Making The Old, New
By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 11/14/2005
New York —The key new look for interiors is an eclectic mix of old and new, vintage and antique, plus 20th and 21st century modern furniture, arts and crafts from all over the world, according to Jo-an Jenkins, publisher and editor-in-chief of Jenkins UK.
Jenkins, who related the message during an At Home with Tencel and Modal Autumn/Winter launch showcase, said mixing old and new also involves rethinking the past. More and more often, she said, design houses are going into their archives and respinning old patters with new, more modern colorations.
“The essential element is freedom,” said Jenkins. “We have now reached the point where we can do what we like.”
For example, she explained, an antique chair can be covered with modern pillows, “and you have something exciting and new. Take familiar concepts and bring them forward.”
Jenkins also noted a return of polka dots and a frequent use of black-and-white items against vibrantly colored backgrounds.
Other observations from Jenkins:
- Bold Print, Bright Color and Black/White — dramatic color and pattern, making strong statements about both.
- Bold Walls — with strong color, dramatic pattern, or both.
- Bold Graphics — playful use of pattern and shape.
- Bold Shape, Bold Size — using shape and size, as well as color, to make dramatic statements.
- Bold Texture — dimensional textures on hard surfaces.
- Soft and Subtle — never goes away for bed/bath. Texture is key. Returning: the blanket, traditional motifs such as cakes and sweets, chandeliers and lace doilies.
