CURVACEOUS CABINETRY
(Image credit: Scarlet Splendour)
More storage, and this time in a much bigger way. And it's going seriously sexy as tidying up never looked so good. The other side of the same coin as those decorative storage boxes, these cabinets are more evidence of the quest to just put everything away and live in an uncluttered space.
Of course, not all storage is to hide your stuff in, and these wet bar cabinets are a way to get the party started. 'Organic shapes are just very inviting,' says designer Bryan O'Sullivan, who regularly uses curves in his schemes. Here, the 88 Secrets Bar Cabinet by Scarlet Splendour brings the glamor with its nod to Italian design aesthetics paired with opulent rose metal details and a sumptuous palette. Handcrafted in Kolkata, this will elevate your entertaining game, providing a space from which to prepare and serve drinks to guests. Customisable finishes are available so you can create a truly individual piece.
CONVIVIAL SEATING
Hémicycle Vis à Vis conversation seat, Ligne Roset, available from Archiproducts
(Image credit: Natalia Miyar)
Furniture designers have spotted the opportunity to bring people back together again, and this new era in furniture design sees a selection of seating options which are all about encouraging the art of in-person conversation.
A curvaceous, contemporary and modern sofa offers two people the opportunity to sit separately, but with the feeling they are still next to each other. 'The shape of a curved sofa is softer and less formal,' explains the French designer Julien Villenueve. 'It creates an enveloping environment where all the family can sit together.'
MINIMALUXE
(Image credit: Future/Matthew Williamson)
A pared back palette that allows the showcasing of your favorite things, minimaluxe is set to take over the design world. It's characterised by soft textures, shapes and colors, and a sense of airiness and light.
Of his apartment in New York, above, stylist Colin King says 'the window are deliberately left unadorned so the space doesn't look too "decorated."' And that desire for simplicity coupled with a space you want to curl up in with your most treasured objects is what minimaluxe is all about.
'It seems that people are leaning towards cooler tones, rather than the warmer neutral tones that have been dominant for so long,' says Shannon. 'A lot of people are paring it back to what's essential, and seeking out the chic design elements found in high tech minimalism of the 90's.'
ZELLIGE TILES
(Image credit: Kensington Leverne. Design: Atelier Ochre)
Reclaimed or vintage-inspired, the archive patterned aesthetic is more popular than ever. When it comes to kitchen or bathroom tiles, the shining yet modern Zellige tiles are taking over.
'In terms of tiles, it's Zellige all the way,' says Candace. 'People are obsessed with the hand-hewn look and subtle earthy tones of the classic Moroccan tiles right now. Specifically the square shape and in varying shades of taupe and creams. We love them too, but try to encourage our clients to go for more unique shapes of the tile or for a deeper, more interesting color that will add more of an impact to the space and accentuate the handmade characteristics that draw them to the tile in the first place. We’re also seeing a lot of ribbed and fluted subway tiles that have that same handcrafted feel popping up a lot in designs right now.'
'Zellige is everywhere, and we feel it's here to stay,' says Shannon. 'Classic checkerboard is also making a comeback. We are working on a Spanish style project at the moment that has subtle cream and terracotta checkerboard tones, which feels a bit less bold than the traditional contrast of black and white.'
WALL LIGHTS TAKING CENTER STAGE
(Image credit: Kelly Wearstler)
Superstar designer Tom Dixon recently told Livingetc about the importance of ‘light washing’, using bulbs cleverly to cover your walls in light rather than just beaming down on them from on high. 'Careful positioning of wall lighting is very important to create the right atmosphere,' says Katie McCrum, the interior designer behind London-based McCrum Studio.
And it isn't coincidence that wall lights are becoming ever more sculptural, scene stealing, sensational and stellar. Be it kitchen wall lighting or bathrooms, these pieces are now stars in their own right, just hanging a little lower than you might expect.
August 05, 2023
