AkzoNobel Color of the Year 2015

AkzoNobel Copper Orange | KitchAnn Style

As I wrap up my coverage of trending colors for 2015, things are heating up as a warmer spectrum of pinks, reds and oranges emerging, reflecting optimism and a renewed emphasis on sharing.

AkzoNobel, the largest color and coatings manufacturer in the world and maker of Dulux Paints, named Copper Orange as their Color of the year for 2015.

By closely monitoring the emerging social, economic and design trends around the world, a select panel of professionals predicts future color trends two years out.

“The overriding idea for 2015 is that people are finding new ways to add color to their lives and are developing a warmer and more caring environment for all.” – Heleen van Gent, Creative Director of AkzoNobel’s Global Aesthetic Center.

Warm and surprising, Copper Orange reflects a more positive outlook on the world while representing a new emphasis on putting the + (plus) in everyday. This flattering hue will surely be popular in the cosmetics industry just like the Pantone Color of the Year 2015, Marsala.

Copper Orange works well paired with neutrals. If you tend to shy away from color, go for small accessories and simple accents like this drapery edge treatment.

The Copper Orange walls are a nice balance with the dark cabinetry and make this kitchen cheery.

“It’s a “hot” color that evokes tropical fruit and flowers, Eastern culture as seen in Buddhist monks’ robes and, in the West, autumn’s warm glow.”

Express your Nomadic, adventurous side with relaxed decor and a textural application of Copper Orange.

Copper Orange can also be quite sophisticated. The small Copper Orange print is gorgeous in this gray bedroom.

I predict the popularity of Copper Orange will increase the use of Rose Gold, already popular in the fashion industry, within the home.

Copper Orange has been selected to complement all of the major trends that AkzoNobel has identified for 2015 – all inspired by one larger idea, “Everyday + Finding the wonderful in the normal”. For more on their trend forecast, visit www.colourfutures.com

December 14, 2014

Recycled Lighting Designer Spotlight: Laurence van Seventer

Laurence van Seventer, a Dutch designer and founder of Lolo Palazzo is a creative frontrunner in industrial design who is innovative in welding metal with recycled bicycles, car parts and other discarded metal.

From her Hague Studio, Laurence van Seventer creates chandeliers that remind me a bit of the Atlantis chandelier from Barlas Baylar Lighting. Her larger chandeliers can incorporate as many as 600 upcycled bicycle chains and weigh 275 pounds.

Her designs begin organically and she does not know when she begins a piece what outcome it will have. In Laurence’s view, we live in a world that has to involve recycling. As an artist she likes the contrast between soft and industrial materials. Playing with the lighting levels also creates an added element of light play and drama to her lighting sculptures.

The Ballroom Blitz chandelier was recently featured at Design London’s Superbrands Design Festival this past fall. Many of Laurence’s chandelier designs can be found hanging in prestigious hotels around the world.

Laurence is currently working on a new collection called ‘Killing me Softly’, which is a combination of recycled steel and recycled; in collaboration with Label Mademoiselle Cecile.

In the lamp collection Laurence is showcasing more of her welding and plasma cutting skills. The lamp bases are constructed from motor bike parts.

In addition to lighting, Lolo Palazzo also produces mirrors, and sculptural pieces that range from flower bouquets to animal sculptures.

I’ve heard that Tent London and Super Brands were even bigger and better shows this year. I always tend to gravitate toward the lighting exhibitors. It would have been nice to see the Lolo Palazzo pieces in person.

To see more amazing pieces, visit the Lolo Palazzo Pinterest Page.

http://www.pinterest.com/lglvs/ballroom-blitz/

December 6, 2014

Pantone Color of the Year 2015

The color specialists at Pantone have chosen Marsala 18-1483 the color of 2015, a rich reddish brown they say will be reflected in fashion, home decor and graphic and industrial design trends next year.

“While Radiant Orchid, the captivating 2014 color of the year, encouraged creativity and innovation, Marsala enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability.” –Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute

Vintage-y, earthy and hinting at the dregs of a bottle of wine, the shade will pair well with the grays and blues from past seasons. The color works with other neutrals such as black and beige.

Eye-catching but not overwhelming, Marsala is a color that seems to pop up every twenty years or so. What makes this color different from the burgundy’s of the 70’s and 90’s is a departure from being a dominating color towards an updated sophistication that gives this deep blush a feeling of balanced harmony.

The stainless backsplash and white cabinets keep the bright Marsala wall from being too overwhelming in this example.

This is such a gorgeous art wall and is a great example of the harmony Marsala possesses.

According to Pantone, Marsala will be popular in home accessories such as rugs and botanical prints.

I almost chose an image that was they more typical varying shades of dusty pink with green foliage but then I thought; “where’s the inspiration in that?” I hope you like this image better.

Marsala is a favorite among Bohemian and Moorish Inspired interiors. Paired with Golds and Turquoise this color can be soothing and rich.

I had a difficult time finding pictures that were close in color to the Pantone Marsala. Many were too Pink or Purple or too dark and more Burgundy. It’s important to me for the images to be close because otherwise I’m writing about a different color and not the Color of the Year. I’m looking forward to the makeup collection Sephora should be coming out with soon. If you’re like me and everyone else I’ve talked to you are counting down the days until you can debut your gorgeous pout.

For more images, visit my Color Trends board on Pinterest.

December 3, 2014

Bowl Bathroom Collection

French design firm Arik Levy Studio has created the Bowl bathroom collection for Spanish bathroom brand Inbani. The collection which launched at this year’s Salon de Mobile in Milan mixes cage-like structures with ceramic and marble placing emphasis on the juxtaposition between positive and negative space.

“These are products born, imagined, conceived, engineered, crafted and made for you to feel good.”

Arik Levy conceived the Bowl Collection as a “piece of jewelry that pursues the preciousness of every little detail that makes each object ”

The Bowl Collection is a progressive design intended to break away from mainstream products in gives designers new approach in “thinking and visual design.”

The thin metal elements of the Bowl collection are available in White, Copper and Colored lacquers.

I prefer the look of the copper wire for the Bowl collection. The white looks a little cheap to me. The first image shows what appears to be a toilet but there is not one in the catalog at this time. I may be too practical in my thinking but I can imagine that if the pedestal sink does not have constant TLC, it would start to look grimy in no time. What do you think?

Category: Style

AkzoNobel Color of the Year 2015

“The overriding idea for 2015 is that people are finding new ways to add color to their lives and are developing a warmer and more caring environment for all.” – Heleen van Gent, Creative Director of AkzoNobel’s Global Aesthetic Center.

Recycled Lighting Designer Spotlight: Laurence van Seventer

Pantone Color of the Year 2015

“While Radiant Orchid, the captivating 2014 color of the year, encouraged creativity and innovation, Marsala enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability.” –Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute

Bowl Bathroom Collection

“These are products born, imagined, conceived, engineered, crafted and made for you to feel good.”