In our world, the world of what’s the neatest and newest, we may not realize that some of the hippest “it” items in our cultures have actually been “in” for generations, even centuries in some cases, and are, in fact, also classic styles. We have selected a few pretty solid classics, in our book, that also happen to be smokin’ hot today, right this minute.
Animal Print is Here to Stay
Various animal prints have been making a roar ever since we can remember. As a matter of fact, they may very well have been around at the inception of interior design. Caveman says to Cavewoman, “Me bring animal hide to cave for warm floor, Argh.” Says Cavewoman back to Caveman, “No in that corner, in that one!” This is about as classic as you can get.
Whether in the cave or under your plasma television, animal print décor has a permanent spot in Interior Design. And how hot is it today? It’s on fire (but don’t tell Caveman, they haven’t discovered this phenomenon yet). And you can throw it in with almost anything. From duvets to draperies, chairs to tchokes, these patterns can fit into a variety of spaces needing a little interior oomph.
Of course, today animal print rugs do not mean animal skin. In fact, the very name indicates that this is not supposed to be the real skin but only their prints.
This tasteful addition of a zebra print makes this room downright snappy.
And we bet you’ve never seen a vanity quite like this one.
We usually see our furry friends making minor appearances in accents such as throw pillows and trimming. Toss in some zebra with your neutrals and maintain a mellow mood, but with a little zip to cure the boredom. Add a touch of tiger to some bright colors and observe how the room transforms from juvenile to jazzy.
Soft and Touchable Fabrics of our Being
No matter the genre or era, you’re going to find at least one or two soft, yummy fabrics in the design repertoire. In the sixteenth century, we were influenced by the French’s flair for rich, luxurious textures such as velvet and satin. By the eighteenth century, cotton was actually banned in much of Europe, since it was imported from India, and, in an attempt to preserve the local textile industry, homes were filled with locally produced fabrics such as silk and delicate wools.
Today? You guessed it… these comforting and eye-pleasing surfaces have a place in almost every trendy dwelling. These days you will find an abundance of a variety of silks and suedes that are gentle to the touch and soothing in mood. Even a modern space lends itself to a hint of sheen and space for a soft surface.
The versatility of tactile textures can be seen here in this current Master Bedroom with the use of silks and Ultrasuedes.
Ikat or I Don’t Cat?
We think it’s pretty cool when a weave that’s been produced in all areas of the world since the fifteenth century emerges as a ubiquitous trend in our industry. Pronounced i-cat, and originating in India and South-East Asia, these gorgeous patterns were classic before we were even assigning the word “classic” to textiles.
And now, they’re being featured in hippest interior design blogs and publications. Decorating with kaleidoscopic colors of indigenous textiles rich in texture and imagery is rewarding not only for the visual appeal it generates, but for the fact that it helps sustain age old craft traditions and low-income rural economies.
We adore his example of contemporary Ikat used in these two French sidechairs.
Black and White, You Got That Right!
If basic black and white ever go out of style, we’ll eat our measuring tapes! We are this confident that the stability of this timeless classic will sustain the test of time. We think human beings may just be hard-wired to be drawn to the duo. Black meets white is the ultimate palette contrast and can be sharp, elegant, sexy, subtle, clean, funky, understated and over the top. This color combo is the California Cabernet of interior design.
As of late, we have noticed a plethora of black and white as additions to a myriad of interior concepts. As a matter of fact, we’re not sure we have ever seen this color composite be so dynamic. Check out this stunning example of Hickory Chair’s use of black and white in just the right places…
Stainless Stays
And that’s our final answer. Seen everywhere now from water bottles to balconies, we’re calling it: stainless steel is officially now a classic. This steel alloy does not stain, corrode, or rust as easily as ordinary steel (it stains less) but it maintains steel’s structural resilience and vast practicalities. Just as you can safely keep that little black dress in your closet, you can bet your stainless steel accents will endure.
The most traditional, as well as the most chic, interiors today will contain stainless steel. Almost certainly in the kitchen, and probably elsewhere, you’ll find yourself hard-pressed to locate an abode without this element.
The Great Room below features a custom-made stainless door for the fireplace.
And how about this bed frame made of stained glass and stainless steel!
And Then There Was Soft Lighting
There will always be a time and place for the soft glow of a romantic lamp. Originally, delicately lit rooms were our only safe option. We had two choices: darkness or candle light. And every era since can evidence its existence in interior design.
These days it’s beaming into many spaces in the home with particular vigor. We explained to you last month how important lighting is to textures and tones in your color schemes. We often stage a space with a gentle glow in mind to produce the attitude desired by our clients. Just the right illumination can yield a flawless feel.
We wouldn’t be doing this assertion justice if we didn’t mention that there’s biology here. Dim lighting triggers the pupils in our eyes to expand in order to be able to see better in the darker environment. The pupils are also known to dilate when we are attracted to the opposite sex. So, the candle light and romance association is no fallacy, it’s a science. So, it is pretty certain that we will forever find mood lighting an “attractive” option.
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love this article!