Fall color and pattern trends

Vendors from all around the world and country showcasing what's new and exciting in the worlds of handmade, jewelry, baby items, gifts, garden accessories and, of course, home design. I hit the show, camera in hand, to check out what the hot design trends are. Here's my prediction of what you'll be seeing a lot of this fall.

Tribal-inspired

Tribal patterns like suzanis and ikats have been ultra-popular these past few years in the design world. These funky tribal fabrics made more than one appearance at the gift show, proving it's a trend that is here to stay, at least for a while longer. The pattern adorned adorable pillows at the Barreveld booth, was splashed across the eco-friendly outdoor mats at Mad Mats, and upholstered on a beautiful Louis XVI chair at Manglam Arts and on ottomans at Patrick Charles. They add a touch of global glamour to any foyer or living room -- simply irresistible.

Pretty pales

Muted, softer tones are proving to be this fall's new neutrals. In place of the grays and taupes that have been ever-present the past few years, soft pinks, greens, blues and yellows are making an appearance. Not quite pastel, these white-washed shades add a subtle level of softness and femininity that their less colorful counterparts couldn't. These hues popped up on vintage-inspired and worn-in furniture at booths including Bramble, where pale green wooden chairs mixed with a washed-out blue demi-lune table. Over at the Mr.Brown booth, traditionally bold patterns like houndstooth were reinvented in much softer hues. At the booth of Connecticut-based Oomph, lacquered mirrors, tables and bar carts were displayed in two contrasting vignettes: the pretty pales and the bold and the beautiful, another up-and-coming color trend.

Bold and the beautiful

Although the popularity of pale color schemes was undeniable, bright jewel-tones showed up in other booths besides Oomph. Booth after booth popped with lime green, magenta and turquoise. At Legend of Asia, a favorite of mine, lacquered blue pottery in ancient Eastern shapes mixed and mingled with classic blue-and-white china. At Carson & Co., the most adorable hot-pink side table was bedazzled with silver-studded flowers, making for a chic little console.

Although many other colors and patterns made an appearance, these were the trends that stood out bold and proud. With beautiful jewel-toned colors, pale color schemes, or ikat patterns, there was something for everyone.

More home dÉcor trends

All about wall art
Trend alert: White-on-white
Illuminating design: Fun, functional floor lamps