Key Trend: Winter Florals

Posted on December 17, 2012 by Studio

Hi, I’m Zakiya Iqbal a.k.a Zak and I’m a student studying Textile Design for Fashion and Interiors at The University of Huddersfield. Currently I’m doing a placement with Scarlet Opus and they have given me this amazing opportunity to do some blogging, (take it from me there is no other company I’d rather be a part of than Scarlet Opus).

Today I’m going to take you through the work of 3 different photographers – Brian Valentine, Cecilia Webber, and Rachel Levy – who all focus on florals. We normally associate florals with spring/summer but on this occasion I’ll be showing you remarkable images of their work and then show you currently available Home products with a floral focus which have an autumn/winter aesthetic.

First up is Brian Valentine who creates photographs by focusing on 2 separate images and then merges them together, making flowers reflect inside water droplets. His emphasis is to highlight the intricate features of the flower and exaggerate the intensity of the colours:

Next let’s look at Cecilia Webber who creates photographs incorporating naked people positioned together in such a way that they form plants and flowers. She primarily works in digital photography art and acrylic painting, and she is well known internationally for her Human Body Artwork. On first impressions her images look like simple flowers, but when you magnify the image and look more closely you realise how creative and unique her work actually is:

Rachel Levy photographs flowers which are no longer fresh, are faded and show signs of decay. She captures this ageing process just before the bloom completely wilts away. All of the following images have been provided courtesy of GADCOLLECTION in Paris (and GAD also granted permission for Rachel’s photographs to appear on our Autumn/Winter 2013/14 trend board “The Curator“) :

Now that we’ve seen the work of these 3 amazing photographers, I’d like to show you a series of inspiring montages I’ve created especially for today’s post, bringing together products for Interiors which relate to the mood and colours seen in the photographers work. As we all know colour is key when deciding on the perfect interior design scheme:

BROWNS…………………………………………………………………………………………

First up, time to show a new colourway of browns, beiges, blushed pink and purples for autumn/winter interiors. Some people would never think of putting this colour palette together but as you can see below all the colours compliment each other:

ABOVE: The eye catching wallpaper and sofas are from SICIS. The brown candle holder/wall sconce (pictured on top of the wallpaper) is from Global Views. The ceiling light is via Ceiling Light Shades. The purple ruffled cushion is from Angela Reed.

BLUES……………………………………………………………………………………………

Next we plunge into shades of deep classic blues … from light to dark with a hint of pale pink. This blue montage screams out luxury which is demonstrated via the plush layers of petals:

ABOVE: The luxurious sofas & chairs are from SICIS. The cobalt blue glass pendant light is from Jezebel.

GREENS…………………………………………………………………………………………

Let’s move onto blacks, browns, golds and olive greens. Now I know everyone dreams of having a swimming pool but just look at this amazing pool with the black and gold floral tiles. It would go brilliantly with the two black textured seats by the side of the pool. Just imagine it!

ABOVE: Chair and swimming pool images via SICIS. The top left lights above the swimming pool are from Arturo Alvarez. The top right wall orchids are from Global Views. The bottom right vase can be found at House of Fraser. The bottom right chair is a wonderful creation by Helen Amy Murray. The green olive cushion I’ve placed on the black chair is from Home Flair Decor.

REDS………………………………………………………………………………………………

Below I’ve shown how the purity of blushing pink combined with a seductive deep red, can create warmth and romance in our homes. A hint of faded walnut with the majestic rich gold takes it to another level:

ABOVE: The 2 red sofas are from SICIS. The bottom right red rose cushion is from Fleur De Lee.

PURPLES…………………………………………………………………………………………

Last but not least is a combination of dark rich purples, faded violets, soft muted greens and golds. This unusual but effective colour palette perfectly suits a multi-layered and multi-patterned look, and creates a complex but soothing room scheme:

ABOVE: The glamourous wallpaper images are from our friends at Meystyle. The top left purple crystal chandelier is from Light in the Box. The top right purple plate clock is from Etsy seller StoryTime Clocks. The bottom left lilac floral cushion is from Cushlab. The floral chair is from SICIS. The purple Arum vase at the bottom is from Daum USA.

This is the last post of 2012 from the Scarlet Opus team. Our first post of 2013 will a not-to-be-missed rundown of the Top 10 Colours for 2013! Happy Holidays and we look forward to welcoming you back in the New Year.

Anthony’s Designer Christmas

Posted on December 3, 2012 by Studio

I was grumbling last year in my Christmas round up that stores had begun to stock festive items before Halloween; this year I’ve turned into a bit of a hypocrite – I’ve got my Christmas decs purchased and ready to hang already!!! I can’t wait for this Christmas, I’ve got a feeling in my bones it’s going to be a good one!

It got me thinking about how other Creatives will be decorating this Christmas; what are their preferred colours and best styling tips? So, I asked them! Simple! Read on to discover some sophisticated styling tips and some interesting Christmas activities…

First up is Yulia Brodskaya, a super talented paper artist whose stunning work appears on one of our A/W 2013/14 trend boards, ‘The H/ACKtivist’.

AH: What’s your top styling tip for Christmas decorating?

YB: Use a limited colour palette for decorations e.g. 2 – 3 major colours.

AH: Do you have any preferred Christmas colour combinations?

YB: Silver and blue for the winter feel or gold and magenta for a more warm Christmas atmosphere.

Left to right: Winterland Tree Candle and Silver Leaf Garland, both John Lewis; Harris and Tear silver baubles from Habitat; Reindeer Candleholders from Crate & Barrel; Noma Lites blue spruce tree from Selfridges

AH: What Christmas products have caught your eye this year?

YB: I’m really excited to share the new Christmas chocolate boxes from Godiva that I designed this year. This is my first packaging project and I’m looking forward to giving these boxes to my friends and relatives.

AH: Can you share with our international Trends Blog readers what you’ll be doing to celebrate the festive season this year?

YB: This is going to be our first family celebration with my little kids (one is 2 years and another is just 7 months), should be fun.

Also liking to keep things simple is Enrico Zanolla, Designer of the Ruski and Ruski Twist lights which also feature within our A/W 2013/14 forecast.

AH: What’s your top styling tip for Christmas decorating?

EZ: I suggest to keep it simple, not too much colours and decoration, choose a palette and go with it. There is nothing worse than a carnival of colours for Christmas.

AH: Do you have any preferred Christmas colour combinations?

EZ: I keep white as a ‘must’ colour, enriched with gold and silver details.

AH: What Christmas products have caught your eye this year?

EZ: I bought this birch bark votive with candle (below); natural, simple, and evoking emotions as Christmas should be. For the tree I would suggest these amazing Christmas baubles, pure as if made from a snow flake. Love it!

Birch Bark Votives from Nordic House; Sarjaton Bauble from Connox by Iittala

AH: Can you share with our international Trends Blog readers what you’ll be doing to celebrate the festive season this year?

EZ: I like spending time with family and relatives, living the atmosphere as I was used to as a child. Then taking some days off to enjoy the mountains not far away and skiing.

Skiing on Christmas Day! I love that!

Next up, from the Faroe Islands, is Jorun Hognesen, Designer of the knitted floor boulders.

AH: What’s your top styling tip for Christmas decorating?

JH: A styling tip for Christmas is not something I would consider relevant, or it is not something that I think about. I prefer the old fashion way, like it is when you are a child and you become excited for this time of year. To bring back those memories and this excitement every year is important for me. It is all about the experience, home made Christmas cookies, Christmas music; relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere around. But most of all, a lot of attention to my nieces, I love to see the excitement in their eyes, it makes me remember those moments, how it felt to be this excited as a child. So doing things from a child’s perspective and keeping things simple I would say is my tip.

AH: Do you have any preferred Christmas colour combinations?

JH: The mix of colours that represent Christmas for me are white, gold, red, and green. These warm colours provide a good contrast to the cold weather. I would never go for colour combinations such as blue, purple, and pink as for me these are not Christmas colours.

Clockwise from top left: Pinas Oro Wreath from Zara Home; Pearl Garland from Selfridges; PomPom Wreath from John Lewis; Log Cabin Wreath from M&S

AH: What Christmas products have caught your eye this year?

JH: Again this is not something that I look for. I tend to mix whatever I like, somehow this doesn’t end up messy! I do however notice clear chandeliers every year. I think it is highly essential at this time of year, especially in my country when it is very dark and this keeps things very cosy.

AH: Can you share with our international Trends Blog readers what you’ll be doing to celebrate the festive season this year?

JH: So far in my life I have always done the same for Christmas: I have lived abroad for many years but always been in my home country for this time of year. I believe there is no better place to be during Christmas and most of all, being around family is important for me. Having moved back to my home country does seem weird now, as the excitement of going home for Christmas is not the case anymore.

It sounds like you have a lovely, family orientated Christmas Jorun!

Now, from Europe we head over to Interior Designer Simon Scott, basking in the glorious Australian summer.

AH: What’s your top styling tip for Christmas decorating?

SS: I believe the best way to bring the spirit of Christmas to your home is to create a space that is romantically traditional. I love to have a real Christmas tree set with only sparkling red ornaments and an angel, which is very classy. Toned down lighting around the Christmas table will add charm to the space, while sparkling silver glistening in candlelight and small floral arrangements will add a touch of glamour. Adorning the table with personalised name cards adds a formal approach and builds excitement for the special event to come.

Top to bottom: Connie glass bauble from Habitat; Gisela Graham flocked bauble, antique bauble and Ruby Jewel Baubles (set of four) all from Heals; Harris Red bauble from Habitat. Gisela Graham Angel Tree Topper from Liberty London

AH: Where will you be shopping for Christmas products this year?

SS: I like to spend a Sunday morning at a local Antiques shop, or while on holiday visit a local market such as the street furniture market in Cannes, France, and find something special to add to the Christmas dinner table!

AH: Do you have any preferred Christmas colour combinations?

SS: For a more sophisticated look I love to work with dark red and dark green accents around the table with antique white crockery, sparkling silver and crystal wine glasses. A table setting that is always romantic, traditional, and shows the spirit of Christmas!

AH: Can you share with our international Trends Blog readers what you’ll be doing to celebrate the festive season this year?

SS: I always spend Christmas Day on the surf coast of Victoria, on the Great Ocean Road, a one hour drive from Melbourne. After lunch we head to Bells Beach to watch the surf roll in and have a hit of cricket in the sand. Christmas night is enjoyed with friends in Melbourne, and is always made very special with Judith Durham singing a few Christmas Carols on the grand piano.

♥

Many thanks to all of todays contributors, I hope all you readers are feeling as inspired as I am! Before I sign off for a Christmas tipple, just enough time to share with you my decoration choices for this year. I’ve always been fascinated with the Eastern origin side of Christmas, and so this year I’ve really gone with the theme after finding a superb range of products on the high street.

Dinnerware: Odette 24 Piece gold cutlery set and gold cake slice from Pied A Terre at House of Fraser; Flora wine and champagne glasses from Habitat

Decorations: Connie purple bauble and Tear onion bauble both from Habitat; Bird of Paradise decoration and Decadence bauble from House of Fraser

Trend Preview: A/W 12/13 | Virtual Reality

Posted on November 19, 2012 by Studio

Back in September we took a close-up look at one of our Autumn/Winter 2012/13 trends, Aurora. Today we look at its polar opposite: Virtual Reality.

OVERVIEW | This is a hi-tech, confidently intelligent trend, exploring the new visual language being created by contemporary Light Artists – think LED Architecture, urban Laser Projections, and Holokinetic Art.

Virtual Reality works on a mature palette of modern darkness: cold steel, bolts of electric green, laser blue, and a dynamic violet strobe, with neon accents: dense, precise cuts of coloured light playing on a black backdrop. This is Plugged-In Sophistication.

BACKGROUND | Over the past few seasons we’ve talked about society breaking out, rebelling against the norms, no longer conforming or following the rules, instead doing their own thing as notions of the collective, temporary alliances, and fragmented identities are explored. Moving into 2013 there is a sense of obscured reality as we move towards a future of digital existence where boundaries are pushed and the rules are yet to be defined… an age of No Limitations.

As a host of museums and exhibitions devoted to digital arts have opened, the time old question of “what is art” reappears. La Gaîté Lyrique, a theatre for the digital arts, opened after 8 years of planning and is devoted to electronic music, video, interactive theatre, digital animation, dance, and 3D digital performance. Costing €83million this unique centre is, according to Artistic Director, Jérôme Delormas, a “place of continual evolution, a laboratory of cultural motivations. The digital age is about to change our lifestyle and our relationship to knowledge, these modifications have a deep impact on creation and bring about new art forms.”

Illuminations continue to transfix us this season and were the theme of last year’s 54th Biennale in Venice which focused on the uses of light in Art and Design. At last year’s Milan Design Week, Canon caused a sensation when they showed Neoreal: Wonder, a digital experiential space where the sharpness and vibrancy of the image and colours create an almost tangible, sensorial ambience as the viewer connects with the image.

Suddenly we see light projections almost as textiles, stitched into the wall, an idea brought to life by Philips’ Luminous Textile, a system that integrates LED modules within acoustic textile panels allowing the expression of mood and emotion.

As art and technology merge, this trend is the exploration of a new dimension.

TEXTURES & SURFACE FINISHES | Surfaces are fractured and faceted, hi-shine with super slick, glassy finishes. Think digital light effects and changeant surface effects. Textures are glossy and hard: plastics, Perspex, glass, and steel. Wire wool threads, fibre optics, and latex as well as textiles with a lustrous sheen.

PATTERNS | Patterns are inspired by all things technological: computer board configurations, video games, and digital colour effects. Constellation-like patterns are also present, as are simple, pixelated geometrics. Distressed ombrés have their place as well as elements of diffused, neon graffiti.

SHAPES | Be inspired by orbital circles, hexagonal prisms, tubes of light, and spirographic forms. Simple yet bold folding and pleating, overlapping networks of glass and plastic shards, and strong geometric structures inform furniture shapes. LED accessories are key.

MATERIALS | Materials are most often hard and super slick: intensely coloured glass and plastics, cold steel, and even CD’s — stacked in rolls à la Belen Hermosa’s Panda chair or overlapping creating 3-D effect surface pattern designs. LED strands, fibre optics, and light tubes are seen across all product areas. We also see iridescent textiles and neon chainmail. Other elements include matte, coloured plastics with an iridescent finish, lacquered woods, and stretched latex.