Midcentury modern, electic, steampunk--these will all be top trends in special event for 2014.
The major trends will include eclectic environments created by unique accessories and unusual combinations that are unexpected and reflect the designer’s personal style, along with rustic and midcentury modern looks combined with Victorian and French-inspired pieces to create a lush and entirely modern space.
The insights come from Jordan Carbotti, event designer with Perfect Surroundings International (at left), and Kevin Dana, CORT Event Furnishings director of marketing and product development (below).
Event planners are always looking to differentiate their client events from the competition and revolutionize event designs, and one of the best ways to create a unique look is to add accessories, decor, rugs, lighting and greenery. Lounges are about more than just furniture, according to Carbotti and Dana. Layering decor elements helps clients communicate their brand message to attendees and provides the visual interest that sets individual events apart.
Indicative of the trend toward eclectic and lush event environments is CORT’s new Elements collection, a line of specially selected rental decor pieces that give event designers more options to be creative. The Elements Collection, which was introduced by CORT at The Special Event Show in Nashville, Tenn., in January, offers a large selection of rental accessories, from cages and candelabras to vintage trunks and greenery. These details make the difference and allow planners to express their client’s style, Carbotti and Dana say.
“The Elements rental collection demonstrates CORT’s commitment to helping clients revolutionize their designs," Carbotti explains. "These thoughtfully selected decorative pieces allow event planners to exercise their individual style and create fresh event concepts.”
Another big trend in event decor is mixing rustic wood and metal furnishings with midcentury classics to create eclectic environments with a modern edge. Combining Old World French and Victorian furnishings with modern elements, echoing the steampunk trend and early 20th century Victoriana, is also popular for 2014. It’s an extension of the opulence of the Gatsby theme, then taking it a step further and pushing boundaries with tech and futuristic elements, say Dana and Carbotti; "This unexpected eclecticism echoes the move toward individual style and taking chances."
CORT recently expanded its offerings to include a range of rustic dining tables, side tables, dining chairs, benches and barstools to complement its wide range of Midcentury modern and traditional lines. The Rustique collection can be used to design a Provençal French country setting or be combined with whimsical French-inspired furnishings, such as CORT’s Napoleon collection, to give clients a jarring but cohesive look that is on trend and previously unseen by even the most discerning clients.
“Today’s consumers are savvy, and they expect to be surprised and delighted when they attend a trade show, meeting or special event," Dana says. "CORT’s diverse collections give event planners the tools they need to revolutionize their event designs and stay ahead of the competition.”
