What can we expect for the rest of 2011 design-wise, you ask? What better place to look than one of the hottest design highlights on the calendar: the London Design Festival.
There were more than 200 exhibitors from around the world at this year's Tent London, one of the largest design trade shows taking place during the London Design Festival, which boasts the very latest in contemporary interior products - furniture, lighting, ceramics, textiles, materials and accessories. Just up our alley!
And from it four clear trends remained apparent: retro modern, wood, 3D/geometrics and playful. Nothing strikingly new but slightly tweaked indeed.
Retro modern has been in the spotlight for a while now and our love for it shows no signs of waning. The reason? There is so much room for interpretation in this style! The latest twist being brought to the forefront is one that we love: Gustavian Elegance. Be still our Bemz beating hearts!
Ektorp sofa in Gustavian Flowers from Bemz
Give that lovely, ornate and over-the-top Louis XIV style a touch of that clean, sleek and minimal Scandinavian design and you've got the Kings of Sweden in the 1700s, and the the root of the design term Gustavian. Introduce it today, paired with contemporary pieces and their pared-back opulence and muted colours scream style and function.
A Twist on Tweed: When I say tweed, does it conjure an image of an old man smoking a pipe in a darkened library? Tweeds are rooted in tradition and used to be a tad drab but manufacturers have broken away from that stayed image by introducing their tartans in a myriad of colours. There's nothing old-fashioned or stayed about a vibrant and intense purple, is there?
Grimen bed frame cover in Frescati Plaid Grey from Bemz
Introducing these rich and tactile fabrics into your home in unexpected ways also helps bring them up-to-date. Layer them using different scales from a single palette to make a wonderful impression.
1930s Drama: We love the fact that this sexy, feminine, curved and voluptuous style is finding its way back into our hearts and homes. Everything about it is soft, curvaceous and sensual. It's taking all that modern bling and giving it a sophisticated and elegant edge.
Nils chairs in Sybary Charcoal Grey, New Baroque Chocolate Brown, Hounds Tooth Dusty Rose and Aubergine from Bemz
This is a tactile style, where textured fabrics really come into their own. Stick with sophisticatedly deep and rich colours, add a dash of sparkle and remember above all else, glamour, and this contemporary style will be yours.
Playful indeed: This is where we don't take ourselves too seriously and introduce a bit of fun and tongue-in-cheek humour into our decor. And why not? Embrace the fantasy, the surreal and imaginative. Can you spot the 21st century danger hidden among the fruit?
This style embraces a spectrum of happy colours and daring patterns where design and functionality play equal parts and curiosities have a happy place in the home.
Credit and photos, except where otherwise indicated: House to Home
WHat color is the solid color chair in the last photo of two chairs and a bean bag?
Posted by: cd | November 03, 2011 at 11:08 PM
Hi cd,
That's a Tomelilla armchair in Fuchsia. Stunning isn't it? It's so deep and vibrant - a real focal point for a room. Here's the URL that'll take you to that exact product:
http://www.bemz.com/en-gb/product-page/product/armchair-covers/id/tom4/tomelilla/t135/fuchsia/
It can be made to fit any model of chair or sofa (or even bed) we have listed on our website.
Happy shopping!
Christie
Posted by: Christie at Bemz | November 09, 2011 at 10:55 AM