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The Captivating Charms
of Cool, Clear Water
If High Point Market is any indication, what floats your boat could likely be an affinity for the mesmerizing effects of undulating water. Admittedly swept away by all the Market finds they’d observed, the trend-tracking team from The Media Matters took the plunge and declared swirling water-inspired designs an emerging trend for home decor.

To double-check their inclination, the TMM team consulted with Lisa Kahn of  Lisa Kahn Designs . The Naples, Florida-based designer concurs. “Flowing water is a popular motif because it has a soothing effect,” she says. “Think of sitting by a stream or having a small fountain on your desk. It makes people feel harmonious and more grounded.” After all, the most basic color research reveals that even the colors of water—blue and green—are calming to the human psyche. (And, FYI, these are the same reasons waterfront properties are always more expensive and hold their value!)
Lisa recently used this beguiling custom-designed  John Strauss  console in a Florida home. “I selected it for a penthouse project because it made the room feel like the water from the Gulf of Mexico, which is just outside the window, was washing right through the space,” she explained. (Photo: Brie Williams)
A water theme doesn’t have to mean a nautical theme. Case in point: While the  Ocean Breeze Collection  from Tommy Bahama Home introduced this Market by Lexington Home Brands offers an elegant interpretation of relaxed island living, it easily resonates in areas far from the coast. For example, with its fresh take on sophisticated casual, the front of this buffet features backlit textured sea glass-inspired door panels with a ripple pattern dancing across them. The collection’s remarkable custom finish, the blending of unique natural materials, and a rich layering of textiles allows it to go with the flow anywhere, in any home.

1 | Aquatic accents like French Connection’s  Atmosphere Throw Pillow  in Ocean Blue offer a simple solution if you’re craving the feeling of being calm. Just add the 20x20 watercolor print pillow to your bed, sofa, or favorite chair for a serene splash of color.

2 |  The team agrees that swimming pools are quintessentially synonymous with the California dream.   California Ripples , a series of original photography from Natural Curiosities, captures the tranquility of staring off into the fluid fractals made by the interplay of light and water. (If your preference is deeper blue, see  California Ripple, Series 2 .) Four different images available, framed 36x84 or unframed 34x82.

3 |  Like a vision of gentle waves lapping on the sand, the tranquil design of this  Indigo Watercolor Stripe   dinnerware from Lenox offers a soft blue brushstroke motif against a pristine white surface. Crafted of durable ceramic porcelain, the 12-piece service for four is microwave- and dishwasher-safe. 

4 |  Feeling adrift in your search for statement making lighting? We cast our vote for the swirling art glass of Wildwood’senchanting  Multi Blue and Green Table Lamp . The 35-inch-tall lamp has brushed nickel mounting and an off-white linen shade.

5 | Artistica Home’s new  Metaphor Collection  made a big splash this Market. Pieces feature exceptional eglomise panels and tops painted in abstract expressionist patterns reminiscent of blue swirling water, contrasted against cerused wood. Each tempered glass panel is individually painted by an artist and will vary from panel to panel.
Design Matters is the monthly trend viewpoint from the tradeshow-traveling, fresh-finding team at The Media Matters. Feel free to share any of these images and copy with your readers or followers.  Photos can be found in this  Dropbox .  Plus, we’re always here to help you with ideas, resources and more.  Our team attends nearly every significant tradeshow so we can be your eyes, ears and heels on the ground. Our passion is creating connections, so use us.  Our contact information is below.


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