Trends: Fashion underfoot
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<< Black and white The classic combo
is today’s comeback kid of fashion and
interior design. |
A HOME IS AN EXPLORATION of self. It’s where we go to feel secure
and where we surround ourselves with
the things we love. Like the little black
dress that always prompts compliments,
fashion-conscious consumers
are looking to the runways for design
direction that will cause guests to ooh
and ahh over their home. For a long time, the fashion industry
was one step ahead of the interior
design world. Perhaps long lead times
for home products dictated this delay,
but shifting dynamics in manufacturing
have changed that. The two industries
now seem to be running a bit
more parallel.
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>> French country Provençal style is inspiring everything from mosaic tile to housewares to evening wear. |
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With both fashion and interior
design veterans at the helm of the
Color Marketing Group (CMG)—the
leading authority responsible for
upcoming color trends—it’s no wonder
the two industries are so closely allied. According to the CMG, 2006 will be
the year of über-luxury and color depth.
Home décor has evolved from neutral
tones to today’s thematic statements
that communicate personal style, feeling
and character throughout a home’s
interior and outdoor living spaces.
From magazines to TV shows and
websites, interior design is certainly in
the spotlight for consumers to—well,
consume. This phenomenon has motivated
manufacturers to offer lines
in an ever-widening array of colors
and styles for the growing legions of
fashionista homeowners.
Click here to view more designs.
WHAT TYPE OF TILE WHERE? There’s more to tile selection than
just bold and beautiful aesthetic
value. Tiles made of ceramic,
a naturally porous material, can have
various levels of water absorption.
In dealer lingo, “nonvitreous” is the
term for tiles that absorb the most
water. These should be avoided for
showers, tubs and sink countertops. “Semivitreous” tiles are rated for
low absorption and can be used
for splash areas. For extended
daily exposure to water, a highdensity,
glazed porcelain tile would
be the best choice.
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| << Metallic Draped in silver
or as an accent, metallic tiles
are making their way into
home fashions. |
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Click here to view more designs.
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