Design Trend #3...Sophisticated Simplicity

So in keeping with the economic times it is no surprise to see an increasing trend in getting back to the basics....where a return to simpler times and "less is more" is becoming the current mantra for many. Naturally this is often translated over to design in fashion and home furnishings. Looking at this design trend you will find neutrals, sheer and transparent fabrics, uncluttered simplicity, simple and clean accessories and the emphasis on form and function. Think of the Bauhaus movement, with the 90th anniversary of this movement in 2010, this has become a classic for the Baby Boomers where "form followed function".

Below are some examples...what are your favorites, how do you see yourself applying this trend to your lifestyle?

MET HOME OF THE YEAR BY KARMAN NG/BARCELONA SOFA CIRCA 1930


FABULOUS HEADBOARD


WONDERFUL CHAIRS!


LOVE THE GRAY FIREWALL!


NEUTRAL PALETTE


KELLY HOPPEN DINING ROOM


GREAT ACCESSORIES FROM LAGUNA B onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9w5sy8euIprwVcr527P7oXyzLBuUnU8xyFwLy9fj_KnfkLXBCr4gov5cPMSMBP2aUTfOeiMvPDOo8uYMDNMWtzo1uaLEbTya1uhZgcx0wNWykTvfkrgm86TAILCFRdwrJ_U8-DBSvRq-N/s1600-h/design-ideas-ED0110-WhatsHot-article.jpg">

Rough Luxe.......a Return to Grace, Industrial Chic .....Mindful Modern

Moving on to the next trend, I feel as though there may be a need to clarify between the "ROUGH LUXE" and the "INDUSTRIAL CHIC" trends. While there are many commonalities the rough textures, aged appearance, distressing, layering there are enough differences for each to stand on it's own. Rough Luxe to me feels more of a state of "acquired elegance" often including heirlooms, a natural beauty of aging, vintage etc. While for me Industrial Chic is more modern, including contemporary art, the exposure of natural elements architecturally, reclaimed finishes..... I see this more in an office or kitchen setting. However we decide to use this look, long gone is the "Throw Away Society" a call to returning items to grace has now established itself. To get this look add grays, beiges and warm neutrals, mixed with washed wovens, french grain sack cloths and burlap, limed oak, aged metals,recycled glass, mercury glass, peeled and distressed finishes.



ROUGH LUXE HOTEL IN LONDON




BEAUTIFUL COLOR PALETTE




VINTAGE OFFICE




GREAT KITCHEN




RECLAIMED FOYER




VAGABOND VINTAGE ACCESSORIES




ARTERIORS BOOKCASE




NATURAL SLATE FIREPLACE SURROUND




GREAT BEDROOM!