POP goes the color

When something pops, it adds a sudden -- and often unexpected -- element into the setting. Think of pop art, pop culture, pop fly, pop the question and the dreaded pop quiz.

Decorators are using that same element of surprise by introducing pops of color into their homes.

One of the trends to emerge from this winter's home-furnishings industry show at World Market Center Las Vegas was the use of pops of color to invigorate neutral-heavy interiors. From accent pillows to area rugs, side chairs and accessories, a veritable rainbow of colors splashed throughout the showrooms.

Because of the cost of quality furnishings and floorings, many people are selecting classic neutral shades of beige, gray and greige, a combination of the two, for their long-lasting purchases such as sofas, said Julie Smith Vincenti, president and founder of Nine Muses Media, which follows trends in the home-furnishings industry. Color is introduced into the setting through the accent pieces.

These spot applications and deliberate uses call attention to both the color and the accent piece itself, she said.

Among those to showcase this trend is Rowe Fine Furniture. Kate Holcomb, marketing director, said the Virginia-based upholstery manufacturer put bold florals and prints on accent pillows and chairs to add color and pizzazz to its neutral upholstery groups.

"Accent colors are a huge part of what we are seeing," she said.

"When I create new space for a client, most of the large upholstered pieces are neutral. This allows us to use dramatic color accents with pillows, accessories, rugs or artwork that can be changed out as tastes change and clients acquire new pieces," said Jill Abelman, principal of Inside Spaces in Las Vegas.

Mike Shabtai, owner of The Rug Market America, agreed.

"Whether homeowners use neutral coloration or clean design trends within their décor as a style choice or to play it safe -- as is the case often in outdoor décor decisions -- rugs can be a source for adding instant color or interest for any room setting. With any budget size, rugs are available to add blasts of color, design motif styling or textural accents. And the color, style or textures can change adding versatility of living experiences -- go casual to traditional, contemporary to multicultural with a simple change in floor covering."

Monica Pedersen, an interior designer and host of several programs on HGTV, who spoke along with Smith Vincenti on trends for 2011 during the First Look presentation at the market, said adding color lets you express your personality.

According to Pedersen and Smith Vincenti, one of the best places to begin layering in color is on the floor.

"We've seen so much neutral, especially in flooring, using an area rug is a good way to bring in color," Pedersen said. "Doesn't it feel good to see color again?"

One of the great aspects of using accessories to introduce color into the setting it that they do not have to feature the same neutral shades or match what is already present in the room.

"Some of the most interesting interior or exterior designs rely upon the floor coverings to create the 'pop' that can easily change unlike wall coverings or colors on major furnishing pieces," Shabtai said.

Using accents and accessories also makes it easier to update the look of a home seasonally or to remain current with color trends.

"The consumer says 'Don't make me get rid of everything in six to 12 months. Give me accessories that go with what I have,'" Smith Vincenti said.