The Walt Whitman Shops in Long Island’s Huntington Station have welcomed a new destination for those in search of beautiful, sustainable design. Yes, leader in artisan-crafted furniture and home décor Arhaus recently opened an over-12,000 square foot showroom presenting a flotilla of desirable home furnishings set in an ocean of welcoming, cream-colored space.
And as we marched bravely into the new year, design enthusiasts from near and far gathered here to discuss trends for the year ahead. With bubbly, cocktails or craft non-alcoholic mixed beverages in hand, attendees enjoyed mouthwatering comestibles from Port Belly Chefs as they prepared for the evening’s main event: a panel of designers with hot takes to share.
Designers Take the Stage in the Arhaus Showroom
Paul Hagen of aspire design and home welcomed the crowd and introduced Holly Porter, Director of Retail Business & Trade at Arhaus to host the lively discussion. Porter promised an exciting discussion about where trends are heading now and hailed the designers: Katharine Posillico McGowan, principal designer and founder of Katharine Jessica Interior Design, thrilled the crowd with news about her nuptials. Tina Ramchandani, Principal Interior Designer of Tina Ramchandani Creative, described her current aesthetic as “soulful minimalism.” And Elissa Grayer, Principal Designer Elissa Grayer Interior Design, described the design process as a puzzle that mixes what clients already have, still need and love. She mentions that she is excited about how the forthcoming offerings from Arhaus will fit into that.
Porter noted that mixing materials such as woods and metals is one key feature of Arhaus’ latest designs. What additional textures have been trending for the designers? Ramchandani called out plaster and limestone, noting she was particularly interested in texture on walls at the moment. Grayer agreed, noting she has been into using wallcoverings as well as warm, velvety fabrics in jewel tone colors—particularly sage and forest green. And Posillico McGowan noted her appreciation for the latest performance fabrics that can keep up with the demands of young families while still looking luxe. On topic, Holly noted that Arhaus’ stain, odor and moisture-resistant fabric Crypton would be demonstrated later on in the evening.
Talking Trends: From Curves to Como
The panel agreed trends were moving away from the rectilinear. Grayer mentioned placing several curved sofas, Ramchandani noted that such sofas often call for coffee tables with curves of their own. And Posillico McGowan noted that she loves the curves of a tight back chair.
Italian flavor was in favor. Grayer said she’s excited about new Italian fabrics joining Arhaus’ offerings from Como. Meanwhile, Posillico McGowan called out the Italianate wood in the Bell’Arte Collection, which includes features such as hand painting with rope and feathers on certain finishes.
And how are they helping out clients who committed to gray in a big way and now need color? “Add pillows,” declared Posillico McGowan; the crowd applauded the classic solution knowingly. Ramchandani suggested incorporating the right brown can actually work surprisingly well to warm up a gray room. And Grayer noted that in any room that feels flat and “all one style,” the first thing to do is change a major element to a different style to shake things up.
The Arhaus Showroom Gets Spicy
So how are our panelists looking to incorporate trending color into their designs currently? Posillico McGowan has been committing to bold wallcoverings featuring colorful flowers, birds and geometrics; she also champions painted cabinetry. And Ramchandani suggested that whatever you’re doing—from statement wallpaper or all-over color—commit to it totally.
There was some spicy debate over whether “eclectic grandpa” is a going trend. But even those designers for whom it wasn’t agreed a certain sense of throwback masculinity remains in demand: think Chesterfield sofas and leather club chairs. Meanwhile, boucle proved a hot-button topic, as well. Posillico McGowan noted she still had clients clamoring for “Boucle all day!” Ramchandani noted that, as designers, they may have accumulated a bit more boucle fatigue than the customers for whom it still feels fresh enough to request.
And perhaps the hottest take of the night came from Posillico McGowan when she declared, “Accessories are the bane of my existence!” to gales of knowing laughter. May we all approach accessory use more thoughtfully in 2024.
Why Arhaus Showroom Huntington Is the Scene of Design
This Arhaus showroom—located at 160 Walt Whitman Rd.—is the brand’s fourth in New York joining locations in Rochester, Roslyn and White Plains. In addition to showcasing furnishings, they offer complimentary design services to customers embarking on projects from revitalizing single pieces to furnishing entire homes. What’s more, the Huntington Station location even has an ample space dedicated specifically to serving designers as they mix, match and scheme to their heart’s delight.
And in celebration of the Walt Whitman Shops showroom opening, Arhaus will make a $10,000 contribution to American Forests, the country’s oldest nonprofit conservation organization. It is dedicated to nurturing healthy and resilient forests from coast to coast.
Photography courtesy Arhaus or by Paul Hagen.
Feeling Arhaus’ vibe? Well, why not see what we thought of their Fall 2023 collection?
Like what you see? Get it first with a subscription to aspire design and home magazine.