Boutique Design - May/June 2009 - (Page 64)

THE TREND REPORT Changing Colors for Changing Times BY STACY GARCIA Fabrics by Lebatex I n today’s challenging and unpredictable economy, each of us, whether a designer, artist, architect or otherwise, is striving for a sense of comfort and stability. This is natural and expected, because when we are unsure of what is happening we long for safety — something we can grab onto and depend on. This desire is manifested in all areas of life including design. From the fashion runways to interiors, changing palettes and materials are reflecting the moods and attitudes of our changing times. Once a staple of corporate environments, gray is making its way into other sectors, including hospitality — where it is unexpected and new. The shift to gray as the anchor color for the neutral palette is replacing the once dominant and highly popular chocolate brown, which prevailed as a leading background color. Gray tones are feeling fresh right now, ranging from a rich, charcoal flake hue to subtle pewter. Yet despite its status as an emerging color, we can all take comfort in this classic, understated shade that is always chic Lexmark carpet and sophisticated. A staple, yes, but one that is just now coming to the forefront, taking cues from the more subdued and reserved spirit of the nation. Another benefit of gray is its understated elegance. Excess and over-the-top displays of luxury are not in vogue. Those in the know realize in today’s environment flashy, ostentatious design could be construed as extravagant and in poor taste. Gray is a refined neutral, one that is chic and unassuming. While cooler grays are replacing the chocolate browns of the neutral palette, we are also seeing an exciting and, dare I say, subversive countertrend. Taking a cue from the fashion runways, this year, that countertrend is bright pops of color, which at the limits of the spectrum include unapologetic neons. Seen in the fall 2009 collections of designers like Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs and Chris Benz, these day-glo colors infuse clothes and interiors with an electric sense of opti- mistic fun and dynamism — something we can all appreciate. We are also seeing a shift in textures and embellishments. Where metallics were once dominant and employed generously, designers are now moving toward more weathered, natural and lived-in textures. Metallics aren’t gone, to be sure, but now function as hints and accents — subtle suggestions of luxury, instead of a flashy display of glitz and glamour. I do not mean to dissuade you with all of this discussion of safety, stability and restraint. What this recession has provided us designers is a new challenge — a call to create beautiful and evocative interiors while exploring new palettes that reflect the theme of cautious optimism which has recently captivated the nation. In all of this gray and neon lies new and exciting designs that have yet to be discovered — color combinations and mixtures of texture that have the power to provide comfort and confidence. BD 64 • boutique DESIGN may/june 2009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Boutique Design - May/June 2009

Boutique Design - May/June 2009
Contents
Boutique Buzz
Brian Thornton
Business Sense
Cooper Square
Leading Your Firm Through a Crisis
Glen & Company
A Spicy, Sultry Vancouver Nightclub
KPMB Architects Recreates The Study at Yale
The Boutique 18 Take Flight
Designed by Geomim Design Studio
DREAMbook Teaser
Wanda Jankowski Interviews Yabu Pushelberg
Stacy Garcia
Yvonne Lembi-Detert
Calendar/Advertisers Index

Boutique Design - May/June 2009