|
Home Sweet Home
Listed under: Interviews
Published: Thursday, March 11, 2010
With home décor set to be a huge trend next year, we speak to Katie Taaffe, the features manager of one of the industry's most eagerly awaited design shows, Grand Designs Live, about the importance of tapping into this market
Have you noticed an increase in the number of people creating their own home décor over the past year?
There is certainly an appetite for it and at Grand Designs Live we currently run a number of practical seminars that offer expert advice – all of which are very popular and help give consumers both the know-how and confidence they need to take on their own projects.
How has the current economic climate impacted the interest in this sector?
It hasn’t affected the demand, although we have noticed our visitors being more sensible and creative with their purchases.
How have people's perceptions of their homes and home furnishings changed over the last 12 months?
We have definitely noticed consumers becoming more aware of their purchases, particularly in terms of how environmentally responsible they are. There is a real interest in locally produced and manufactured goods at the moment and it is certainly a bigger influence over customers' everyday purchases now than it was 12 or 24 months ago.
What are going to be the biggest trends in the sector this year?
One of our key focuses for 2010 will be looking at how catwalk trends translate into the interiors of a home, particularly folk, vintage and geometric designs. Another trend that remains with us this year is vintage. To re-use and restore your existing furniture is very eco-friendly and most importantly cost-effective too.
In terms of colour palettes, the outlook for this year is much more positive, with bold and brash accessories dominating interiors. If you are looking for neutrals, all shades of grey are a safe bet for a contemporary look, with colourful pastels also making a big impression this year.
What advice would you offer independent craft shop owners about how they can best capitalise on these trends?
Good merchandising is extremely important, as is giving customers interior design ideas and inspiration.
How can retailers keep up-to-date with all the latest trends in the home décor sector?
Industry events and exhibitions are a great way to get an insight into the current trends and find new inspiration.
How do you think the sector will perform over the next year?
It's hard to say as each retailer we speak to has had a different experience of this uncertain economy, however, 2010 has been a great year so far in terms of bookings for our May show.
What advice would you offer independent retailers about beating the recession this year?
Set aside a budget for marketing. This is an important time to advertise in relevant magazine titles and continue driving your business forward. If you can’t do that, utilize social networking sites like Twitter, which are completely free of charge and can do wonders for raising your profile.
There is certainly an appetite for it and at Grand Designs Live we currently run a number of practical seminars that offer expert advice – all of which are very popular and help give consumers both the know-how and confidence they need to take on their own projects.
How has the current economic climate impacted the interest in this sector?
It hasn’t affected the demand, although we have noticed our visitors being more sensible and creative with their purchases.
How have people's perceptions of their homes and home furnishings changed over the last 12 months?
We have definitely noticed consumers becoming more aware of their purchases, particularly in terms of how environmentally responsible they are. There is a real interest in locally produced and manufactured goods at the moment and it is certainly a bigger influence over customers' everyday purchases now than it was 12 or 24 months ago.
What are going to be the biggest trends in the sector this year?
One of our key focuses for 2010 will be looking at how catwalk trends translate into the interiors of a home, particularly folk, vintage and geometric designs. Another trend that remains with us this year is vintage. To re-use and restore your existing furniture is very eco-friendly and most importantly cost-effective too.
In terms of colour palettes, the outlook for this year is much more positive, with bold and brash accessories dominating interiors. If you are looking for neutrals, all shades of grey are a safe bet for a contemporary look, with colourful pastels also making a big impression this year.
What advice would you offer independent craft shop owners about how they can best capitalise on these trends?
Good merchandising is extremely important, as is giving customers interior design ideas and inspiration.
How can retailers keep up-to-date with all the latest trends in the home décor sector?
Industry events and exhibitions are a great way to get an insight into the current trends and find new inspiration.
How do you think the sector will perform over the next year?
It's hard to say as each retailer we speak to has had a different experience of this uncertain economy, however, 2010 has been a great year so far in terms of bookings for our May show.
What advice would you offer independent retailers about beating the recession this year?
Set aside a budget for marketing. This is an important time to advertise in relevant magazine titles and continue driving your business forward. If you can’t do that, utilize social networking sites like Twitter, which are completely free of charge and can do wonders for raising your profile.
