other accessories to give events and exhibits a customized look.

Freshwata

Melissa Dot, creative and social catalyst, Freshwata

Our collection is growing with driftwood, reclaimed wood, wood pallets—wood galore. Our designers pitch a lot of contemporary furnishings including burlap ottomans, wood tables, grass ottomans, and linen sofas and chairs, and we style to keep the atmosphere vibrant.

Ironically consistent with the increase of tech events, the pairing of earthy organic textures with rustic-vintage materials are well-received and in growing demand. We always check out the Pantone color suggestions, but it’s the event that drives the furniture style and color, so we keep our inventory eclectic and fresh for whatever’s next.

AFR Furniture Rental & Event Furnishings

Tricia Schmitt, vice president of Brand Management, AFR Furniture Rental & Event Furnishings

Chandler (red) and Parma (brown) collections: These were added to the lineup based on client demand. We had many requests to add red to our line!

Regale (blue): Regale was considered by the need and demand for navy and the continuing need for French provincial

FormDecor

Fritz Williams, CEO, FormDecor

The trend we’re seeing is our clients mixing period pieces of furniture with props and décor to invite attendees into an eclectic experience. Modern and mid-century designs are still a frequently used focal point, but adding eclectic furniture accents and décor sets the savvy exhibitor apart from the group, which is the goal of every good exhibit design.

More residential design elements and props are coming into play with ambient lighting, rugs, soft seating elements, pillows and ottomans as well. More and more exhibitors are choosing design that engages the senses much like the comfort of a boutique hotel, club or even a home.