The Toronto Gift Fair, a sprawling trade-only show where store buyers purchase all the goods that show up on our retail shelves is on right now and I'm giving you the inside scoop on what will be hitting the floors the nation over this 2016. Show ambassadors Glen Peloso and Jamie Alexander took me on a tour of the top spots- so grab a latte and stay while- here are the trends that are here to stay.  

1. Metals are meant to be mixed

As I shared in my live Periscope with Glen and Jamie (you can catch the replay here), metals are meant to be mixed. Rose gold is still a thing, gold is more brushed and antiqued than it is shiny,  and chrome can be thrown into the mix too as exemplified by booths like Bovi Home and Torre and Tagus.

2. Grey is still a big thing

Grey was everywhere at the show- which means that it is still here to stay. It's not waning- but what I observed is that is it is warm- by using warmer tones of grey / layering it with a ton of textures, natural fibers, mix of mattes and high shine. Indaba's booth was a master at this mix.

3. Text on anything is still in

While I am not a fan of using text in obvious cheesy ways, the trend of text in interior decor isn't going anywhere. Handwritten saying on pillows were all over the floor, as were the popular handwritten sayings on mugs, journals and other paper products. 

4. Natural woods among modern forms

The contrast of a live edge wood against a glass top or a metal leg was pretty huge. Jamie and Glen shared their favourite ways to incorporate wood into any decor style in this Periscope replay with me.

5. Retro throwbacks

Particularly at Canadian designed brand Danica, whimsical, fresh interpretations of very retro themes were all the rage. Think corningware like your mom had but in fresh bright colours and graphic patterns. 

My thanks to Jamie and Glen for the personal tour of the show, which is open to the trade until this Thursday. See all these trends hit the shelves of your fav retailers throughout the year. And of course, if you need help integrating these trends into your home, you know who to call.