The Living Legacy Trend for 2009 embraces unique, hand-made, one-of-a-kind which is a counterbalance to the worst of mass production. Rich in colour and texture, this trend celebrates the mixing of materials, often unpredictable but always exquisite. Influences are found far around the world and not any specific style or culture.
This theme embraces sustainable communities, where micro productions and limited editions are created. These developing countries and regions are creating enabling partnerships, which combine artisanship, good design and marketing. This, in turn, creates valuable links between makers and the real commercial markets. Artisans are not only creating works of art for us to enjoy but a better lifestyle for their families.
Living Legacy objects celebrate their workmanship, construction and materials and each piece has its own story. No one material is featured. Metal, textile, ceramic, glass or wood are all mediums used to create these one-of-a-kind treasures.
Photo 1: Details, details
This is a broad representation of this trend from the colours to the details -- hand-crafted leather rug, forged metal shelving units, hand-hewn wood top console, mother of pearl framed mirror and even the hand-painted wall graphic.
Photo 2: Every buffet tells a story
Many of the pieces that fall under the Ecotecture trend also fit into this trend, such as the reclaimed wood buffet and the hand-crafted metal mirror in Photo B. The story behind the piece can be as interesting as the piece itself.
Photo 3: Pillow talk
In textiles, pin-tucking, smocking, ruffles and soutache -- see Photo C -- are just a few of the details that can be found on pillows, bedding and draperies. These dress-maker details are precise and delicate and if you have ever done any sewing, you will know the skill required to create these gems.
The colour palette for this trend combines a rich and varied range of botanical shades such as mustard, aloe, grape and cactus. The tones are vibrant but calming.
Living Legacy is a trend with timeless appeal -- functional beauty that is imaginative and unique. The look honours its' maker and becomes a treasure or heirloom handed down to generations to follow.
In a world where financial and political turbulence is widespread, we gravitate to the calming & nurturing comfort of family and friends. Equilibrium is a polar reaction to the selfish, self-centered attitude of the past. The look allows you to rebalance and rediscover a calmer quality of life that is centered on care and community.
Colour plays a big role in this home décor look. The palette is inspired by the inherent similarities we share, no matter how culturally diverse we are. Jasmine, rose, linden, moss and mint are calming, nurturing and refreshing tones - colours you can wrap yourself in. The palette is soft, peaceful and low contrast, meaning the colours blend harmoniously and without shocking differences.
Photo 4: Adjust the contrast
A black and white scheme is considered high contrast, while a scheme of beige, white and taupe of the same colour values is considered low contrast.
Soft wood tones are also key, in keeping with the low contrast theme. Medium wood tones in hand-scraped or sand-blasted textures complete this serene look. Rather than the high contrast of the dark woods of the past few years, these wood colours flow in a non-jarring and easy way.
In the past, we reached for safe, timeless colours and details in times of uncertainly and turbulence. Today, we also want safe and timeless qualities but we also want nurturing and rejuvenating and above all, optimistic!
Design trends are fun to follow and to discover what is new and innovative. But remember, your home needs to be a reflection of your personality and lifestyle. So, my advice to you, is use what works for you and ignore the rest. To be trendy for the sake of being "in" is foolish and a waste of money.
Design Trends 2009 by Kim Schroeder of Charisma, the design experience (204) 487-6994, experience@charismadesign.ca www.charismadesign.ca
