Invest in the Nest

So everywhere you turn, there are signs of a slowing economy. All authorities say that the next 12 months will be uncertain. My visit to the Spring Canadian Giftware and Tableware Association Show definitely showed signs of the slowdown. It’s Canada’s premiere retail trade event of the year, showcasing 1.3 million square feet of innovative house wares, tabletop, home decor and accessories, handmade items, collectibles, and more. But with obvious lower than usual attendance, and smaller new product displays by many suppliers, it was clear that many are being cautious.

Strangely enough, talking to some revealed that not all areas of consumer spending are down. What do people do when they don’t have the cash to spend on outside entertainment and big luxuries? They spend more time at home with family and friends. Our home is our greatest and most stable long-term asset, so putting money into it is always a good idea. What better time to be talking to people about investing in their nest!

The term ‘cocooning’ was first introduced during the recessionary times (along with things the VCR and microwave popcorn). And this time around, some experts are calling it ‘anchoring’, but it's all the same. It’s about taking shelter...or making your place cozy and comfortable with things of great comfort and quality. And that's exactly what I saw at the gift show. Many things inspired comfort, quality, natural warmth, and just a little luxury and sparkle.

Furniture and accessories are looking woodsy, natural, grainy, and even rustic. Re-claimed wood, metals, and glass appeared throughout, and seemed to be the overall theme in many of the displays. It's apparent that all the talk about the importance of going GREEN has finally resonated with manufacturers. A lot of metallics were muted, not as glossy. Less mirrored furniture pieces (that was so strong last year) and more tailored, industrial, kinda masculine-meets-Asian-lines. Another hot trend I noticed throughout was lacquered pieces like trays, Buddha’s, sculptures, vases, boxes and general accent pieces, in vibrant and bold colours. Warm Asian-inspired colours like reds, purples, yellows, turquoise, and "friendly" grays. These bright jewels of colour sitting on rustic, natural wood grain tables looked amazing, and I have to say, inspiring! Good to see colour it back!

If you’re looking to update and invest in your home, but can't afford to do the big stuff for now, try some lower cost options:

- repaint your rooms, or colour block a focal wall with a hit of a hot, trendy colour
- splurge on smaller home accessories, like a lacquered box set, vase, or sculpture
- disguise older, warn out looking bedroom furniture or sofas by investing in a new accents pillows and matching throws
- buy sexy new lamps - or even just new lamp shades to change the mood
- try rearranging your furniture or move things to different room, and you'll be surprised at how it instantly looks new again

Here's hoping for a healthy and prosperous year for all!