Interview: Trends at Chicago Furniture Stores

I recently had the chance to interview Dana Galler, owner of two Chicago furniture stores including Design Studio Furniture. I am always curious about popular trends and shopping patterns since furniture trends can change so rapidly. Dana was able to provide her insight into the Chicago market. What colors are most popular in furniture? Any surprise colors? All earth tones and organic colors are still very strong trends for us with our clients, and we consider all shades of grays to be the “next wave”. Orange and robins egg blue as accents are the big “surprise” colors, usually reserved for occasional pieces, accessories, and wall colors Are there specific products that customers with lofts or small apartments are finding particularly appealing and functional in small places? Dining tables that fold out and double in size for entertaining; very contemporary styled sleeper sofas that do not look like “traditional sofas” and are much more comfortable then traditional ‘sleepers”; anything with storage that is clean lined, modular and available in a variety of different woods and finishes. All of these are perfectly stylish, spacial solutions for urban cond-loft dwellers. What are a few of the most popular pieces from your collection? “The Nick” is an Italian leather low profile sofa/sectional that comes with hidden headrests along the back that fold up for extra comfort and when folded down can be “sat on” all around the perimeter of the sofa. This also comes in many different color options and configurations. We also have a completely ‘modular” bedroom and storage group that you can customize to your design taste and lifestyle and continue to add on too and reconfigure as your space and needs change. Are there new products that you are excited to see? We just brought on 2 new lines, one a high styled well priced, quality domestically manufactured upholstery line that is very “classic modern” in its design and extremely comfortable. The other is a European line of leather furniture that is beautifully tailored, available “quick ship” and an exceptional value. (Lennon Collection and People Collection) Are you seeing families approaching purchasing furniture any different in terms of what they are looking for in a product for their family? The big trend with families buying furniture is making the “great room” the big purchase/priority. This has become the center of the household for family gatherings, media viewing, and entertaining. Large leather sectionals that are both comfortable and sophisticated serve as the meeting place at the center of the home, usually anchored by a media wall and swivel or recline occasional chairs, making these rooms both cozy for relaxing and multi functional enough for all types of family entertaining. Is leather or fabric more popular in upholstery seating? I think leather and fabric are equally popular in upholstery. We like to mix it up with leather sofas and fabric chairs or leather chairs and fabric sofas. Ultrasuede is still very popular for its combination of luxury and practicality. I would like to take a moment to thank Dana Galler for taking time out of her busy schedule to talk about furniture trends in Chicago. Dana’s store is Design Studio Furniture which has a great offering of furniture and home decor ideas.