Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Newsletter

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• “Post-Graffiti” Art Definining a Modern Apartment Building in Luxembourg
• Predicting Future Interior Design Trends with Anthony Hughes
• Shelving Units as Crib-Defining Words by Ricard Mollon
• Your Rainbow Panorama Circular Pathway in Denmark [Video]
• Skull Shaped Speakers Hand-Crafted in France: MinuSkull

“Post-Graffiti” Art Definining a Modern Apartment Building in Luxembourg Posted: 13 Dec 2011 04:32 AM PST Luxembourg City-based studio Metaform designed a contemporary 4,000 square foot apartment building in Luxembourg, displaying quite a few interesting details. With a black, monolithic structure, the project’s sculptural architecture stands out and contrasts the surrounding neighborhood buildings. Integrating art in the development process is a unique feature of this design: “Within the framework of our project, architecture and art are found side by side, are entangled, extend and complete each other in order to create a common language, a synergy which creates an intriguing, vivid and dynamic, yet at the same time intimate, welcoming and friendly ensemble. The reflection on the relation between art and architecture is part of the concept created with the involvement of the artist SUMO. Sumo voluntarily covered the space from the ground to the ceiling with his artwork in such a way that his art, which one can consider being "post-graffiti", is subtly integrated in the built space“. The residence has a total of three floors. The first level hosts a two-bedroom, 90 sqm apartment, the second accommodates two studios, while the third was dedicated to a 115 sqm duplex apartment. Do you feel that the mix of architecture and art was an inspired move in this case? [Photos by Steve Troes Fotodesign]

Predicting Future Interior Design Trends with Anthony Hughes Posted: 13 Dec 2011 04:13 AM PST   Well folks, 2011 is almost over and before we know it we will be hurtling head first into 2012. As always, each new year brings with it new design trends that will be exploding onto the scene, each one propelled into the limelight by the various happenings that are going on in the world. For those working with interiors, trying to discern the direction that the interior design scene will be taking and which styles, materials and colours will be most appealing to consumers in the coming seasons is a real challenge. Predicting the next major design trend and what will be driving it is far from easy and requires a great deal of detailed research and observation. But fear not, there’s always the professional trend forecasters who are on hand to give us the inside scoop. This week, Freshome caught up with Anthony Hughes, a recent design graduate and up-and-coming trend forecaster who has agreed to divulge all his secrets to us and reveal the trends we can expect to see in 2012 and into 2013. And he also shares some tips on how we can all learn to become trend forecasters and use the skill to improve our business. I guess the first obvious thing we need to know is what is a trend? How are trends different to fads? AH. I would define a trend as the styling, colours, patterns, materials and shapes of a particular season that has a long-term influence on the market. A current trend can be derived from previous season’s trends and also current world affairs and events. In the interiors market we are more focused on “macro” trends (bigger and longer lasting) than “micro” trends, which are more common in fast fashion. Trends differ to fads in that they are more long-standing, they develop and change over time. Fads are sometimes known as a "flash in the pan" and are only popular for a shorter period, generally unexpected. What is trend forecasting exactly? AH. Trend forecasting is about identifying consumers’ attitudes, needs, wants, spending patterns and lifestyles and also economic factors. Through trend analysis, common factors and issues are then matched to colours, styles, products and materials to suit those needs and wants, generally two years beforehand. It combines social science with a keen eye for design, but certainly no crystal ball gazing! How did you get first get involved with trend forecasting? AH. I'd say I first became really interested in trend forecasting in my final year at University when we worked with Scarlet Opus. Before taking my degree course at University, I was completely unaware of trend forecasting or what it was. Throughout my studies, I became increasingly aware that as a designer, you need to be aware of trends and their influence on the consumers’ buying decision. To put it simply, you cannot design and then get the consumer to desire the product, the design needs to suit their needs and desires. Having recently graduated, you now write regular blog posts for Scarlet Opus, the renowned British trend forecasting company, about upcoming interior trends. How did you get involved with Scarlet Opus? AH. Victoria Redshaw of Scarlet Opus delivered our trend forecasting module at University and that's where it all started really. After submitting my work, one of the forecasts was featured on the Scarlet Opus Trends Blog and I was offered the chance to become a guest blogger for them soon after graduating. It's been a great experience so far and I've learnt a lot from them. How do you go about making your predictions about the interior trends we can expect to see in the coming seasons? Where do you look to find this information? AH. In order to identify consumers’ needs and wants you need to look at the bigger picture, that is, on a global scale. I begin the forecasting process by researching into upcoming events, anniversaries etc for that particular season for example say S/S 12. I review the past season, A/W 11/12 to establish what trends have been killed off by their own success and which ones have enough to go on further. It means keeping an eye on the news, current affairs and a lot of surfing the net to find these forthcoming events. What factors would you say influence the emergence of trends in interiors? AH. There are certain areas that influence the emergence of future trends. I look at economic, political and social factors and also cultural, scientific and environmental issues. World events and celebrations, new gallery and museum exhibits, architectural projects and even a bit of fashion are also contributing subjects. Most people only recognise trends once they have been around for a while and are well established. How can interior designers learn to identify these trends before they emerge? AH. As a designer, you should always be aware of current and upcoming trends, I find it vital to the design process. Interior designers can learn to foresee upcoming trends by doing a bit of research themselves and keeping an eye on current consumer attitudes. After all, they are the people with the buying power! You should be able to identify from various publications, blogs and websites what materials and colours are the beginnings of a trend, and this should enable you to become your own trendspotter. How can interior designers use these valuable trend forecasting insights to help improve their business? AH. It's all about getting the right products in on the shelves at the right time. Retailers who know their target market and have a character can then utilise trends knowledge to create an exciting product range, in line with current needs and wants and ultimately suitable for consumers thoughts and feelings. Working with trend agencies helps to develop the right product range as other trends may not be suitable for every brand. It minimises risk in your business and effectively increases profits. And the question we all want to ask… Can you give us some examples of trends we can expect to see in 2012 and how these trends will manifest themselves in interiors? AH. The main focus in S/S 2012 will be the Olympics held in London and with that we will be seeing a lot of bold, bright colours as cultures come together at one melting point. Dynamic, vibrant and energising "Colour League" will be the forerunner in the interiors sector. The recession and the possible new economic downturn we are heading towards still affects consumers’ thoughts and their buying patterns. "92262 Springs" is seen as a retreat from these harsh times, with the merging of urban and rural continuing to be a major influence. Retro modernism, repeat pattens and cool-calm colourways usher in a slower pace of life and a grown-up sense of escapism. Transparency is used in lighting and accessories and vintage furniture provides artistic flair. The handmade and upcycling trend continues with "reKraft" cushioning us from everyday strife. Over-sized knits and knotted details enjoy a resurgence in A/W 12/13. Again, our fears and worries are played out in our material choices as we lean towards softer, hand-crafted interior pieces. Make do and mend has made its return, no longer old-fashioned but re-invented, refreshed and modernised. Coiled, stitched and threaded products provide a more handcrafted feel. And you know what? Trend Forecasting really isn’t that hard if you just pay attention. Here at Freshome we predicted a similar trend just a few weeks ago in our post about Knitting in Interior Design. So what do you think about these trends? Which is your favourite?

Shelving Units as Crib-Defining Words by Ricard Mollon Posted: 13 Dec 2011 02:41 AM PST Bringing a fresh touch to a room can be easily achieved by adding a message or even a crib-defining word. For today we decided to present these configurable shelving units consisting of words that can support books, picture frames and other shelf-meant objects. The ANITA shelf was designed by Ricard Mollon and comes in a variety of …meanings. Some of the words we found on their website are “love”, “books”, “home”, “music”, but you can customize your own shelf, by choosing its color, materials and well, the word itself.  With an elegant appearance and subtle contours, the shelves go great in a modern decor. The designs can be purchased online, on the official website of the producer, for 310 Euros a piece. Don’t forget to live a comment below and share your opinions. What word would you like written in your home?

Your Rainbow Panorama Circular Pathway in Denmark [Video] Posted: 13 Dec 2011 01:08 AM PST The amazing Your Rainbow Panorama circular rooftop walkway in Denmark is a modern “art meets architecture” project. Resting atop the ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum, the fascinating colorful glass panoramic rooftop allows visitors to get a different view of the city. Its complete panoramic views filtered through bent colored glass arranged in the color spectrum were possible by placing the circular pathway on 3.5 meter columns resting on the steel construction beneath. The building of the art museum in Aarhus, Denmark, adorned with the enticing result of blending art into architecture, was designed by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, who were inspired by Dante’s “Divine Comedy”. This challenged the designer, Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson to design a $9 million project that would better mark the line between heaven and the underworld. To get a clearer view of the Rainbow Panorama, measuring 150 meters long, 3 meters wide and 3 meters high, and with a diameter of 52 meters, check out the video below. These words from the artists will explain the inspiration and the feeling the rooftop panorama was conceived to offer: "Your rainbow panorama enters into a dialogue with the existing architecture and reinforces what is assured beforehand, that is to say the view of the city. I have created a space which virtually erases the boundaries between inside and outside – where people become a little uncertain as to whether they have stepped into a work or into part of the museum. This uncertainty is important to me, as it encourages people to think and sense beyond the limits within which they are accustomed to moving".

Skull Shaped Speakers Hand-Crafted in France: MinuSkull Posted: 12 Dec 2011 09:19 AM PST Featuring tailor-made components that ensure the best sound quality, the MinuSkull looks fresh and exciting for those who love to be surrounded by interesting objects. Created by the duo design team of Kuntzel+Deygas, the skull shaped speakers were hand-crafted in France and were intended for domestic use only. You can enjoy the quality sound and design in your home or office. The MinuSkull is available in three versions: black or white piano lacquer or the classic walnut wood. The designers explain their inspiration and result in the following: “Re-exploring the esoteric aspects of Hi-Fi is almost like searching for a forgotten secret, experiencing rare sensations. It's luxurious, it's like driving a chic sports car without any speed limit. We really like the sound broadcast by MinuSkull. It's warm, wide and precise, and reflects the atmosphere of our studio, where sound and image naturally merge.”

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