To Market--To Market

Dallas' Total Home and Gift Market is held at the Dallas World Trade Center twice a year. However, the January market is the time to go for a preview in home design trends for the year.

Alan and I went this year, as did our friend Portia Maloney (Garden Party ). Dallas is now home to the Internation Floral and Gift Center (translation:KILLER Floral displays!)

Our impressions on Color: the award goes to: Chartreuse, turquoise, and white. Secondary were orange, red and purple. According to Pantone the color for 2010 is turquoise. The Christmas (and floral) scene was dominated by chartreuse - usually mixed with white, silver, glitter and acrylic. Sometimes it was mixed with bright turquoise, purple and hot pink.

I hope burlap doesn't cause cancer because it was everywhere! Like 2009 natural decor was "IN"- even more twigs, branches, tree trunks, vines, and pine cones, but with a modern twist. These materials were seen in stark-like displays with metal, glass, acrylic, fiberglass, etc.

Check out the Two's Company "green" light fixture made with empty laundry soap bottles in every color! Way Cool! We tried to get all the "legal" photos we could while there.

P.S. Vendors we talked to reported an increase in orders (up to 25% increase) over last year, so that's a hopeful sign for the economy. YEAH!

P.P.S. Saw our friend Gina Galvin of Peacock Park Designs at our store and in her temporary booth @ WTC. Just three words for her display "FAB-U-LUST"

More Later, Gina.