The White Luxury Design Trend for 2009 brings a touch of modern magic that is futuristic yet ethereal. After years of the heavy earth tones, this light and airy trend is refreshing and uplifting. The details are not only about the colour white but also the play of light, with a strong interplay of reflection and sparkle, translucency and transparency. We find highly engineered materials in applications with a historical perspective that are dimensional, artistic and intriguing.
The white pieces we found spanned the scope from upholstery, light fixtures and lamps, accessories, area rugs to lacquered fireplace mantels, and in all styles. While ultra-modern pieces in white are somewhat predicable, the traditional styled pieces in shiny, white lacquered finishes are fresh and new. In top photo, the Rococo-style mirror in white lacquer was the piece found in numerous showrooms and could be labelled the "trademark" for this trend. Classic pieces are new and contemporary with the simple application of a high-gloss white finish.
To illustrate the light and airy component, details such as laser-cut delicate fretwork allow light to pass through, casting ethereal and moody shadows. In photo at centre right, the laser-cut chrome-finish legs add a delicate detail to the white lacquered finished tabletop. The marrying of high-tech materials such as resin and acrylic with traditional delicate motifs is the recurring feature of this trend. Surfaces are sculptured and geometric, layered and organic, faceted and filtered -- almost like high-tech origami.
Many classic designs are also updated with sparkle and reflective details such as chrome-finished cabriolet legs on a classic wing chair, in photo at bottom right, or shiny silver studs on a leather ottoman or Swarovski crystals on a tufted headboard. The chrome finish on a classical-styled chandelier gives a totally new look and a fresh perspective on traditional. In photo at left, a high-polished chrome drum-light fixture paired with hand-crafted Murano glass details is a fabulous example of white luxury.
In researching kitchen trends earlier this year, white has also resurfaced in popularity, but to not repeat the '80s look, the high-gloss white is paired with another colour or wood finish. This same look was found in case goods such as wall units, where high-gloss white lacquer is combined with walnut wood details.
If this look sparks your interest, you can update your home by an overall redo or simply by small changes and additions. How about combining this trend with eco-tecture and recycle a few pieces in your home with a coat of high-gloss lacquer paint? Breathe new life into your old dining set or dust off the old-style suitcases and stack to make a table. Then add some sparkle and dimension, with mirror wall scones and a pierced resin cocktail table.
White luxury is futuristic with a historical perspective. It is light and airy, not cold, harsh or austere. You will find this exciting, fresh and modern trend will add sparkle, dimension and transparency to your home that will delight your eyes and soothe your senses.
Kim Schroeder is owner of Charisma, the design experience.
Third in a series:
Winnipeg interior designer Kim Schroeder attended the recent 2009 Las Vegas Furniture Show and is reporting on trends in interior design as seen at the show
