Fort Bend Publishing Group 2008
Fort Bend Lifestyles & Homes April 2009
top: Complementi Giorno uses beach colors with casual elegance for an inviting, airy
setting that draws friends and family alike to the dining area.
bottom: Lingotto from Leif Petersen, Inc. shows the use of multi-function space with
striking contemporary designs in white and brown.
from page 1
The Dining-in Experience
The dining area has long been one of the most important rooms in the home. A
gathering place for family and friends, the dining table is where we share good
food and good company and create fond memories. Whether traditional or
contemporary, the setting must be inviting and comfortable as well as
functional.
It must have a certain energy and vibe that makes us want to be there. When a
room feels good, it causes us to feel good emotionally.
When furnishing the dining area, consider what it will be used for—family, company or an office that can quickly be changed back to a dining room
when needed. Do you want a warm and cozy environment or a trendy and modern
space? How many people will occupy the space? Are there small children to
consider? The furniture must be aesthetically pleasing and functional. Buy what
works, looks and feels best in your space.
Color Trends
Color trends for 2009 vary widely from primary colors to muted tones. Classic
pairings of white with black and red in contemporary furnishings signal a
melding of styles to fit the modern homeowner. Varied shades of yellow, from
Citron to Dijon Mustard are expected to become more prominent. Mimosa was named
as Pantone
’s color of the year because of its happy, feel-good appeal.
“Yellow exemplifies the warmth and nurturing quality of the sun, properties we as
humans are naturally drawn to for reassurance,
” said color forecaster Leatrice Eiseman. “Mimosa also speaks to enlightenment, as it is a hue that sparks imagination and
innovation.
”
Light finishes in beach tones combined with casual design can create a tranquil
feeling and turn an everyday dining area into an in-home retreat. Design savvy
consumers are also using red accent pieces to add year-around warmth and color
to a room. Another popular color in wood furniture this year is wenge, a
dark, grayish brown with copper accents.
Designers Go Green
“Green” and “recycled” are recurring buzzwords at this year’s market. Designers are meeting the demands of customers by using sustainable
materials, versatility in utility and a unique combination of eco-friendly
products.
Instead of depleting shrinking forests, many designers are using reclaimed
lumber to create craftsman furn- iture. Others are looking toward easily
replenished trees and plants such as hemp, bamboo, rattan, acacia and teak to
provide building materials. Surface materials also have a new look. A
varnished solid front is often combined with a veneered body or panels. Acrylic
panels encase leaves, beach grass and other plants and are appliqu
éd to doors or partitions.
If you are “nesting in” until you see how the economy shapes up, this is a great time to update your
home and surroundings. Before you buy, heed the words of Giorgio Armani,
couturier and furniture designer, who says that a subtle richness, not obvious
beauty, is most important in modern furniture design.
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