Pantone points to an increased use of colour confidence in the home thanks to the alignment of fashion and interior palettes trends. Anna Flanders reports.
January 18th, 2012
Home furnishings are increasingly being linked to fashion trends, lead times between the two are narrowing and that’s driving the march of more colour into our interiors, according to Pantone’s vice-president of fashion, home and interiors Laurie Pressman.
“With so much colour in fashion right now, people are getting more comfortable with seeing and wearing it. So, as people continue to spend more time at home, this comfort has translated into colour being used as a way to liven up their living spaces,” she says.
Dress by Matthew Williamson, from ’Vegetable Garden’ Stylesight runway analysis
Clothing by Haider Ackermann, from ’Vegetable Garden’ Stylesight runway analysis
“We are seeing bolder shades and novel colour combinations showing up in a big way in some very unexpected places, like countertop appliances and seating.
Fab fridges by Smeg, pictured in Smeg’s Melbourne showroom
’Spool’ chairs by Keisuke Fujiwara, courtesy of the designer
“However, when it comes to higher ticket furniture or floor and window treatments, we are still seeing more neutral shades playing a big role. The key is to mix the playful with the practical.”
Pantone’s latest interior palettes range from a conservative, relaxing and quiet Nonchalance, which features pastel pinks, ethereal blues, soft egret white, taupe, gray and grape tones, to an attention-grabbing Back to the Fuschia colourway, which features reds, purples, pinks and a peridot.
Clothing by CNC Costume National, ’Bubblegum’ Stylesight Runway Flash Trend Alert
Carpet tiles by Julie Paterson, of Cloth, with InterfaceFLOR; The Project, SiD 2011, photo by Mark Gambino
Fabric designs by Regina Wilson, photo by Andrew Cowan, courtesy of Koskela
“However, a stand-out trend is the continued international presence of metallics and woodgrains, used on their own or together.
“The natural warmth of the wood plays into our need for sturdiness, security and comfort while the shiny metallic finish speaks to technology and is futuristic. The combination of these two opposite materials serves as a balance, though its contemporary feeling seems better suited for a more modern space,” Laurie says.
Image from Nomad by Sibella Court, published by Chronicle Books
Ingrain Pewter by Axolotl
Wall drawers by Bassam Fellows, available in Australia through Living Edge
Japanese folding screen, and detail, by Maio Motoko, recently on show at Lesley Kehoe Galleries
Pantone discerns its trend colours, combinations and stylings through observations of the natural world and influences that will impact the world in the future, such as social issues, the economy, technology, lifestyles and playstyles, diversions, entertainments and the needs, moods, fantasies and aspirations of consumers.
Hero image: Wall panels by FORM US WITH LOVE and TRAÜLLIT, available in Australia through Fred, photo by Jonas Lindstrom.
This story is courtesy of the DQ blog. For more on colour and directional trends, pick up issue 44 of DQ – and visit designquarterly.com.au
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Sub-Zero and Wolf’s prestigious Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) has celebrated the very best in kitchen innovation and aesthetics for three decades now. Recognising premier kitchen design professionals from around the globe, the KDC facilitates innovation, style and functionality that pushes boundaries.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
Celebrating 130 years of continuous architectural practice through four generations, Hamilton Wilson traces back the influences that have shaped Wilson Architects design approach: “…to me, Architecture and Landscape Architecture are inseparable.”
The HÅG Sideways chair is the new revolution in seating and takes the modern meeting to new levels. Not only is this chair yet another leap forward in Scandinavian design, it is the chairs unique ability to allow the user to sit comfortably no matter which way they twist or turn that makes it so […]
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Gray Puksand’s construction-focused facility at TAFE NSW responds to the critical need for a resilient Australian construction industry.
A school in India, designed by Vijay Gupta Architects, showcases the importance of the natural world by engaging and educating the young.