Exploring the vast world of housewares reveals an industry that goes beyond mere functionality, delving into the realm of transforming living spaces into comfortable and unique homes. From the way we clean our clothes to the appliances we use for cooking, the International Housewares Association aims to unite professionals and consumers across various sectors at The Inspired Home Show (TIHS) 2024, scheduled for March 17-19 in Chicago, Ill.
House Digest had the opportunity to interview Tannese Williams, Product Marketing + Development for Pantone Fashion Home + Interiors at TIHS. In her role, she assists manufacturers in determining color palettes for their products. Williams emphasized the significance of color in home decor, stating, "Home is where you go to be who you are. Color evokes emotions and feelings. When it comes to your home, you have the freedom to choose colors that resonate with your true self."
Trend One: Monochrome
Monochrome emerges as a prominent trend in the realm of housewares, showcasing the timeless elegance and sophistication of a single color palette. The image above captures the essence of monochrome design, highlighting its visual appeal and versatility in home decor.
If you have a passion for consistency in your home decor, you're in for a treat. This year, at the latest interior design exhibition, several brands showcased collections of items all in the same color, allowing you to easily match your entire kitchen or bathroom by sticking to a single hue. Instead of displaying kitchen appliances in a variety of colors, brands presented a unified look with items like a blue toaster, matching blue dish drainer, spatulas, pots and pans, paper towel holder, and more.
While coordinating items in neutral colors or materials like black, white, and stainless steel is common, having complete collections in a bold shade has been rare. Although most consumers may not replace all their kitchen essentials at once, this trend could encourage a new wave of collectors or first-time buyers to opt for a cohesive set rather than a mix of products from different brands, especially those venturing into more vibrant decor. If you want to add more color to your living space without the hassle of color matching, embrace the monochromatic trend. Choose a color you adore and commit to it.
According to experts, this color trend is ideal for individuals seeking simplicity amidst the chaos of daily life. Embracing a single color scheme provides a sense of security and clarity, reducing visual clutter and creating a harmonious environment. So, if you crave a sense of order and tranquility, consider incorporating a monochrome palette into your home.
One of the standout trends at TIHS is the rainbow theme, which offers a vibrant and colorful aesthetic. Brands like KitchenAid are known for their bold use of color, and they didn't disappoint with their Mineral Water kitchenware collection. This collection includes items such as a stand mixer, knife block, mixing bowls, utensils, dish-drying racks, and more, all in the eye-catching Mineral Water hue. For those looking to add a pop of color to their white kitchen, this collection is the perfect choice.
On the other hand, European brand Spirella took a different approach by exploring the monochrome trend. They showcased a range of terracotta bathroom accessories, including soap dispensers, toilet brushes, and rugs, all designed to create a cohesive and colorful bathroom decor. Additionally, Design Ideas offers a selection of blue storage baskets that are both stylish and practical for organization enthusiasts.
Trend Two: Rainbow
On the opposite end of the spectrum from the monochrome theme, we have the emerging trend of sets in a full rainbow of color. Several brands offered multiple colors in one set or individual items that could be mixed and matched. Sticking with the monochrome aesthetic is still certainly an option with many of these brands, but there is also a general encouragement to play around with different combinations, an idea that will likely prove popular as more and more people begin to explore maximalist décor as opposed to the more pared-down and simplistic styles that minimalism offers. Williams shared, "You've got to have fun in color." It's also about options. The color pro explains, "If you have a dinner party, maybe you'll give your vivacious friend the yellow plate, and the teal plate to your calm friend."
With that being said, these sets are far from falling into true eclecticism. Despite the items' differences in color, their shapes, styles, and overall aesthetic remain consistent, meaning that, despite how many different shades you include in your unique mix, the pieces will still feel cohesive. Hopping aboard the rainbow train might seem a bit intimidating to consumers, especially after years of having so few options for color, but this consistency could make the transition feel a lot more comfortable.
Moreover, Lav opted for a more minimalist approach to the rainbow trend with its drinkware that blends clear and colored glass, while Terragave presented some of their biodegradable, agave-based plant pots in vibrant hues like lime green, golden yellow, and carrot orange. Even Viking, a brand traditionally associated with its sleek steel cookware, showcased colorful kettles, solidifying the idea that this surge of color is more than just a coincidence across brands.
Trend Three: Earth tones
Earth tones are the hottest color trend when it comes to neutral shades, according to Tannese Williams, and the hues included in this trend may surprise you. "Nature is not boring at all," says the Pantone color expert. "It's not just beiges, grays, and tans. We're incorporating greens, peaches, and blues." She explained that this color palette, ranging from muted to vibrant tones, serves as a way to connect with the natural world. "It allows you to feel connected to nature and more grounded."
Peugeot's Boreal salt and pepper mill collection features a variety of earth-tone colors. These mills combine a wood-like appearance with softer tones of green, blue, gray, and pink inspired by nature.
Black + Decker offers their Powerseries Lite 3in1 Stick Vacuum in three colors that embody the vivid side of the earth-tone color trend. The pops of orange, teal, or forest green will add a stylish touch to your closet or living room corner.
