Inject colour is the latest in “What’s Hot” from Milan. The next wave in colour direction in furniture and interior design. This year the Pantone palette is almost impossible to avoid!! Think…gelato shades of teal, green, red + orange with washed out shades of pink, along with blue which is the ‘new black’.
“2012 Colour of the Year” is Pantone 17-1463 Tangerine Tango. “Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. It has shadings of a sunset, with the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red as well as the friendliness and warmth of yellow.”
Energize interior spaces with Tangerine Tango patterned home accessories. Pillows, bedspreads and tabletop accessories in this high-impact hue will add spice to any room. Or incorporate Tangerine Tango appliances and electronics for an unexpected pop of color. Looking for an inexpensive way to perk up your home? Paint a wall in Tangerine Tango for a dynamic burst of energy in the kitchen, entryway or hallway.
ONE BRIGHT SPOT of our current economic stagnation is that designers are looking back to classic values of longevity and craft. So forget all the mass-produced plastic—eco-friendly, and well-considered goods for the home. From tiles, furniture, fireplaces, and light fixtures, there is a cornucopia of smart products that look good and are good for you!
In focus: Hans Wegner Wishbone Chair: now released in fabulous new citrus colours. They work individually and can lift the look of a room. The Wishbone Chair is a classic icon of mid century modern Scandinavian design. It also happens to be one of the most comfortable design chairs ever produced. This is a true modern furniture gem. The Wishbone Chair is a beautiful and functional arm chair that is truly timeless. The Carl Hansen company who manufactures the Wishbone Chairs is the only authorized manufacturer for Hans Wegner’s Wishbone Chair. This is Scandinavian design at its best! Available through www.stardust.com
To innovate is to renew or alter, it is the process of developing new ideas from something new or existing. From a design perspective, innovation is the refienment or a new found use or application of an existing product that was originally intended for something else. The product is then developed further, improved and becomes wanted then popular.
Environmental issues are important in affecting innovation - they refer to the life cycle the prduct will have on the environment. As responsible designers we try to address short and long term consequences of a product on society and the environment, with consideration to sustainability, design for disassembly and waste minimisation, recyclability.
A current exhibition in Sydney “He Made She Made” showcases work from innovative and energetic designers from various disipline backgrounds. Amongst those on dispaly is Christel Hadiwibawa. Driven greatly by sustainability and using such materials, technology and craft to produce works that enhance the client’s space. Below is the P1 Chair is inspired by buildings across asia using bamboo as scaffolding for strength. This chair is made of bamboo, concrete and plantation timber. Very innovative and of a unique design and combination of materials. see also www.christelh.com
Another innovative designer is Tracey Deep – she has the talent to look at nature with a very imaginative eye. This is floral artistry of super high standards!! As a floral sculptor, Tracey makes magnificent pieces out of twigs, branches, grass, moss and more, see images below and www.truelocal.com.au/business/tracey-deep-floral
They are made using a spray coating of translucent plastic polymer over a skeleton of steel wire. The tautly stretched polymer cuts glare but allows light to softly shine through. There are various shapes to choose from: pear pendant, saucer pendant and ball pendant.
“George Nelson’s Bubble lamps have been around for over half a century and we still think they rock!!”
For a complimentary 20 minute lighting consultation, contact us via email info@fofibydesign.com to arrange. Offer ends 29 February 2012.
Ethical shopping means having an understanding of how our choices affect the outcomes of our actions and an increased awareness of the environment sustainability has led to many ethically produced goods and materials.
To play your part, look for products labelled “organic”, “fair trade”, or “cruelty free”. Also try and increase the amount of items you buy that are labelled “Australian Made” or “locally produced” as this ensures that the least amount of energy has been used to bring the product to the store.
The Great Divide store has a showcase of great homewares and gifts to suit all tastes and budgets. Located inside Style Plantation Bamboo Floor Showroom, Sydney South + open 7 days. A must visit when looking for a conversation piece, or something with a cultural richness that is not often found in mainstream showrooms!!
Horizontal or vertical stripes add definition and perspective to a plain room. Stripes are lively, young + happy; use different paint effects together such as Dulux Design Metallic, Silk and Pearl, or you can stick to the same effect and vary the colour or shade. This is a much cheaper option than wallpaper and can be easily changed by painting over the whole wall or by simply updating the colour of one stripe.
It also provides other handy tips. For instance, make sure you plan your design while the room is still furnished as it will affect your perception of how wide and where the stripes need to be.
If you’re having trouble visualising, get some coloured pieces of paper and stick them to the wall where the stripes will be. Use differing widths to see which one you think works best.
Manhattan Style is a unique style that blends energy, constant change in the dynamic fast pace that is typical of Manhattan. This is a unique style characterised by the dynamic New Yorker with global ideas to result in an eclectic classic style forever moving with the times.
This is a style about innovative looks, a blend of traditional pieces as well as contemporary modern furniture with clean and classic lines and simplified living spaces.
In Manhattan it is not enough to decorate. Whatever is the style, a statement has to be made to stand out. Manhattan style is not about period rooms but a combination of many period styles.
This style has a long, versatile history it recognises the role of architectural features that any house has. Encourages the use of features in the interior of the house to compliment the space. They also encouraged the use of ornaments that were applied to these structures superficially. Mirrors and mirrored walls are light reflective and add glamour. Use a palette of light and neutral colours, metallics and dark timber or black to create bold eclecticism and drama that characterizes Manhattan style. Think detailed fluted columns, timber panelling on white walls, giant floor lamps and dark floors with plush velvet sofas.
“We are becoming more interested in objects with a history of ownership or location – the provenance” – Fofi By Design.
This is due to the cultural value of such objects and simply to have a story of how an item is made. Furniture items are being revamped + modernised to appeal to a younger clientele. This is the better way to source quality, unusual and often extraordinary pieces along with being classic and timeless. Below is a Chinese cabinet finished in a silver metallic paint, it will add instant glimmer to your space from the Orient.
Invest in 20th century European design in glass & ceramics, Circa C20 has one of the best collections to be found in Sydney. The collection ranges from the elegance of French deco glass to the organic shapes & muted tones of Scandinavian modern and the funkiness & vibrant colour of Italian design.
Some of the most beautiful antique pieces are of 18th & 19th century French furniture. Each piece is of good quality and terrific visual appeal and for its potential to enhance both classic and contemporary settings. Consider a gilt-wood wall mirror.
Outdoor Furniture
WHEN it comes to choosing outdoor furniture there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Space: whether you have a verandah, a large or small space.
- Style or theme: what ‘look’ are you trying to achieve
- Use: how many people that will use the space
- Specific needs: is there a pool or a BBQ area
1. Introduce colour for impact + vibrancy – colour is just as magical outdoors as it is for your interiors. Contrasting foliage or flowers can add lots of drama to a modern garden or pale pastels such as lavender create a relaxing country theme.
2. Introduce a herb garden – whether in the ground or in pots, they are bonus to have at hand + can be fun to change over with the seasons.
3. Layer or create tiers – for depth + dimension on your garden beds.
4. Introduce various textures – for instance in leaves, thick succulents, agapanthis + magnolia evergreen.
5. Shade or awning – this will maximise the use of your outdoor space + the hours spent in the great Aussie outdoors. Look at retractable awnings, pergola/vergola or even a large outdoor umbrella.
6. Patio flooring – consider brick pavers, natural stone, timber decking…
7. Lighting – whether uplights, spike lights in garden beds, flood light, lights on sensors, solar lights + candles, remember lighting is important to create the right atmosphere/mood as well as be purposeful.
Good planning is essential, take your time + you will be amazed how effective the result can be. Use elements of timber, stone, glass, metal + water for contrasting style.
Whether you have a desk nook, a small corner of your kitchen or a grand open space, creating a chic home office is simple. All you need is a deliberate style and some solid pieces to reflect it.
Desk or workstation? Confined for space or placed in the centre of an existing room ensure your desk/workstation has doors that close when it’s not in use. This allows it to become an integrated part of the room.
Enlist the expertise of a bespoke cabinet maker or joiner to ensure it’s streamlined and doesn’t stand out. The team at Fofi by Design are able to advise on final style and provide scaled detailed construction drawings if the desk is to be custom made.
For those fortunate enough to have plenty of space the question of what desk will depend on decor of the rest of your space and your budget.
Glass desks
Easy to adjust to any height or angle, glass desks add to the lightness of a room.
This streamlined design creates a sense of the modern in any environment.
Pros: the room will appear more spacious, it’s very modern, you can make a feature of your floor as the desk allows you to see straight through.
Cons: this is high maintenance to keep clean as any marks are instantly noticeable. It can also scratch easily and not the safest choice if you have young children.
A-Frames
Decidedly in-fashion, ‘A’ frame desks work really well in a space where you want to maximise space. It also gives a contemporary influence to the room. Versatile, you can add a glass, wood, veneer or melamine top. Or why not use a slab of vertical design coffee colour bamboo furniture board? The better sustainable option!
Pros: cost effective, easy to DIY, not limited to materials for top, possibility of adding a top drawer to provide some storage, great for stationery items.
Cons: storage is limited with no space for files/folders, is less sturdy and not the most ergonomic design so not the best option for people needing to work for long periods at a time.
Solid timber or traditional desks
Think traditional style and solid timber, this kind of desk is a definite statement, bringing history and elegance into a space.
Pros: provides lots of storage, leather inlay at the top provides added comfort—great for people who do a lot of writing. Classical design can be swayed to antique or classic modern style, depending on what else you have in the space. Brass handles are an added feature which can be complemented with a padded chair, studding detail and contoured at the back for extra lower back support.
Cons: doesn’t provide shelf space, can appear heavy and bulky, adding weight to a space.
Restricted to a period style decor/theme.
