Trends forecaster Li Edelkoort has once again consulted her crystal ball. So what does she see in home design for 2012? The most prominent theme is Lanscaping Interiors. Ms. Edelkoort predicts that we will continue to live “closer to the earth” by blurring the line between interior and exterior environments. Shown here, Grillage seating just as much at home indoors as out. Light and airy in metal mesh. Also shown, Conico tables made in stone or marble then polished and finished with a water-repellant surface – use indoors or out.
She sees lighter, more mobile furniture – capable of being reconfigured with ease. People seem to enjoy mobility within the home – eating meals in changing locations, napping on a daybed.The use of contained plants, rocks and pebbles will be popular.
Fabrics become more prominent – used liberally, valued for added softness and tactile nature.
While colors of the earth figure prominently: pebble grey and green, so do bright colors take from the tropics. Go out on a limb with an uncoordiated color.
Animal themes remain. Up next birds and rabbits. Shown here, Pan Pan decorative rabbit by Barabara Kuehne- Thompson for Ligne Roset.
Hand like integrated servers fit securely on opposite sides of the bowl until its time to serve it up. 100% Melamine so its dishwasher safe and perfect for indoors or out. By Simon Pengelly for Joseph Joseph. Winner of the RedDot Design and Design Plus awards in 2010 – $52 @ A+R
Branch Mats are assembled by slicing cross sections of tree branches, then sizing the individual slices to form a natural parquet pattern. No two mats are the same. Durable wooden discs are glued to a synthetic felt backing – $14 @ Mixture
From Finnish design house Verso, Candletree, a Christmas tree in its most essential form. Hand the felt ornaments and top with a candle. This tree has a presence at 25-1/2″ tall. Made from sustainable birch and laser cut wool ornaments @ A+R
Umami Tray* – a serving piece in snow white corian with a matte finish. Generously sized, complete with a dipping well and clever compartment for chopsticks. Design by FTF Design Studio. Offered at 20% off through December 21st.
*Chopsticks not included
Small metal wires are intricately sculpted to form the Peacock Wire Votive, inspired by its namesakes plummage. A simple votive is elevated toa new stature thanks to the scuptural surround and the pleasing shadows cast beyond. $40. Designed by Shine Labs and available At Viesso
Many holiday memories are linked to traditions – pulling out the boxes and remembering all your favorite decorations – trying to recall which year you recieved what, from whom and any special memories from that year. So create a little family tradition or one amongst friends with the wide range of holiday figurines from Alessi.
At EmmoHome
A handblown fish bowl with its own underwater mountain range. A 2011 Red Dot Design Award winner in the Tableware division.
“Perceived in an innovative way, the Fishscape fish bowl wants to offer the viewer a creative alternative to the familiar sight of a conventional home aquarium. The delicate and elegant-looking glass bowl is available in different versions with surprisingly elaborate underwater landscapes. The organic-looking bulges differ in their precisely shaped details. They make the glass bottom seem to rise from the water like a mountain. A delightful play of light and shadow harmoniously completes the overall impression.”
Available at A+R
Reduction: using a small number of meaningful parts to create a strong, essential aesthetic. WCA’s West Chin and Roseann Repetti masterfully made every move count in this High Line apartment. The client, a TV producer with a penchant for robots, had the foresight (+ luck) to purchase a High Line facing apartment, before there was a High Line.
Back to reduction – you have the Highline and a Robot collection (not to mention an Eric Joiner painting of a robot mowing the High Line) two pretty strong ingredients. In Chin and Repetti’s hands, those elements are not only featured, but heightened. Excercising their trademark restraint, the palette is a intricate and neutral, providing a backdrop without receding. A place for everything (WCA knows how to provide storage) and everything in its place. Nothing superfluous.
The project is featured on the most recent cover of Home Observer.
The living space features a Patricia Urquiola Lowland Sofa . The Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair and Ottoman in a birght, light blue provides the perfect color boost.
Objects become more interesting when they have room to breathe. Take the Soldier Candle Holder - the tiny toy soldiers we all know, pumped up to over 8 inches tall stands alone and makes us take notice.
WCA paired B&B Italia’s Athos Table with Poul Kjaerholm’s PK 8 Chair in the dining area. The Hi Pad Barstools are from Cappellini.
Ligne Roset’s Pan Pan Decorative Rabbit and Pan Pan Table are a little something out of the ordinary, a rabbit integrated right into the table top and his larger buddy, a free standing decorative object. Both pieces were designed by Barbara Kuehne-Thompson, whose background is similarly intriguing. She left the United States for Vietnam at the age of 24. While there, she met Swiss entreprenuer and founder of Wetter Indochine, Michel Kuehne. Together they have managed to combine the skills of Vietnamese artisans with creative design to “…transform the pure forms of nature, bringing them into the home in a subtle, elegant way…” @ Linea
