Before 2010 arrived, I predicted four trends that we would see begin and flourish throughout the year and beyond – optimistic colors, aging-in-place design, global inspirations, and sustainability and renewable products. In this issue I will discuss the third trend: global inspirations.
Global inspirations in interior design take many forms as we begin a new decade and emerge from our deepest recession in years. This, along with our ever shrinking world, is influencing the way people see their homes and possessions as well as how luxury and beauty are defined.
Today, each of us is a more global citizen than ever before, and unlike past generations, today’s designers and home-owners alike are dancing between traditional and contemporary, between local and global, and between high-tech man-made and unspoiled simplicity. We are becoming increasingly aware of the global art, beauty and influences that are closer to us every day. Thus today’s interiors and design are influenced by a desire to experience the passion of life and a need to be less isolated, to connect with friends and cultures around the world.
For the past few years, the economy has caused a design depression – calm, soothing colors to dull and ease the pain; simple, clean lines and patterns to co-exist with our need to be serious in such dire straits; and the need to play it safe with purchases as the clouds of uncertainty loomed over us – well, no more! Finally the sun has come out, and someone has flung open the blinds!
As we begin to feel optimistic and empowered again, we are drawn to bright, happy, vibrant colors. Bold patterns and geometrics are back in fashion. Once again, we want to explore the world. Now we are seeing global influences in design, particularly in the forms of patterns and graphics of African, Native American and Eastern tribal motifs.
Filled with confident, exuberant designs and colors, these motifs are making a big impression in today’s hottest interiors – not in the style from the 70s and 80s but reinterpreted and remixed into globally responsible interiors. Texture, color and pattern are back for 2010, and no one wants to go back to the boring, neutral, solid palette of a few years ago.
Today, with all the technology available, we are experiencing the world itself as never before. Never has the world been smaller – every thing, every event and every culture is just a click away. Your friends can be next door or half way around the world. Today we can travel thousands of miles with a click of the mouse, explore new worlds while sitting at the computer. YouTube, the Travel Channel and the Discovery Channel have brought the cultures and trends from around the world right to our doorstep.
The newer generations are immersed in all things of the world – not just the United States – and this global influence is having a direct influence on the designs coming from product manufacturers, as well as leading designers. Beautiful porcelain from the Orient, silk and beaded fabric inspired by Indian culture, wood carvings from Japan and gorgeous tile mosaics from the Middle East are all coming together harmoniously in today’s trendiest interiors.
As we become more aware of the world around us, beauty and luxury are taking on a brand-new meaning. Today’s designers and the interiors they create are no longer limited by distance or time – everything of beauty that the world has to offer is a click away. So why not enjoy having fun by mixing different cultures and motifs. It is an easy way to have a little piece of an exotic place and bold culture right in your own home.
Would you like to have your design dilemma considered for an upcoming issue? Just send an e-mail to designerguy@haskellinteriors.com.
Hank Matheny, ASID, IIDA, CAPS is the owner and principal designer of Haskell Interiors, located in historic downtown Cleveland, Tenn.
Visit www.haskellinteriors.com.