Submitted by Annette M. Callari, Allied ASID; CMG
We have just ushered in a New Year, and there seems to be a feeling of healthy optimism accompanying the “time odometer” clicking over to 2012. We have a blank slate, awaiting the next chapter to be written. The colors we surround ourselves with can bring that much-needed optimism right into our home life.
Mid-year 2011, I used my Color Marketing Group affiliation to project the coming colors for 2012 (published in FloorTalk/”Color Mix”, 5/25/11). In December I attended a Sherwin-Williams Global Color presentation addressing their take on colors for 2012. This is always a great opportunity to see if other color professionals are seeing what I’m seeing, and on the same page. Here’s what Karen Galvin from SW had to say about color directions for the New Year, along with CMG’s predictions:
THEORY: The overall color palette is earth inspired, heavily influenced by inspiration, energy and spirituality.
I am in total agreement with this observation. CMG may have put it into different words, but the meaning is the same. We are seizing tradition, reshaping our heritage to create interiors that give a respectful nod to the past. We have had to dig deep, and tap into our spirituality, to realize our strengths and persist in troubled times.
COLOR PREDICTIONS:
REDS:
(SW): “…reds will be fairly dominant in the palette. What’s interesting is that there will be an array of reds across the spectrum: Blue-reds; violets, red-purple, coral and red-orange.”
(CMG): “…reds are spirited and centered around a patriotic, reclaimed red. This is a saturated red that resonates in many cultures, representing strength and stability. Consumers are very tuned in to ‘made in America’ products, and this Federal Red is a perfect partner. Add to this category an energetic red-orange and a deep apricot, drenched in warmth. Also, look for a pink for grown-ups, not at all prissy, but suitable for men’s ties or shirts, and definitely made for interiors. Partners well with mid-tone neutrals.
BLUES:
(SW): “…blues are mega-important. Represents a gearing-up national growth-engine; also harmony between humans and ocean. Denim blues resurrect stability and the centuries-old use of denim. Blue will be predominant in 2012 fashion runway shows and a staple color for electronics.
(CMG): “…a perpetual blue is emerging. Brighter than navy, emerging from the gloom to become an energetic, “made in America” blue hue. Think denim in every shade.
YELLOWS:
(SW): “…add mustard yellow and egg yolk yellow to the palette for 2012.”
(CMG): Limoncello is a lighter, invigorating yellow with a slight green tint. It has a translucent quality and freshens up looks from the 1970’s.
GREENS:
(SW): “…shifting away from yellow greens, we will see more aquatic, verdant grassy green. Think of land carpets—the wealth of greens we see flying over agricultural land–true botanical greens.
(CMG): In agreement as to the shift away from yellow-greens. The new greens are strongly blue-based with a hint of gray to keep them neutral. Authentically forest-based, clean, playful and slightly edgy are the new greens.
NEUTRALS:
(SW): “…Inspired by linen, straw, and natural grains. Neutrals are all organic in origin.”
(CMG): A yellow-based brown is the new addition to the 2012 palette. Earthy, but reminiscent of boots, worn saddles and elbow patches, it’s a livable brown. Other neutrals favor organic materials.
You can see the parallels in both the CMG and Sherwin Williams’ predictions. A little disparity in the predictions for where yellow is headed, but overall, there’s room in the palette for both directions. Neutrals continue to be an extremely important category, and the linen, straw and natural grain neutrals are a color staple for the stronger colors to play off of. What fun to find such strong correlation between Color Marketing Group’s early forecast predictions, and Sherwin-Williams’ color and product introductions for 2012. Both organizations are working hard to bring you the best possible color research results, and it’s working!
For more information on flooring visit the World Floor Covering Association’s Consumer Carpet & Flooring Guide.
Submitted by Annette M. Callari, Allied ASID; CMG
“Love of beauty is taste. The creation of beauty is art. “
Ralph Waldo Emerson is the author of that beautiful quote. But it was the Jamie Beckwith Collection website that brought it to my attention. Jamie Beckwith is a renowned designer who had the vision to create elegant wood surface treatments for floors and walls. Her unique wood tile designs bring out the best of nature with attention to dimension, profile and embellishment.
The total collection is comprised of four specialized hardwood tile series: Enigma, Projection, Mosaic and Embellished. Each artistic gallery of styles has a memorable character of its own:
Enigma Floor and Surface
Enigma is another word for mystery. And this series adds an element of mystery to wood floors by offering intriguing wood tile shapes. Jigsaw, Pisces, sextant, lotus, and crescent to name a few, feed the imagination.
ProjectionSurface
Dimension and depth are combined in six block shapes to create high-character wood walls. Walls become works of art, using shadow and light to its best advantage.
Mosaic Floor and Surface
Mosaic is the art of creating images through the grouping of small pieces. In this case, the pieces are beautifully patterned wood blocks. The resulting image is varied and ever-changing, as wood grain patterns swirl and merge across the floor.
Embellished Surface
Lastly, Jamie Beckwith has brought to life “jewelry” for your walls. Crystals, geodes and gemstones are the crowning jewels adorning each individual wood tile. They can be used alone or combined to accent Projection block walls.
Based in Nashville, Tennessee, the Beckwith Companies are adept at creating exceptional hardwood tiles. Organic materials have been artfully redefined with a fresh, contemporary interpretation. I’m so pleased to be able to share this beautiful collection with you. A list of showrooms across the U.S. that carry this exceptional line can be found at www.jamiebeckwithcollection.com. Explore and enjoy!
For more information on flooring visit the World Floor Covering Association’s Consumer Carpet & Flooring Guide.
Submitted by Annette M. Callari, Allied ASID; Chair Holder, Color Marketing Group
Scouting out innovative new design products is something I love to do, not only to keep my own design library fresh and current, but to share with other designers and YOU. To-the-trade publications are one way to read up on hot new products, and that has always been a great resource. But professional designers take it further. ASID designers are required to earn continuing education credits every year, in order to maintain their standing in the American Society of Interior Designers. That mandate is important because design is an ever-changing landscape. You can NEVER know everything that’s out there, but dedicating time to learning and researching new products is a great way to stay current.
I have another resource available to me, and that is attending floor covering trade shows. Sometimes I am an invited guest speaker for education days, but mostly, I get to cruise the shows as a designer/writer on the search for innovative products— products to use in my own designs and (thanks to WFCA), to share with you. That’s how I discovered Pedross USA.
Think of the myriad of floor coverings available in the marketplace: hardwoods, laminates, luxury vinyl planks and tiles, cork, bamboo—and the list goes on. The success of any design lies in the details. Finding matching trim pieces, base moldings, and nosings for stairs, has always been a huge challenge. Here’s a good example: I received an e-mail from a design specification firm in Las Vegas working on a set of model homes. They had chosen a beautiful weathered-wood plank luxury vinyl floor for the entire downstairs of four carriage style homes (three levels), but couldn’t find finish pieces to trim the stairs. The entire design hinged on these beautiful, aged wood-look planks, but the designers were at a stalemate not knowing how to finish the staircases. They were considering switching the flooring material to hardwood, which would put them over budget and result in a very unhappy builder client.
The solution was to order made-to-match stair treads and nosings, which ended up matching the floors perfectly. Finally, there is a company that recognized a huge gap in the floor accessory market and filled it. They manufacture a complete range of flooring profiles, stair treads, risers, transitions, and moldings in cork, bamboo, LVT or wood. Did that register? A full range of flooring solutions! It’s big news and I’m happy to share it. One more thing: they are masters at digital printing. They can create customized moldings in leather looks, animal prints, 3-D designs, or whatever you dream up. They even created a 3-D coffee-bean impression molding for a chain of coffee shops. You can see their gallery of products at www.pedrossusa.com.
Pedross originated in Italy (those Italians are pretty ingenious, capishe?) and their North American HQ is in Arkansas. For a distributor or flooring professional that carries the line, feel free to contact Pedross directly (toll free) at 855-306-4611. (Note: Retailers carrying this line include Alliance Flooring, Carpet One and select Abbey dealers.) If you go back to Pedross’ Italian roots, this company is 54 years old and operates in 49 countries. That’s a pretty good resume and, I have to say it, one remarkable discovery.
For more information on flooring visit the World Floor Covering Association’s Consumer Carpet & Flooring Guide.
Submitted by Annette M. Callari, Allied ASID; Chair Holder, Color Marketing Group
I made up the word, Christmasizing, it’s true, but you knew what it meant right away, didn’t you? We love the holidays, and it seems we are transforming our homes into winter wonderlands earlier and earlier each year. We had barely cleared the turkey platter from the dining room table this year when my married daughter began streaming garland down her banisters. So in the spirit of this wonderful season, here are some quick-pick ideas to add the
”festive” to your festivities….
Colors of the season are no longer just red and green. The seasonal colors for Christmas 2011 include silver, pastel blue, cobalt blue, deep purple and gold. All are on-trend for this year’s holiday palette. Sparkle is hot, so sprinkle it generously throughout your decorating. Tiny twinkling white lights on your mantle, crystal-laden branches in elegant tall vases, mirrored trays with flickering candles, all add enchanting sparkle.
Do you have an entry accent table or credenza in your foyer? Drape it in silver or gold yard goods (you can buy it by the yard at any fabric store). Add champagne flutes interspersed with flickering votive candles, and you have a stunning “welcome” awaiting your holiday visitors. Fill the glasses before they arrive and get the party started at the front door!
Floating ornaments always delight guests (and, no, I haven’t been hitting the spiked eggnog as I’m writing). Dress the chandelier in your entry or over the dining room table to become a holiday focal point. I love to buy different crystal ornaments and hang them on fine-gauge fishing line from the arms of the light fixture. They appear to be floating and the prismatic effect radiates sparkle throughout the room. If you are a very generous hostess, you can give them away at the end of the evening as a holiday memento for your guests. I did just that, and my dinner guests absolutely loved the unexpected gift.
I am shocked at what florists and craft stores charge for Christmas centerpieces. You really can create your own and save about $100. Floral design has evolved to become less static and rigid. Clear vases in different sizes and shapes lend themselves to creativity. Cluster three or five in varying heights (always group in odd numbers) and add fresh flowers. Mixing it up will add interest: white and red roses, sprigs of pine and wispy baby’s breath–all mix to create an ethereal arrangement at a fraction of the cost a florist would charge. And experimenting is half the fun!
Have you discovered the oversized-Christmas ball ornaments available at the big box stores? These colorful ornaments are 12” in diameter and come six to a package. If you have a covered front porch, you can attach each one to decorative ribbon and tack them at various heights. This same idea would work great for a patio cover as well.
Indoors, there are some easy (and economical) ways to usher in the season. A holiday welcome mat in bright colors sets the stage at your front door. Candy-colored accent pillows on a sofa, flameless candlesticks on every windowsill, a colorful room-sized area rug in the colors of Christmas—all of these ideas bring joyful spirit to your rooms.
As you Christmasize your home, be attentive to sense appeal. Taste, touch, smell, sight and sound complete the sense appeal package. Steep your interiors in sensory-rich touches, mix well with friends and family, then step back and enjoy this recipe for magic.
Best wishes to all…..
Annette
By Annette M. Callari, Allied ASID; CMG
Crossville Tile is an established name in the world of porcelain and natural stone for floors and walls. If you are familiar with Crossville, then you’ve already seen their colorful creations in stone, glass and metal mosaics. It’s all pretty impressive, because the key element to all of their collections is COLOR (my favorite subject).
Crossville has found a way to personalize color and simplify coordination. In their own words: “…Color is the foundation of design, and in many ways, the foundation of living. Color teaches us harmony and contrast, chaos and calm, very often in the same space…” You can’t say it better than that. One of the latest chapters in their continuing color story is the introduction of a collection brought out earlier this year called Color by Numbers. This collection features six garden-hued wall tile palettes designed to coordinate with the bestsellers from their Crossville Color Blox floor tile collection. But here’s a twist I know you won’t expect. Both of these Crossville palettes cross over to harmonize with Benjamin Moore’s “Aura” paints!!!
Color is tricky and can be the most challenging element of putting together a great design. This collaboration between Crossville and Benjamin Moore provides consumers a valuable design tool that can really help you choose colors with confidence. Interesting to note that Color Marketing Group International identified “consumers’ commitment to color” as a key design trend for the next several years. The big news is that Americans are embracing real color. We are constantly exposed to global color through the Internet, the media, and of course, fashion. With this connection to worldwide colors, we’ve developed a comfort level with vibrant palettes, balanced with the neutrals we love so much. With that said, that comfort level interprets into new color harmonies in our homes that validate this predicted commitment to color. Crossville couldn’t have timed it better as to their introduction of Color Blox and Color by Numbers. You definitely need to check out these stunners and can see them at www.crossvilleinc.com.
There’s more to this story, as it takes on design with a purpose. For the first time in the history of the company, Crossville is pledging a portion of profits from the Glass Blox Collection to be donated to charity. Gita Tao, Manager of West Coast Residential Sales conceived this idea back in 2007, and since that time, Crossville has been donating to The Common Thread for the Cure. This foundation supports families of the flooring and furnishings industry in the battle against breast cancer, through Helping Hands Grants. These confidential financial grants are provided to assist individuals (and their families) battling breast cancer, helping them meet the financial obligations not covered by insurance. Assistance is offered at a time when medical bills are mounting and income is often lost. Grants, to date, have been used for transportation, household expenses, child care, tuition, home repairs and other areas that contribute to a better quality of life.
Just writing this blog inspires me to take a closer look at the Glass Blox tile collection for my design clients. Not only can I bring beautiful contemporary colors to interiors, but together we can design with a purpose much greater than ourselves. We need to give accolades to Crossville for thinking beyond “business for profit”, and demonstrating true empathy for those in need.
For more information on flooring visit the World Floor Covering Association’s Consumer Carpet & Flooring Guide.