Design Sponge Mini Trends

mini trend: polka-dots

2007-06-08T07:52:00.001-07:00

i've been obsessing over dots and stripes for the past few weeks. i'm not normally drawn to either look but something about this classic pair has intrigued me lately. more often than not i find myself drawn to tiny black and white dots, rather than a larger variation, but i thought it would be fun to flesh out a full mini trend on each. i'm starting with dots today because i'm in the process of having a black and white dotted cushion made for the bench in my kitchen. there's something delightfully fresh and preppy about dots so i hope you'll enjoy the mini-trend. there's certainly a lot of it in the market right now so you'll find something for every price point. enjoy!

[image above, clockwise from left to right: iomoi paperweight $65, dotted canvas slingbacks $328, blue polka dot notecards $10, wallpaper from studio printworks, etched dot decanter $125, marimekko bedding $20-$165]

[image above: double dot fabric, $19.95 per yard]

[image above, clockwise from left to right: "bead" fabric from hable construction, newport bedding $65-$290, polka dot gift wrap $3, polka dot flats $30, polka dot vanity seat $150]

[image above: "seeing spots" flor tiles $11.99 per tile]

[image above, from left to right: shadow dots beach towel $26.50 (via domino), iomoi paperweight $40, dot pillow $19.99, pink dot fabric $8.50 per yard]

[image above: riviera bedding by dkny $60-$315]

[image above: pin dot linen pillows $88, "ooh la dot" fabric $8.50 per yard, little dot grosgrain ribbon $1]

[image above, left to right: etusko dot fabric $15.95 per yard, bailey dot fabric $15.95 per yard]

[dottie outdoor pillows $19.00]

[image above: "building blocks dot" fabric $8.50 per yard]

[image above: dottie cushion $25]

(mini) mini trend: chain link

2007-03-02T07:04:00.003-08:00

this trend isn't fully fleshed out yet but i think we're going to start seeing a lot more of the chain link trend in the months to come. i'm dying to see if there's much of it at icff and brooklyn designs. we'll see. until then, here are some of my favorite chain designs in the market right now (home and otherwise). have something to add? drop a line via email or the comment section below...[photo above, clockwise from left to right: mollie dash bracelet, link cheese knife set ($38), chain pull ($16), chain link earrings ($15), chain knob ($8) and chain handle ($14)]

[chains wallpaper by flavor paper- due out this spring]

[chain link scarf project at knitty.com]

[photo above clockwise from left to right: chain link bathmat ($59-$89), chain link mirror ($499), sarah cihat porcelain and chain bowl, chain shower curtain ($33)]

[chain link pillows by nate berkus $15]

[boatman geller stationery and kelly wearstler fabric via style court]

[gift wrap by eieio studio. thanks karen!]

mini trend: kelly green

2007-02-19T06:59:00.001-08:00

i was inspired by a post at modern-roost the other day and decided to flesh out one of my favorite mini trends going around right now: kelly green. the kelly wearstler post, anthropologie furniture and pieces from our h&g color issue really got me thinking about this bold green hue. it's often paired with navy blue and written off as a preppy choice (think whale prints and izods) but designers are starting to bring kelly green back in a way that's thoroughly modern. i love it for summer because something about it is so crisp and clean. and, unlike some other bold colors, the preppy edge keeps things looking classy and rarely garish. what follows below (and above) are some of my favorite examples of kelly green in the market right now. some aren't precisely kelly green but have that same bold green color that i felt was in line with the trend. hope you enjoy! [photo above, clockwise from left to right: ivana helsinki fabric, modernica chair in grass green $239, judy ross pillow $190, nouveau knob $8, ditte sofa $3498]

[photo above, clockwise from left to right: kelly wearstler "imperial trellis" fabric, hybrid home print $40, kate spade "larabee road" dishware $80]

[photo above, clockwise from left to right: pia wallen felt baby slippers $38, unison bedding $33-$300, judy ross runner $875, suzani pillow $29.95]

[photo above from left to right: twinkle living bedding in "cosmic" $155-$190, heather amuny-dey print $40]

[photo above, clockwise from left to right: kelly wearstler's viceroy, domestic wall decal $80, elum greeting cards $12 for set of 6]

[photo above, clockwise from left to right: josef frank chair $2498, offi mypetlamp $59, foxy and winston print $33, heather amuny-dey artwork $700]

mini trend: rough wood

2006-11-27T06:11:00.000-08:00

one of the wonderful by-products of the trend towards green design has been a resurgence of wood in the market. it came first in the form clean, smooth designs (and veneers of all types) that mimicked the modern look of materials like steel or resin. but as the green movement has become more of a permanent category we've seen the industry open up to include rough, chunky cuts of wood that let the natural beauty of the material shine. whether it's with burl bowls, rough carved wooden vases or reclaimed railroad ties, the design industry seems to be embracing beautiful wooden objects that have been left relatively natural. here are some ideas to bring the look into your home. [above: guava wood coasters $28, artisan wood vase $18-$38, burl wood bowls $31-$68]

[clockwise from left to right: palm wood napkin rings $6 for 12, honeycomb canister $38, wooden puzzle $42, root bowl $160]

[above, clockwise from left to right: wood wheel $169, cedar post box $25, salvaged wood nesting tables $269, tamarind platter $65]

[couldn't resist these: tiny wood skull beads $3.25]

[above, clockwise from left to right: reclaimed railroad tie plinths $59, reclaimed teak swivel box $49, amboyna burl vessel $425, acacia platter set $39]

d*s mini trends [glass lamps]

2006-09-25T05:37:00.000-07:00

i was chatting with kristina at three layer cake about what she saw at maison et objet and she mentioned a real trend towards dramatic glass lighting (especially those with a clear glass base). i've always loved a good glass bottomed lamp (especially in color), so it's great to see european designers spinning the look in a high-end direction. i myself favor the regular old retail versions (that seem to come with a cheaper pricetag) so i compiled a nice collection of glass lamp bases that are available for a wide variety of prices. what's nice about this look (which is far from new but seems to be experiencing a resurgence lately) is that it's virtually timeless. a nice subtle, blown-glass lamp base will work with a modern, traditional, retro or minimalist decor. the simplicity of most of these designs makes them a great investment. and if you're willing to splurge on something a bit more dramatic check out the gorgeous european designs within the group that kristina spotted in paris. enjoy! [lamps above by les heritiers and anthropologie]

[lamps above left to right: mist table lamp, thomas o'brien for target, phantom lamp, glass lamp by les heritiers]

[lamps left to right: cairn lamp, olive oil lamp, lykta lamp, clover honey lamp]

[all lamps above by niche modern]

[lamps left to right: glass lamp by nicolo taliani and mercer lamp by conciluce]

[blister lamp at greener grass design]

d*s mini trends! [textiles in design]

2006-09-07T09:11:00.000-07:00

this is a movement i've been seeing for months now (and saw the first inklings of years ago), but just now gathered enough samples to fully illustrate (i think it's important to give examples of a trend rather than just announce one willy-nilly). textiles have always been popular in the design world but never have they been more integrated into the product design world than in the last few months (or even the last year). starting with hella jongerius's embroidered tablecloth design of 2000, designers have started to investigate methods of integrating textiles and, most recently stitching, into ceramics, furniture, lighting and tableware. perhaps not the most functional method of detailing, this stitch+furniture marriage has been a stunning one to observe as designers across the globe test out their own unique versions. what i love most is the "hand-made" feel it gives to objects. so here is a collection of objects designed with stitching and textiles in mind, enjoy![stitchwork products above by designer claire coles]

[textile-detail chair from free people (via oh joy!), textile wrapped wire lamps by jed crystal, bracelet by hella jongerius, chair by tord boontje and woven chair back by chrissy angliker]

[ikea stool by d*s spring spruce up winner]

[table, chair and breadboard all embroidered with thread by design studio reddish. via kristina at three layer cake]

[crochet covered lighting by cai lighting at icff]

[embroidered tablecloth/plate by hella jongerius, woven mat by charlotte lancelot, textile covered throw/stool by tazana design at icff, bovist embroidered floor cushion by hella jongerius for vitra]

d*s mini trends! [red and white]

2006-06-26T11:23:00.000-07:00

it's been a while since i delved into the mini trends, so i definitely need to make up for the lost time. over the past few weeks (and after a trip to europe) i've been noticing a ton of red and white in the market. i noticed this in vintage textile patterns that are popping up all over, as well as in wallpaper designs at this year's icff. pillows followed and now i'm finding fantastic tableware in shops that pops with bright white and red. nothing quite says summer (or packs a punch) like a crisp red and white accessory. red might be way too bold for a main color in a home, but rich red accents can be a fantastic way to change the look of a room. they may even inspire an accent wall! so, without anymore yapping from me, here are some of the great red and white pieces i've been seeing out in the market (there's something for everyone's budget in here...) [photo above: yoko fabric for $7.99 a yard and a gorgeous print by camilla engman, $20-$30]

[clockwise l to r: pillow by k studio $124, skirt at anthropologie $118, wallpaper by twenty2 design, tablestory plates by tord boontje $50]

[fabric at reprodepot $8.50 a yard, pillow by not neutral $48, plate by john derian $180, bowls at anthropologie $32 for 4, plates at anthropologie $32 for 4]

[vitra home collection: red algues, red and white chair by jean prouve and organic chair in red]

[nectar fabric by tord boontje for kvadrat]

[clockwise from l to r: anne black vases $86, fatboy meets marimekko $299, sharon spain pillow $64]

d*s mini trends! [bright white]

2006-05-08T06:21:00.000-07:00

i'm noticing a real trend starting to emerge- one that's a reaction to the highly decorative, overly adorned objects we've been seeing a lot of over the past few years. both in color and form a growing number of designers seem to be creating with simplicity in mind. this week i chose to focus on a color trend in this vein that i've been seeing a lot of- bright white. clean, simple and basic, bright white allows form to shine through and silhouettes to be highlighted. in a design world full of bright colors and lots of surface pattern, i think some designers have decided to choose simple bright white for it's ability to let the shape of an object shine, rather than patterns or bold colors. [click here] for some expanded audio commentary and check out some of the options below for adding a little bright white to your home. seen any great bright white finds? feel free to add them in the comment section below! [photo above, fence chair $219 at gnr8]

[oeuf dresser $870 at velocity, cups at elsewares $13 for 2, air chair $100 at moma store]

[nesting tables at cb2 $150, cup and saucer at anthropologie $18, t vac chair by vitra $320]

[planters at sprout home $16-$56, node bowl $32 at elsewares, lighting by bald and bang]

[votives at anthro $20, cups by soop design lab]

[clockwise from top left: chair by loyal loot, lamp at west elm $99, mortar and pestle by mint nyc, bowls at cb2 $1-2, frame by harry allen $190]

d*s mini trends! [facets]

2006-04-23T17:13:00.000-07:00

i thought it might be fun this week to add a little audio commentary to the photos below. if you feel like a bit more facets talk, [click here] to listen to a little expansion of the text and photos below. this week's trend is one i've been sort of obsessed with for the past few months, but have only really realized fully lately. geodesic forms (shapes with multiple facets) have been popping up slowly in various design realms. i saw it first in the jewelry world with earrings and necklaces that featured exaggerated faceted gems or beads and then saw it move into the world of tableware and eventually furniture design. it seems that perhaps the design world is ready to move away from the curvy, organic forms of the past few years and embrace something well, edgier. like any artistic movement, there's a pendulum effect and perhaps these facets are merely a way of swinging back in the other direction. in any case, i'm really enjoying this look- it gives a real sense of form and, for lack of better terms, geometry to objects that i've been missing lately. check out the products below for some examples of facets in the current design scene. enjoy! [photo above: the facett collection by the bouroullecs and isamu noguchi's prismatic table $455 at velocity]

[photo above left to right: the tiles by the bouroullecs for kvadrat, geodesic lamp $69 at shop.com and chair one by magis $398 at surrounding]

[photo above, clockwise from left to right: geodesic rug by vilde form, chairs by thomas bentzen, pink porcelain vase by david wiseman and stools by kartell]

[curtain by hannah allijn, bling rings by orfeo quagliata $55 at unica home, noguchi stool and orloff bowl $60-$180 right here]

[photo above, clockwise from left to right: geodesic dome by zendome, wooden chair by thomas bentzen, faceted vase by orrefors and exaggerated faceted bracelet at forever 21]

d*s mini trends! [modern floral]

2006-04-13T11:26:00.000-07:00

flower power has graduated to the next level- today's designs embrace all things floral, but with a new, modern twist. whether it's an upholstered chair or a bold new wallpaper design, flowers are popping up all over- sometimes in the most unlikely of places. designers are putting their spin on the traditional floral motif- whether they use new materials like laser-cut steel or update a petal design to reflect contemporary interests, modern designers are leading the way for the contemporary flower power movement. so, check out these designs and get a little spring flower look going on in your apartment. enjoy! [photo above, left to right: kabloom by flavor paper ($150-$350 per roll), mibo pendant at velocity $104 for the shade, judy ross runners at 2modern, $800]

[photo above clockwise from left to right: cole and son wallpaper, until dawn curtain at moss $100, missoni towel at auto $160, blik glass stiks $4.50, flower plates at urban outfitters $24]

[photo above, clockwise from top left: astrid chair at anthropologie $798, garland light $64 at gnr8, mademoiselle chair $790, jenny sauer pillow $65 at design public, dandelion mat at smith and hawken $39]

[photo above, clockwise from top left: coasters by sesame at ggd $6, runner by lotta jansdotter $48, sachets at illico $30 for 2, bedding at illico $265]

d*s mini trends! [delft blue]

2006-03-26T12:10:00.000-08:00

i'm often drawn to colors in a magnetic way- a deep cherry red, a great mustardy yellow and most recently, warm, rich grays. but over the past month or so i've noticed that delft blue, a beautiful color that has its origins in 17th century holland, popping up all over the place. delft blue (sometimes called danish or dutch blue) was created by calcinating cobalt ore with quartz sand and potash- an extremely expensive process for artisans of the time. using paint grinding windmills, dutch artists would create the paint to decorate various porcelain vessels used for tableware. the city of delft had a high concentration of factories specializing in this process; during the 17th century they produced tiles and tableware with this unique blue color that was most often used to depict religious and floral motifs (often in a style similar to toile). [photo above, clockwise from top left: roses are blue dinnerware by rosanna inc. $30-$40, tablestories plate by tord boontje $312 for two 5-piece settings, cup by hella jongerius $360 at moss, delft candleholder by hella jongerius $580]

today delft blue is popping up in tableware (where it's always been popular), fabric, home accessories and art. contemporary dutch artists like hella jongerius (one of my personal favorites) are revisting the traditional artform, as are designers like rosanna bowles (whose blue dinnerware is a wonderful way of updating the color for the modern table). while the shade and hue may vary slightly from the original color, the influence of delft blue can be seen in a number of home designs this season. whether it's a bold blue pillow or elegant modern ceramics, everyone can afford to bring a little bit of delft into their house. check out these options above and below for some fun ways to bring holland's favorite blue to your home. [photo above clockwise left to right: modern delft paintings by douglas walker, paper napkins at sprout home $3.95 for 20, midsummer light by tord boontje $75, salad plate at sprout $15.50]

[photo above, clockwise from left to right: leaves decals from blik $36, urban tableware by stella in israel]

[photo above, clockwise from left to right: antique lace dinnerware by rosanna inc. $20-$40, not neutral pillow at 2modern $48, delft bowl by hella jongerius $550 and new 2006 fabric by teresa moorhouse for marimekko]

d*s mini trends! [faux bois]

2006-03-12T19:59:00.000-08:00

faux bois, "fake wood" in french, is all the rage these days. the look of wood grain- in textiles, papers and furniture- has been popular throughout the history of interior design, but lately accessories styled to look like actual wood, or with a wood grain "look" are everywhere: at most good design shops around the country and in the pages of the shelter mags in the us and abroad. i find the look has to be done with nicer materials to look polished and modern- cheaper materials and poor finishing will have you saying "tacky" instead of "tasteful". the key to any trend is mixing in new pieces among an existing collection- so try adding a wood grained pillow to your couch, or a faux bois pendant lamp in the kitchen or even some faux bois bedding- but be sure to keep in in check, the look is about adding modern faux textures, not recreating your neighbor's basement from the 70's. so, check out these fun faux bois options and have fun! and while you're at it, check out it's (k)not wood- a whole website devoted to everything faux bois! [top picture: pendant lights at 2modern $180, faux birch light trio $425 at lekker home]

[woods wallpaper by cole and son, faux bois mirror $1300 and faux bois vase $125 at koo de kir]

[faux bois journal $13.95, faux birch lamp at anthropologie $248, wood grain sheets at urban outfitters $40-$60]

["wooden" stools by courtney skott, barnwood pillows by thomas paul at velocity- limited amounts left $80-$104]

[faux bois runner at viva terra $89, hemlock chandelier at anthropologie $1200, branch napkin rings at lekker home $10]

d*s mini trends! [pop your cork!]

2006-03-05T15:06:00.000-08:00

i've wanted to write a little roundup on cork for some time now- this spongey, eco-friendly material has been all over in the design world for the past season or so and is starting to catch on in a big way because of its environmental attributes and ability to mold well to create various forms used commonly in design like seating and flooring. not only is cork a fully renewable resource, it can also be super cute when molded into pieces like chairs, stools, floor tiles and accessories like modern cork boards and wall tiles. [photo above, clockwise left to right: jasper morrison stools/tables at dwr: $298, notneutral wall panel at dp: $32, cork bowls at branch home: $88]

my favorite use of cork revolves around using it ways that allow its natural beauty to shine through. whether its in a form of a small round stool or a child's chair- or even tabletop accessories like salt shakers- cork has a beautiful color and texture that's begging to be touched. not to be outdone by the design world, fashion has been picking up on cork by using it for jewelry and accessories like earrings and bags. my favorite pieces are my designer jasper morrison- his stools are adorable in their cute, squattyness that are perfect for impromptou gettogethers that require extra seating or room to place plates, drinks, etc. oh! and don't forget, cork may look thick, dense and heavy, but it's actually quite light! prices for cork are all over the board- smaller pieces like cork tiles are more affordable, larger pieces like stools and seating can be around the $500 area. so, check out these great options above and below and see if cork is right for you! [photo above, clockwise from left to right: notneutral cork panels at dp: $32, cork salt and pepper shakers by tonfisk (see local retailers for prices)]

[photo above, clockwise left to right: tonfisk tableware (see local retailers for prices), cork coasters by dinner-ware: $30 for 4, cork children's chair at branch home: $138, cork stools by jasper morrison at hive modern: $425 each (i know, ouch!)]

d*s mini trends! [ships ahoy!]

2006-02-25T13:09:00.000-08:00

ships ahoy! design fans because the very first installment of d*s mini trends is all about nautical influences on modern design. whether you're shopping for textiles or accessories to add a little "pop", it's all about pieces with rope, anchor and ship detailing- or that classic sea-faring combo of royal blue, white and red. [buttons above at fred flare, $8 a pack]

i'm sure you're all just happy to hear about something other than birds for a while, so rest assured that i've been filling my inspiration books with sea-themed pieces instead of aviary ones. while popping through stores in manhattan and brooklyn (and online store fronts as well), i couldn't help notice a trend towards the preppy nautical look. the movement seems to have two branches: marine life themes and straight-forward nautical. i tend to lean towards the marine theme (ie: sea sponges, starfish, seahorses and waves), but i'm also loving the primary color combo of classic red, blue and white. [picture above clockwise from top left: anchor plate by sarah cihat (under $50), rope lamp project at martha stewart, limited edition ocean reef bowl by michele oka doner for steuben glass (splurge! $23k!), paperweights at iomoi, $35]

the great thing about this trend is it emphasizes clean lines, bold color and something other than the bird craze we've been seeing for the past year or so. but don't go buying up all the anchor themed pieces you can get your hands on- the best way to achieve any look is with moderation- whether that means adding hardware that mimics sailing rope, checking out some sea-themed pillows or daring to paint a wall navy blue and pop some bright white and red accessories off of it. so, here are some great ways to get the look in your home (even on a budget!) - enjoy! [photo above, clockwise from top left: pink octy pillow at hable $150, coral lamp at anthropologie $248, ship dress at elsewares $115, rope pull at kitchen source $23]

[photo above, clockwise from trop left: paperweight at iomoi $60, urchin vases at sprout home $11-$15, glass coral at velocity $33 each, sanddollar pillow at hable $210]

[photo above, clockwise from top left: rug at wisteria $399, urchin tealight at sprout home $16, sharky pillow at hable $145]

[photo above, clockwise from top left: sealife cards by stacy pancake $21 a pack or $5 each, coral cocktail napkins at source perrier $45 for 4, white porcelain shell at anthropologie $12, brass urchin candleholder at sprout home $16]