Gift Shop Plus Winter 2022

Driving It Home By Regina Molaro

Within the last few years, there’s been an uptick of interest in all things home. A rise in home sales certainly sparked demand for décor. After experiencing such a dark period, shoppers are yearning for color and the great outdoors. “Home is now the best space for entertaining, celebrating and just hanging out,” said Ellen Fruchtman, director of public relations for Mud Pie—a lifestyle brand and gift manufacturer.

GREEN THEMES

“Many of our collections reflect the mega trend of environmental awareness and the celebration of earth, nature and outdoor living. The focus on green as a major influential color in home, fashion, and holiday décor points to this overarching trend and the widespread use of natural materials in handcrafted artisanal objects,” said Ingrid Liss, vice president of product development and innovation at GANZ Midwest-CBK.

GANZ Midwest-CBK offers a range of home and garden accents, holiday decorations and giftware. Its Veranda collection taps into the popular “Jungalow” trend, coined by designer and author Justina Blakeney. It mixes bold patterns, colors and exotic plants to create a mod bohemian style.

For 2022, GANZ Midwest-CBK is unveiling its Black Beaded Swag Chandelier, which ushers in an eclectic flair; the suggested retail is $220. GANZ Midwest-CBK will also debut several planters such as the Face Planter With Terracotta Stripe and Shades of Sage Face Mini Planter; the suggested retails are $25 each.

“I think the rise in consumer interest in plants is directly related to wellness. Being around thriving plants elevates mood, reduces stress and boosts productivity. More people are working from home and spending less time outside, so they’re using plants to bring the outdoors in,” said Jennifer Kennedy, owner, Kennedy & Vine—a plant shop in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey. Shades of emerald and sage are dominating. Sage, specifically Benjamin Moore’s October Mist was selected as the Color of the Year for 2022. Beyond GANZ Midwest-CBK’s Veranda collection, many other home brands are celebrating this serene, nature inspired color.

“Color is making a comeback. Our Indigo collection presents greens mixed with blues and our Botanica collection reflects a range of greens,” said Fruchtman. The company is renowned for its baskets and bins, candles and lanterns, shelf and table accents, decorative bowls and serveware, photo frames, vases and beyond. This year, Mud Pie is celebrating a milestone. Its 2022 home catalog is the largest catalog ever published by the company.

EARTHY DELIGHTS

There’s also a longing for a natural, earthy vibe. Primitives By Kathy will unveil a neutral color palette that highlights earth tones such as cream, sand, clay, terracotta and black. Crafted with natural materials, the décor features wood beads, rattan and sisal. A cozy, lived-in look is achieved with caning, macramé and embroidery. The pieces are embellished with icons of house plants and hand drawn boho- inspired patterns.

“These trends tap into cottagecore and boho themes,” said Courtney Kline, director of product trend strategy, Primitives By Kathy. The company, celebrating its 25th year in 2022, offers everything from decorative home accents to functional items within tabletop, drinkware, bath and kitchen. GANZ Midwest CBK also picked up on this trend. The earth, sky and sunbaked hues, found in the deserts of the southwest, inspired its Sun Vista collection. The “modern bohemian-meets-southwest” look took cues from our collective longing to bask in the sun.

A mix of rustic textures, natural materials and earth colors mingle for an eclectic look. Think blush, various shades of terra cotta and sage. “These earth shades mix beautifully with woven rattan and natural fibers to create a uniquely artisan look,” said Liss. The company will introduce a range of home and entertaining accents, which include Macrame Coasters and Natural Inlay Tray. Suggested retails are $25 for a set of 4, and $90 for a set of 2, respectively.

Mud Pie’s new Mercantile Collection also gives a nod to the color black, which is paired with natural materials such as wood. It boasts brass accents and is rich in texture.

PLANT CONSCIOUS

Interior designers are also tuning into the environment. “Lead times on new purchases have brought some projects to a standstill. I imagine this will continue in 2022,” said Jennifer Salvemini, proprietor of JLS Lifestyle Consulting, an interior design firm in New York’s Hudson Valley.

Along with contemporary wares from local makers and artists, Salvemini is sourcing gently-used pieces from private sellers. “I’ve always sourced antique and vintage pieces to create eclectic spaces, but now I’m sourcing contemporary furniture. The benefits are numerous. We receive the pieces as soon as I coordinate the logistics and we’re doing a boon for the planet,” added Salvemini who is also the founder of The Showroom at Hinterland—a women’s maker studio and cooperative.