Folkloric Elegance, Military Chic and Victorian Sophistication
Inspire John-Richard Designs

Color Trends Focus on Soft Purples and Pinks Along with Dark Purple and Sky Blue

HIGH POINT, North Carolina – Trends for the home furnishing industry in 2006 will range from floral and paisley to dark color palettes inspired by the castles of Russia and Europe, according to Lyn McNeil, John-Richard’s vice president of design and a noted industry trend forecaster.

In early 2006, McNeil and fellow John-Richard designers traveled to Europe and India in search of inspirations and ideas for new product introductions for 2006 spring and fall markets as well as spring 2007. McNeil also reviewed new luxurious fabrics for John-Richard’s upholstered furniture and soft goods that fit the color and design trends for the coming 12 to 24 months.

Soft colors in purples and pinks will continue to be a guide for fabrics and designs through 2007, McNeil said. However, fall 2006 brings moody dark colors and a softer secondary palette of blues, grays and greens.

“ Fall 2006 will deliver a dark and dramatic season that blends elements of military chic, folkloric elegance, and Victorian sophistication to create an indulgent and romantic look,” McNeil said. “We also will see a somber palette of moody, deep almost black hued purples, wines and greens inspired by the castles of Europe and Russia.

“ The second color trend palette includes atmospheric shades of gray, blue and green balanced with neutrals that evoke a sense of elegance, calmness and quiet sophistication.”

Floral designs from grand bouquets to single stems will be a trend along with fabrics featuring floral prints, toile and embroidery, according to McNeil. Paisley in elongated and oversized motifs as well as free-flowing designs will be prominent.

“ There is a rebirth of classical design, which bodes well for John-Richard’s core products, and we will continue to introduce line pieces with some aesthetic of the historic John-Richard style,” McNeil said. “However, in the next year our customers will see unexpected materials in expected shapes and expected materials in unexpected shapes.

“ As we move forward, our objective for new designs is to acknowledge the best of our John-Richard history and selectively embrace the newness in the design world.”

John-Richard, which has offices and showrooms in Mississippi, North Carolina, Texas, India, China, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam, offers a world of luxurious home furnishings including wall art, furniture, lighting, soft goods, mirrors, accessories, and botanicals.