Birmingham shows how to reconnect
Susan Pantaleo -- Furniture Today, March 15, 2011
BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom — Looking for a new approach to attract customer attention? I found just the thing at Interiors 2011 in this British city in January.
The annual show is a unique venue that brings together pure design and business opportunity. The show itself is planned for interaction and discovery, and it delivered on that promise to more than 26,000 international visitors.
Meeting and collaboration between retailers, designers and manufacturers was encouraged in the Think Space, which featured products from the freshest young designers along with well known design icons. "It's overwhelming and exciting, something I couldn't have imagined being a part of!" said student designer Ruth Heatly, whose textile design will be manufactured as a tile pattern.
My typical search for the most dramatic looks was quickly redirected as I viewed furnishings with familiar elements that could be integrated gracefully into rooms. A dignified simplicity ruled the show. The products that caught my attention had universal appeal.
This view of blending items into rooms is something that will reconnect us with customers, without overwhelming them, as the economy recovers.
This approach is supported by designer Kelly Hoppen with her new Halo Home Collection. During a virtual interview, Hoppen explained that her philosophy is to design simple, easy furnishings that allow customers to select and combine pieces to create a signature look. Her intention is to guide and present furniture solutions for longevity. Embracing existing furnishings for the personality they offer respects previous decisions made by our customers, giving us the opportunity to suggest one or two items to freshen their look. This is a return to the aristocratic approach of letting a home evolve over generations - something they are very good at in the U.K.
Kelly Hoppen's trademark, simple-yet-opulent approach is reflected in her High 3 Seater Sofa in Stone Linen for her Halo Home Collection. |
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Hemelaer, creator of the oak dining table below, started in 1863 as a family company in Belgium. From that time it has had a strong environmental ethic through the use of materials that demonstrate appealing natural finishes. |
Demonstrating that one point of color can complete a neutral room, the Stamp Rug is licensed by Britain's Royal Mail and is embossed with the image of the Queen, available for custom coloring. |
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Recipient of a New Britain Design Award, Richard Bell creates blown glass tanks that are counterbalanced to hang precariously over the edge of a table. He came up with the idea while experimenting with plastic bubbles. It's a modern way to bring life into a room with a fish tank or terrarium. |
Here are some un-trendy trends our customers will appreciate:
■ Neutrals dominate in large furnishings. Beige and gray in both warm and cool tones look the freshest in textures. Burlap, linens, wools and even fur integrate well for most design aesthetics.
■ Light, bleached, raw or slightly distressed finishes lead with their easy care and ability to take furniture from formal to livable. Think of it as a Classy Country.
■ Color comes to the rescue so you won't surrender to boredom. The freshest looks have several bright colors used together instead of just one accent color. Pink, turquoise and violet were frequently in the mix.
■ Textiles are the newest form of art. Stitched and hand-woven pieces look welcoming and add passion to a room.
■ Shapely pieces in glass accessories, lighting and furniture add substance and sculpture without demanding prominence.
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Interiors UK
Mar 21, 2012 -
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