According to the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), consumers' increasing awareness about the effects of global warming, motivated a change in buying behaviors that resulted in new government mandates for the furniture industry.

As we mark the 48th year of Earth Day, two natural materials (Bamboo & Rattan), spring to mind when we think about fast-growing and sustainable resources for home furnishings.

Visualize the post-war era between the 40's and 60's when most Mid-Century experts indicate the beginning of this movement. That period is when the Boomers' lifestyle created a demand for suburban modern tract homes as they established their nuclear families.

The new post-war architecture brought about uncluttered geometric lines that emphasized simplicity and utility due to limited resources. The idea was to integrate an open space setting by using natural lighting (e.g. windows around the house) and an easy indoor/outdoor transition that's exemplified in Eichler-style homes. These distinct architectural elements inspired an innovative furniture style that's called Mid-Century (Mid-Mod, Modernism, Post-Modern).

Blessed by favorable Vegas winter weather, one of the busiest furniture markets of the year just concluded with record breaking attendance. Current and new exhibitors filled showroom spaces fueling IMC's further expansion. Many exhibitors also reported an increase in orders and an unceasing foot-traffic that brought industry professionals from all over the world.

If you're a retailer or an interior designer, the current housing shortage poses an opportunity to zero in on your target customers as various market research studies indicate that this housing boom is perpetuating and is hardly slowing down in many parts of the country. Consider these lifestyle shifts in terms of their furniture styles and buying preferences as they decide to upgrade or downgrade their living spaces' square footage.