The Beijing Olympics' mind-blowing opening ceremonies against a backdrop of equally impressive architecture suggests there's a lot of creative energy at work in China. Was there anything about the country, the culture or the Olympic pageantry that you found especially inspiring? Any visuals, colors, textures or shapes that might find their way into one of your future projects? Or that sharp showroom designers or retail merchandisers might want to take note of? — Susan Dickenson

I was especially drawn to the splashes of color and light — the fireworks, the use of light to fill a space, the architecture — and inspired by the organic and contemporary shapes of the new structures, the mixing of the past and future, the use of vibrant colors on the facades. I found the color trends of oranges, reds, greens, purples, and metallic a confirmation of the new color trends that have started to pop up, not only in my line, but in many others as well. These “feel good” colors that spark the senses and “fantasy” that carry the imagination create the perfect combination. —Brant Williams

We got a glimpse of where Chinese culture is heading … and when it comes to design, that direction is amazing. The attention to detail is staggering and intimidating, from the perfectly executed opening ceremonies to the out-of-the-box architecture. The Bird's Nest and The Water Cube — I mean, really! So fantastic and so perfect. I anticipate a lot of products coming out of the Beijing Olympics. A seating, lighting and pottery line based on the inspiration of those two structures alone could fill stores. — David Bromstad

The Beijing 2008 Olympic games were China's coming out party to the world to show that they are as powerful, sophisticated and open as the West. The televised opening and closing ceremonies and the actual Olympic events were all a huge success and captured the world. However, because I've been to China several times, I felt it was all fabricated. I saw a government using its money to buy internationally known architects to create an image and mask the country's real problems: poverty and human rights issues. — Sandra Espinet

The scale and precision of the drum scenes were amazing — several thousand, and everyone had one role to do. There's definitely a reinvigorated interest in the culture. They have 2 billion people. Our propaganda is that they're not happy and that they're repressed. I've only seen very modern factories, high quality workmanship, no labor being taken advantage of. And some of the most beautiful interiors I've ever seen. — Raymond Waites

I was inspired to create a new design collection using the ginkgo leaf and recently licensed some of these images to be used on area rugs. I'm also in the process of using ginkgo leaves in my fine art pieces. The Bird's Nest stadium reminded me of a textured pattern — I'm currently creating abstract graphics that incorporate similar patterns. I definitely received a new sense of direction. — Bense Garza

What struck me most about the opening ceremonies was the sheer number of people that were orchestrated to create elements of the event. So often we overlook or undervalue our own particular and individual strengths. It was wonderful to see not only China's recognition of and pride in its storied past, but also a celebration of its present strengths and uniqueness as well. How could you not be inspired by that? — Dorian Webb

In my opinion, China has adapted more to the Western world in order to compete in the world market. Their creativity will always depend on what Americans want and will buy. I'm currently designing in China for a company that sells to the masses and I have to say that they really are trying very hard to get things right and produce exact samples of what I design. Their quality is as good as I have seen anywhere. I have never seen such a perfect performance. It is one that I will remember forever. — Randy Ouzts

The Beijing Olympics was a spectacular show for the senses. The colors in the venues seemed to pop right off our hi-def television screens and I loved the robotic cubes that seemed to jump in unison. The tower sculptures made of people were a tremendous show of creativity and work. It just never seemed to stop — even with the expected fireworks! I do believe there will be a growing interest in Chinese culture, artifacts and themes. I use Asian motifs and colors in my licensed lines. I like to mix classic Chinese traditional shapes and patterns with a bold blend of product to create a more contemporary surprise based on classic elements. — Mark Abrams

I hope that the Olympics “show” reminds the world how contemporary and fashion-forward the ancient Chinese culture is ... and that it's broadened the view for those who think the Chinese only brought red lacquer and paper lanterns to the design world. My personal favorites for the U.S. consumer: pure white ginger jars grouped in various sizes, Tang pottery, antique ancestral chairs with custom box cushions, celadon vessels and architectural fragments on custom-made metal and acrylic art stands. — Greg O'Neal

Brant Williams

David Bromstad

Sandra Espinet

Raymond Waites

Bense Garza

Dorian Webb

Randy Ouzts

Mark Abrams

Greg O'Neal