We see them – in homes, in stores, in
magazines, online – but we don’t always know what they’re called. But they are popular. So here’s a little get-to-know-you course in
a few popular design items trending right now.
Color Blocking – It seems
pretty self-explanatory, but color blocking is a technique
where blocks of various colors are put together to create clothing or
accessories with finite areas of solid colors.
Evidently it was big in the 60s, and it’s back in a big way. It often refers to women’s clothing, but it
can be found in bedding, fabrics, and other home accessories.
Pouf – A pouf is a soft, round or square seat with no back or sides, used for sitting on or resting your feet on. They’re great little side
pieces to go with living room seating in place of traditional ottomans, and
they fit right into kids’ or teens’ room for casual seating and lounging.
Gourd Lamp – A gourd lamp has a
bulbous base, similar to the lower body of a snowman, and comes in single and double
gourd base styles. Often ceramic and
sometimes in clear glass, it’s a retro look made contemporary with modern
colors and simple cylinder lamp shades.
Greek Key – First known as a
meander pattern, the Greek key design is a decorative border constructed from a continuous line,
shaped into a repeated motif. You’ve likely
seen it but may not have labeled it as such.
The Greek key is popular on mirror frames, bedding, rug borders, and
upholstery fabrics.
Ikat – Ikat is Indonesian in
origin and is a dyeing technique used to pattern
textiles through a process similar to tie-dye prior to weaving. It would be considered one of the world
patterns that is gaining in popularity and has a busy, repeating pattern with
almost a water colored, blurred edges look.
Zoey Floral – Zoey Floral is a close-up bloom
silhouette design often overlapping and in bright colors. It is popular on invitations and other paper
goods, as well as upholstery fabrics and some clothing.
Ombré – Ombré comes from the French word meaning
shaded or shading. It means shaded or
graduated in tone, often going from light to dark or dark to light with a smooth
transition. You see this pattern in
clothing, other textiles and accessories, nail art, and even hair.
So now you know.
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star April 27th.
