Design Trends

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Honeycomb Motif Attracts Modern and Traditional Design Lovers

Wednesday, May 6th, 2009

Thanks to Napoleon, bee’s are very celebrated in the world of Interior Design. It is the architectural element of the honeycomb that has enticed designers and architects alike in design, pattern & structures. The geometric shape is loved by designers as a memorable pattern for use in textiles, accessories, lamps and furniture. Whether modern or traditional, I will let you decide. The honeycomb motif is a classic.

David Hicks & Mark Hampton championed the honeycomb pattern in the 1960’s. See the fabric application below:

David Hicks

A more subtle interpretation is found on this shiny white vase available from West Elm. This goes with everything.

West Elm Honeycomb Cylinder

Even fabric trims display the honeycomb motif as seen in this trim by Kelly Wearstler for Lee Jofa

Honeycomb Trim

Honeycomb Trim

I love this chandelier or lantern. Call it the queen bee of light fixtures with colored glass panes and metal geometric forming the honeycomb pattern.

Chandelier or Lantern

A simple statement is made with these graduated units in honeycomb shapes. In sets of three, you can hang or stack in multiple configurations.

Shelves from Plushbod

Shelves from Plushpod

High Point Market Summary Plus a Request

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009

As High Point Market enters the final days, some conclusions appear front and center. In this post I share them and also have a request.

Please subscribe to my weekly newsletter and comment here on my blog. Tell me what you want to know or learn about decorating or trends; what solutions I can share. Here are some areas to consider:

  • wall finishes
  • furniture
  • layout
  • art, accessories, rugs, lamps
  • fabrics
  • window treatments
  • floors

Now for the High Point summary. Timeless, as in ‘everything old is new again’ tells the story. Take classic designs, either traditional or modern, that are essentially timeless and revamp them. Simple elegance, clean forms that are sophisticated endure so no obviously trendy elements.

Some bright happy colors emerge and are certainly welcome, like orange, vivid pink and blue. Neutrals are the steady counterpart and appeal day in and out. There are some interpretations such as: smoky, ashy gray tones with a hint of lilac. But the most trend-forward is a return to black, in itself a classic.

a_currey

The downsizing trend appears in smaller, petite lamps and low to the ground seats, clean lines with new cigarette tables a recurring theme.

Unique Twist to a Standard Wing Chair

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

Ralph Lauren gets attention for unique twists on traditional furniture. Take for example the chair below. The frame is not new, just a typical albeit handsome wing chair with good proportions. But when a WOW fabric application is front and center, this chair is altogether a new interpretation.

Ralph Lauren by E J Victor

Covered in fabric in the pattern of an Indian trading blanket, with antique leather on the back, the Indian Cove Lodge wing chair is part of the Ralph Lauren Home collection by E.J. Victor.

Dining Chair

Dining Chair

The unique wing chair in the fabric shown requires some companions so here is a suggestion from the dining group.

Consider this dramatic piece adapted from a 19th-century English sporting chair has a yolk-back design, saddle stitching details and Queen Anne legs with horse-hoof feet.

What do you think? I enjoy your comments and ideas so please let me know. Faith

Function in Design Products Emerges As High Point Market Opens

Monday, April 27th, 2009

At this spring’s High Point Market, function is popping up in a wide variety of furniture, from nightstands and beds to tables and cabinets. Function provides extra value to the consumer, and that’s especially important in today’s budget-crunched environment — no matter what the retail price point.

Here are some functional design directions:

  1. Furniture designers add creative functionality to new introductions at this market. I especially like the charging stations placed in highly used areas.
  2. Convenient wine storage attractively added to a buffet.
  3. Effective use of under-bed storage.

Bernhardt

Harden

Kincaid