No Shrinking Violets These

When I was combing my digital feeds to see what inspired me from the recent design trade shows in Atlanta, Las Vegas and New York, surprisingly nothing jumped out at me.  It made me think, have my design sensibilities dulled?  But then I was struck by the bold and saturated colors and patterns I was seeing in the feeds of visitors to Paris Deco Off in January.  This show, in its seventh year, features the latest in textiles as well as other residential design materials.

Geometric and abstract textile patterns were prominent as well as patterns emulating techniques for manipulating other materials -- like the marbilization of paper and oxidation of metals.  But the textiles that jumped out at me most were those featuring exotic florals and tropical greenery.  There's nothing like bold patterns and saturated colors to steer us away from the safety of monochromatic neutrals!  I dare the most die-hard proponents of white, beige and grey to resist one of these beauties!

Below are some tempting new releases to enliven drab color schemes.  Who needs roses this Valentine's Day when you can have these?

                  

Above left, Chromatropic from the Maya Collection by Pierre Frey, inspired by the colorful world of Central America.  Above right, Tropicana from the Cubana Collection by Matthew Williamson for Osborne & Little, inspired by pre-revolutionary Cuba.

        

Above left, Leonor from the Anopura Collection by Lorca for Osborne & Little, inspired by exotic locations (actually released in 2014).  Above right, Cuilko, an embroidered pattern on linen in the Maya Collection by Pierre Frey. Inspired by (duh!) cacti.

           

Abpve left, Broderique on linen from the Bonsai of the Vanities Collection by Jim Thompson, a re-creation of an 18th century embroidery in a contemporary color palette.  Above right, Flamingo Club from the Cubana Collection by Matthew Williamson for Osborne & Little.

     

Above left, Veracruz from the Maya Collection by Pierre Frey, inspired by the flora of South America.  Above right, Tulipan (actually introduced in Spring 2015), from the Pasha Collection by Osborne & Little.