Redefining the Blues

In the fashion and interior design industries blues have moved to the forefront this
spring. According to the “New York Fashion Week Spring 2006″ [September 9-16,
2005] report from color authority Pantone, Inc. “New York designers are awash in
America’s favorite color for Spring 2006. From sea to shining sea – the
Mediterranean and Caribbean to the South Pacific and Atlantic – they have collected
shades ranging from aquatic Blue Tint to placid Skyway and seaworthy Deep
Ultramarine. Smooth sailing typifies the calm and effortless attitude infusing the
season.” The nautical theme has also been sweeping the fashion industry and will
affect the fabric and interior design industries as well. Keep an eye out for seashells
in fabrics and a simple beach house look with furniture.

Return of the White Room

White is about to have serious comeback this year inspired by design that is natural
and clean, yet modern and functional. The Interior Design Trends 2006 Special
Report on the Sheffield School of Interior Design website reports the opinions of
successful designers from a variety of places. Karen C. Wirrig of Karen Cole Designs
says “I see furniture being designed with sleeker lines, less carving but still great
attention to quality and detail.” “I rarely have a client who wants an ultra
contemporary look,” continues Wirrig, “but I often have clients who want cleaner
lines and simpler interior designs.” Pure white can also mixes easily with bright acid
colors and works with mod and atomic age motifs, which are still hot.

Glamorous Simplicity

Although many design trends currently focus on natural colors and clean lines
nature creates a glamour all its own. This exciting return to colors that exist in rain
forests, sunsets and tropical beaches allows interior designers to include beautiful
and bright color schemes in almost any room. The “too much is never enough” rule
of the 1980’s has been transformed for showrooms in 2006. Prints are returning to
our hearts and homes as well as luxurious fibers in rich saturated hues. Look for
deep thick mohair and fine upholstery weight silks from Thailand, some of the finest
silks in the world. There will also be a move towards futuristic fibers and
constructions. The colors will be striking acid greens and fuschias, true oranges,
turquoise and glamour would not be complete without metallics, like silver and
gold! Flamestich, another delight from the 80’s, is returning with a modern, chic
appearance. I also predict a revival of polished chinz, but don’t be scared, all these
old school looks have been revamped to have hip, urban kind of feel.

Design for the Age of Aquarius

In this technological world interior design must also accommodate and blend a
variety of electronic devices. I see modern furniture with everything from built in
heaters to plug-ins for an i-pod. The Interior Design Trends 2006 Special Report
from the Sheffield School of Interior Design also reports “interior designers and
homeowners continue to struggle most with integrating the home office–and all the
electronic equipment we now have–into the home.” Designer Cari Pilon states that
“Almost all homes have a computer, but not all homes have space for a home
office.” Pilon believes the challenge for designers is making sure “the computer
desk doesn’t look like it dropped from the sky into the family room. You need to be
creative to include the computer desk into the dining room without losing the
aesthetic of the dining room.” On the other end of the spectrum there is a revival of
some past styles, such as victorian fainting couches and and shelter sofas, all with
more exposed wood.