SURFACES | StonExpo Blog

Archive for the ‘Design’ Category

A lot has been said, and will be said, about color. Where does it come from, why is it important to us, what are its meanings, etc.? One thing is for sure; it’s very personal. There is a very different thought about color depending on whether you’re “appreciating” it or “loving” it! 

We “appreciate” so much from day to day. In art, it’s the sense of scale, pattern, subject, color use, mood or relativity to the times. Much the same goes for design and architecture. Color plays a major role in design decisions. (Even the apparent absence of color makes a statement of its own!)

At any given time we can appreciate fine design; a building’s scale or a space’s dynamics, the way you move about them, how your eye is drawn through them. All of the technical and theoretical things that make it work; especially colors. 

But do you love it? That’s a different and very special journey. Many is the time when I’ve been in the same space as other designers and heard, “That’s nice.” It’s not meant with any malice; just ennui. They understand and appreciate what they see, it just doesn’t move them. 

And then you hear someone exclaim, “I love this color!” All ears perk up and everyone is on the hunt. What did they see? Why is it special to them? What does it mean? Ahhh, the old questions come flooding back. But one question rarely goes asked. 

“When did they know?” 

When did a color create so much passion to cause someone to proclaim their love for it? And it never leaves. It stays with you all of your life. Oh, you may change your favorite once in a while. Your mood may initiate a dalliance with something new. But deep inside, you always have the one. I have a passion for all colors but know the one that will always make me happy. 

When did I know? I was not quite two years old and there were stacks of painted 55 gallon drums at the Navy Yards in Washington DC. Whenever my family drove past them I insisted on stopping so I could see all the colors. At that moment, color was my life. 

The passion repeated later when I got a set of colored pencils from Europe and then that box of 64 crayons; the one with the built in sharpener, which, by the way, I still have. So many colors from which to choose! So much joy! 

This blog entry isn’t so much about painted drums or crayons. It’s about your moment of passion. I’ve revealed more than you likely want to know so I’ll keep my special color to myself. But I know you have your own passion about color, and likely a favorite. So I’ll sign off with a question to you. 

When did you know?

At our trend seminar at SURFACES | StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas back in January, we discussed the changing attitude of consumers in relation to ostentatious design as they move towards greater simplicity in all areas of their lives. Read the rest of this entry »

The BIG week has come and gone and the new venue (Mandalay Bay) was beyond super-sized–as were the expectations of the SURFACES | StonExpo attendees. What I perceived was a brand new energy at this year’s show, and an almost electric buzz pervasive on the floor. Add to that overwhelming registration numbers for the Education Days, and you have to say this year’s tradeshow was a true success. Read the rest of this entry »

Today I am teaching a class at Fullerton College in Southern California and addressing “How to Become a Color Forecaster.” I had a lightning-bolt moment when I realized that some of the content of this class might be of interest to you. So you get to sit in on a brief overview of class from the comfort of your own home or office. Read the rest of this entry »

In this post, I’d like to provide you with four montages to draw inspiration from for your product developments and buying selections. The montages relate to global trends for the Interiors market for 2011 and beyond.  I’ve included some direction bullet points to support the imagery along with color palettes. Read the rest of this entry »

Let me take you on a journey back in time for a moment…

The early 20th Century was a period in history when people experienced economic depression, hardship and war, eventually followed by a post-war spirit of frivolity and an eagerness to challenge convention. Comparisons to our recent global economic crisis, war, slow economic recovery and eagerness for Change can easily be made. Read the rest of this entry »

Grey has a terrible reputation for being dull and boring. It is associated with cloudy days and a drained appearance. But Grey has another side to its character that is revealed when it is teamed with other colors: Read the rest of this entry »

When I tell people that I’m a Trend Forecaster they often nod knowingly and then ask me where I get my ideas from, which tells me their nod was actually not very ‘knowing’ after all.  Read the rest of this entry »

Of Mans first disobedience, and the Fruit
Of that Forbidden tree, whose mortal taste
Brought death into the world, and all our woe,
With the loss of Eden
Milton Read the rest of this entry »

In 2010, a new phase begins that is driven by consumer’s new expectations, demands and discerning taste.  It will be a year dominated by consumer’s determination to have greater control in all areas of their lives.  Read the rest of this entry »