This month I had the privilege to attend the Midwest Design & Furniture Fair and rub shoulders with some of Kansas City’s most talented designers. While planning my own family visit to KC I was thrilled to find out this event would be happening at the same time! This year was MWDAFF’s second annual event, featuring 60 leading brands and 20 influential speakers from throughout the Midwest. In today’s blog I’m filling you in and sharing what I saw, what I learned, and some of the trends happening in the world of design as it relates to you the homeowner!

What is the Midwest Style

Like the people, the midwestern style is approachable and refined. Even the most luxurious designs have a relaxed and welcoming feel. In talking with some of the brands much of the preferred styles in the Midwest range between traditional and very modern. Refined craftsmanship using mixed materials like stone, wood, leather and decoupage on glass were among the locally made pieces I spotted at the MWDAFF. Just a few examples of the unique pieces you can find for your home within midwestern designs:

(Castilleja ARCO table display)

(Dimensional Stoneworks floating vanity display)

(Madison Flitch modern sculpture and furniture display)

Grace Knott the KC designer behind IBLINK Art, who’s work was also displayed at MWDAFF, creates unique decoupage lamps by using vintage images on modern hand blown glass.

Home Decor & Design

(Panel Moderator: Andrea Darr, Design KC Magazine | Panelists: Will Brown, Jennifer Bertrand, Mallory Robins, Elizabeth Bennett, Sara Noble and Tamara Day)

Among the leading brands that showcased at the Fair were Cambria, Cosentino, Bohall and Schumacher. I was just as impressed by the quality of other brands based out of KC and surrounding areas. Common trends and styles I noticed between brands throughout my 2 days:

1.Fluted details (tables, cabinets, kitchen islands, backsplashes, walls)

2. Mixed Design (stone & wood, classic & modern, old & new, high & low)

3. Round edges on everything (chairs, tables, countertops, wall corners)

4. Accent Walls (stone, painted architectural details, bold and detailed wallpaper)

5. Textured Tiles

6. Elegant, handcrafted metal sinks

Wellness Design in the Home

Since the pandemic many of us are redefining what “home” is for us. What makes a well and happy home is personal and unique to each family. The well home is the environment you want to create and experience in your home. A desire for higher indoor air quality and outdoor living spaces are becoming popular among homeowners. Home decor/design trends with wellness in mind:

1.Natural and organic fabrics and materials

2. Odor eliminating and air purifying interior paints

3. Paint colors that bring calm and comfort (warm neutrals, moody colors, green, blue)

4. Biophilic design (living walls ex. preserved moss, stone, tree cut tables, leather fabrics)

5. Flexibility through multifunctional spaces (ex. home office & yoga room)

The Smart Home

There are some neat and innovative smart home devices out on the market but what midwestern builders and designers are finding is that most of today’s homeowners are asking for less. Homeowners don’t want the fuss of dealing with multiple buttons and dials, they want comfort and ease. Where tech in the home (for decorative purposes) is proving most beneficial and efficient for today’s families, particularly in the Midwest, are:

1. Light Dimmers (lighting control systems add value to your home)

2. Automatic Window Shades and Curtains

3. Electric gas lamps (romantic and attracts less bugs in outdoor spaces)