100% Design and Cersaie 2013

With 100% Design in between 18-21 September and Cersaie in Bologna 23-27 September 2013 it is a busy time as we check out all the latest ideas and trends and preview what is new or will be new to the market.

Victoria + Albert showcased the Cabrits bath - the brief for the design team was to maximise the bathing experience for people of different ages and body sizes, providing comfort and exquisite styling: thereby revolutionising the freestanding bathtub.

Victoria + Albert's Cabrits bath

With London Fashion Week just finished and Milan just started some of the looks currently trending in the fashion stakes is soft pink on the colour front, brogues and flat shoes for women (always popular for hiking round the exhibition halls whilst simultaneously wondering how the promo gals can sashay round in mile high stilettos all day...) and pink is also a hot look for fashion in Spring / Summer 2014. 

It comes as no surprise that a variety of shades of pink - 8 in total - are included in the trending shades for Interiors for 2014 which are broken down into 9 colour palettes;

Techno Colour

Innovative Techno Colour acknowledges the advancement of technology – how it is impacting the world of design and expanding the colour universe through a melding of both vibrant and deep hues, frequently executed in reflective surfaces. A range of shades, including a multifaceted emerald, an exuberant orange, a turquoise-like blue and a strong, vital purple, plus true blue, jet black and dark citron, are intertwined in intriguingly inventive colour combinations.

Emerald Green which was the colour for interiors during 2013 is on trend along with Silver (bright neutral) and strong colours.

Physicality

As the name implies, Physicality speaks to the colors of power and energy counterbalanced by the presence of hues that express the necessity for introspection and calmness. The stamina of forged iron, satellite gray, antique moss and gothic olive are interplayed with the healing shades of herbal lavender, grayed grape, rosy brown and a quieting, ephemeral foggy gray – all presenting a challenging, yet invigorating, game change.

Sculpted Simplicity

Sculpted Simplicity recognizes how important shape, form and structure are to the end product and/or environment. The colors are unassuming and do not take center stage. The sophisticated tones elegantly harmonize with distinctively nuanced undertones, including travertine, anthracite, blanc de blanc and twilight mauve, supported by an anodized brown, ethereal gray and a suggestion of silver.

Fluidity

Gliding gracefully through watery channels, Fluidity is the palette that understands the inevitable human need for life-sustaining cool water tones, rendered largely in dazzling blues and blue-greens. These cooling hues are underscored by shimmering sea grass shades and undersea-creature colors, such as absinthe green, violet tulle, blazing Samoan sun, dewberry purple and two eye-arresting orange-coral tones.

Collage

   

Collage is a gathering place for found objects that are well worn and somewhat nostalgic – a charming melange of artfully constructed designs that demonstrate ingenuity and resourcefulness. There is poignancy in the color and design of the palette that sounds a familiar chord. Tea rose, deep reddish rhubarb, warm pumpkin spice and cozy sheepskin, are refreshed with margarita green, provincial blue and cascading tones of aqua and teal.

Intimacy

Intimacy implies a certain affinity and relationship expressed in tints and tones that are inviting in nature and softly tactile – closely connected, yet subtly different – a happy marriage of adaptable warm, cool and neutral tones. The combinations effortlessly offer an understated color collection. Gardenia white defines a lotus blossom pink; rose cloud, fawn and cafe crème are delicious together, while pale lavenders and opal gray are effectively approachable.

Moda

Both svelte and voluptuous, Moda speaks of attention to detail and the drama of high fashion when translated into interiors. Combinations can be theatrical in nature, displaying fashionable or whimsical flourishes, but always done with tasteful finesse. Red dahlia interacts with blackberry cordial and wood violet, all accented by a yellowed amber green. Corsican blue meets with magenta haze and an expressive linden green, while rich gold waits in the wings for the appropriate moment to add a glimmering finale to any of the combinations.

Tribal Threads

We are all members of tribes, whether through cultural background, religion, political affiliation or community. The colours in Tribal Threads are as varied as the tribal diversity they represent, yet they construct a universal linkage of artistic appreciation rooted in personal expression. Colour combinations may be disarmingly simple or as complex as inter-woven threads. Neutrals, such as bleached sand and kangaroo brown, highlight an exotic arabesque burnt orange, while goblin blue is flavored by curry and peppercorn. A rose-dusted cedar shade is set off by taupe-toned incense.

 

Eccentricities.

There is always room for an eccentric palette with a personality that defies the established rule book of design and color, bringing with it a sense of adventure, wit, experimentation and discovery. Eccentricities is tongue-in-cheek in attitude with color juxtapositions that are highly original and cleverly conceived in evocative combinations. A flash of neon green radiates off of zesty lemon or nectarine combines with a daredevil skydiver blue. Fudgesickle brown is rendered sweeter with strawberry ice. A warm red coexists with its cooler counterpart, while black and/or white can be drawn into any combination.

All shades of neutrals are also featured, and in bathrooms the brighter colours are usually used as accents with some people selecting a bolder colour such as purple for their bathroom furniture.  Neutrals are a favourite choice for many clients with many shades and nuances to choose from; in particular for tiles.