New Classics challenge contemporary styles
By Kara Cox -- Home Accents Today, 4/1/2005
The home furnishings industry has spent the last several years focusing attention on the astounding popularity of contemporary design. While contemporary styles remain important and in-demand, modern has become mainstream and contemporary is no longer the next new thing.
The new classics beginning to appear on the scene are changing the boundaries of what most people consider to be traditional designs. These fresh takes on old looks incorporate the cleaner lines and simplistic styling of contemporary while pulling inspiration from classic details like damask prints, nailhead trim and tailored piping. Subdued glamour makes a bold statement with mirrored surfaces and exotic touches of coral and peacock motifs. The styles are fresh and new, but they borrow elements from centuries-old designs and patterns.
The new classic has been turning up in other arenas of design as well. Over the last several seasons, fashion has returned to tailored styling with Chanel-inspired tweed suits and antique detailing of jeweled brooches. While this time around the styles were refreshed with bright colors and modern shapes, their classic inspirations were always apparent. Even traditionally "mature" cars have turned their eye toward marketing to a young, hip consumer looking for classic styling and performance. Buick and Oldsmobile have created an edgier element to their new car designs and use pop culture icons like Tiger Woods to promote their products to the new target consumer. No longer is the Baby Boomer the only customer looking for history and tradition; there is a young hip consumer who appreciates classic design elements, but without Mom's frou-frou.
While the new classic is emerging as an important design genre, contemporary styles remain strong, with some of the new furniture collections leaning heavily in this direction. This season contemporary accessories take a different turn as well. This time around, the best designs add spicy color in hues of gold and coral with abstract shapes and a myriad of materials adding contrast and texture. This artistic take on contemporary incorporates elements from many genres while keeping the fundamentals sleek, clean and simple.
Exotic looks are ruling the fashion runway this season with turquoise and coral beading, loose fitting caftans and metallic touches, while global style is also finding its way into home furnishings. Moroccan elements abound in pattern and embellishment, while wood bead trim and elaborate inlay give the pieces an artisan appeal. Warm spicy colors heat up graphic designs while natural materials and botanical elements lend an organic feel to an international look.
Asian designs firmly hold their place in home decor, this season skillfully mixing simplicity with a cosmopolitan touch. Designs maintain a clean, sparse feel incorporating sumptuous allure with excessive motifs and luxe fabrics. Metallic touches keep the look cool and fresh, while up-close detailing lends an artistic order. Pieces draw on Tao-inspired designs and offer classic Asian appeal with elongated shapes and flared legs.
Urban artifacts take on a whole new look when mixed with global flair and contemporary style. With a primitive air, this trend incorporates one-of-a-kind pieces using hand-hammered metals and organic materials that maintain an urbane aesthetic when mixed with graphic shapes and chic free-form style. Free from fuss and ornamentation, the core of this style remains its simplicity of form and attitude.
Our five market sketchbooks pull each of these trends together for a look at the newest home fashions and how they relate to the evolution of design. Whether pulling new inspiration from centuries-old design or creating a global bazaar with exotic artisan allure, these designs continue to enhance the marketplace with a fresh sense of style.
