One of the most fun aspects of selling closets is actually coming up with designs for the spaces.  You get to problem solve and create beauty at the same time (a win-win in my book!)

So – should you have a passion for design (the way that I do) – then it can be really fun to translate fashion design to interior design – and go a step further and take the trends of interior design and apply them to custom storage/closet design.

And one of the best sources for ideas and inspiration is the “wombo-size” trade show held annually at The Merchandise Mart in Chicago called NEOCON.  It’s something I look forward to every year because of all the great things I get to see.

So what was hot and smokin’ this year?

Color and Texture.

It showed up in all kinds of ways and all kinds of places.  And I’m not the least bit bothered by the resemblance to things that were popular in the 80’s (I have very fond memories of the 80’s).

Check out some of the “goodies” I found –

The Red Dress Dresser

Who needs a black dress when you can have a red dress?  Better yet – how about a red dress dresser?  This little gem popped right into my path and lit it up with creativity and fun.  What girl wouldn’t want such a festive addition to her custom storage solutions?

Hides That Don’t Hide

These leather hides are environmentally friendly – and multi-purpose, multi-function friendly. And they come in almost every color of the very environmentally friendly rainbow.

Color Splash

I know mixing materials and colors can add to the cost of a project.  But it can also add to the value and customer happiness quotient.  So taking your white melamine job and jazzing it up with a sheet of color interjected very strategically nets a result that’s almost magical – and most certainly noticeable.

Textured Leather

Tons of texture in animalistic ways showed up in everything from tables to chairs to lamps to mirrors.  I could see using it as a top or on some very special cabinetry doors.  And note the purple pony hair rug – Woo! Hoo!

So if you’re in Chicago next June and would like to attend NEOCON – let me know.  I’m always interested in sharing the inspiration and beauty.

Guest Blogger: Denise Butchko, Marketing and Design Consultant, Butchko & Co.