Four Favorite Event Trends of 2014

We recently attended an ISES Day of Education in Chicago and were inspired and excited by what we learned.  As you know, AFR loves not only furniture, but also design, and so when one of the topics was Trends in the Event Industry, our ears naturally perked up. We are happy to see the Mason jars wrapped in twine and the DIY rustic look falling to the way side for a more sophisticated décor and style. We’ve enjoyed that trend, but we are ready for something a little different. Here are a few of the 2014 trends that grabbed our attention during our session and have us to trying some new combinations and looks for our clients.

1.  Residential Luxury Is In

Residential luxury brings uniqueness to the event stage and infuses the more club-like lounges with a look and feel that mirrors a living room setting. Dark rich refined textures, overstuffed leathers and color all play a significant role in this trend.  Don’t just think sofas, chairs and tables, but also add bookshelves, hutches, sideboards, servers, curio cabinets or other interesting pieces.  Next, layer in accents, cubed ottomans, rugs and ‘personal’ accents like books and frames or artwork, mirrors and other occasional decor that help breathe warmth and character into the setting.  As an idea for a starting point, check out our Broadway, Metro, Grammercy or Chateau Collections to use as a base and build the layers from there. Don’t be afraid to mix fabric textures and patterns. Remember there are no rules, only guidelines.  Have some fun with it.

2.  Bring a Piece of Home to the Dining Experience

Spinning off the same philosophy we just told you for the living room, bring the same warm elegance into the guest dining experience to reflect a residential dining room.  Not many people have 60” rounds with floor length linens in their homes.  This year, we will be seeing more and more eclectic dining experiences in events.  To step into the trend, try rectangular or square heavy wooden tables like our Vermont, Hayden or Ashbury, or create communal settings with our wooden Memphis Square or Rectangle pub tables. There are several options to choose from and you don’t need linen. When paired with different chairs like our Elio, Chateau, Regale, Marcus or Ghost stools, it creates settings that hold a lot of comfort and warmth. Top the tables with fabric runners; simple floral and low-lying candle treatments. For more ideas, you can view our entire catalogue here.

3.  Integrating the lounge and dining environment together.

Skip the standard dining arrangements and throw away the seating chart. Try something different and mix dining and lounge areas together for a more relaxed, no-agenda styled approach to the evening. The overall event isn’t just going to be a traditional ballroom build…it’s going to be a combination of settings and dining with buffets.  You can still hand out awards or address the room by adding some basic audio/visual elements. People connect and interact better when allowed to mingle and relax.

4.  Demure…is out!  Go bold!

The “all soft toned” look is out…you know beige, blush, gold etc…. No need to diffuse color…it’s so passe’.  Vivid is in. Pair soft pastels with intense color and have some fun with it. Along with Radiant Orchid, be sure to check out the rest of the Pantone Spring ’14 color palette for some other sassy colors that will bring joy to your design inspiration.

What are your favorite new trends?  Do you need more great ideas?  We’re happy to help, just give your AFR Representative a call at 888.AFR.RENT or visit us on the web at www.afrevents.com.

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