Category Archives: Trends
CrazySexyCool Wall Decals & GIVE AWAY!!
This is crazy… I set out to write about how to give your walls ‘the treatment’ using trendy graphic wallpaper and vinyl wall decals, thinking that I would make one post of it. But as I went along researching all the different styles and suppliers of said wall treatment, my only reaction was to say, in the words of Randy from American Idols, “Yo Dude!!” There is too much to fit into one article.
Okay so that has me looking at the trend that seems to have gained considerable momentum in recent times – Vinyl Wall Stickers, also know as Vinyl Wall Decals.
We had occasion in the past to have a decal custom made for one of our clients – it was a funky office space. Other than being a relatively inexpensive means of applying art to a wall, it is an extremely easy application as well. Plus the other bonus factor is that you have any image or typography made to order… As the larney folk will say… Bespoke! Particularly fab for application in babies and kiddies rooms.
A few months ago, a very proactive young lady named Chantelle from CrazySexyCool a Gauteng based Wall Decal business approached us to feature her work. Since wall treatments was on the ‘to do list’ her timing was great.
After Chantelle graduated and got a few letters behind her name, she went on to work in the field of marketing. That led her to dabbling in web design, but also had her longing for more tactile design. In January 2011 she launched her Wall Decal business and in her words “she has not looked back since”.
On the homepage of her website, Chantelle has so adequately opened up the concept of Wall decals. I decided I could not better that…
Decals what?
Wall Decals (or wall vinyl stickers) are a fun way to transform any room from blank and boring to stylish and unique.The vinyl used for the stickers are made from high quality vinyl and are available in many different colours, even fluorescents and metallic.
Stickers where?
Stickers are applied relatively quickly and are very easy to change. Stickers can be stuck on any smooth surface, such as; smooth walls, windows, doors, glass, floors, etc. Wall Decals can be used in offices, shops, on shop windows, homes and even rental homes as it does not damage painted walls.
Vinyl why?
Vinyl stickers for walls are expressions of individual personality and style. When installing there is no mess, as with painting, but the decals can create an illusion of a painted-on design when especially using matt decals. You do not have to have artistic skills or be a state-of-the-art home decorator to turn your plain living space into wonderful one using wall decals.
Just like how easy it is to apply, vinyl wall decals are just as easy to remove without ruining the surface of the wall.
But whoa good news – because these decals / stickers are so reasonably priced, they could make excellent gifts, for that special person or special occasion. Even a wedding gift if you know the person’s taste and style well enough.
More good news! We have an AWESOME R300 GIFT VOUCHER from CRAZYSEXYCOOL TO GIVE AWAY to one lucky participant!
You heard right, Chantelle is giving away a gift voucher to the value of R300 to be redeemed against a Wall Decal purchase of your choice from her online shop.
Here is how it works >>>>>
To enter and stand a chance WIN you must:
1) Comment on this post below by telling us who you are, what your wall decal of choice would be, and where you will put it (check out the CrazySexyCool websitr to view all the awesome designs)!
2) “Like” our Facebook page: here AND the CrazySexyCool Facebook page: here
… additionally if you have Twitter you can also do the following…
Tweet this post and include @streaksahead @CrazySexyCoolSA (by the way…are you following us and CrazySexyCool yet?)
Unfortunately only people residing in South Africa are eligible for this competition. We will announce the lucky winner on Monday, 11 June 2012 - so be sure to enter before then.
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Design Indaba 2012 Is Here!
Images from the 2011 Design Indaba Conference and Expo
It’s finally that time of the year again! Design Indaba 2012 is but a day away, whoop-whoop!
This year however, Rose and I are extra excited as we have been given media accreditation and will be attending the live simulcast of the Design Indaba Conference which starts tomorrow as well as getting up close and personal with all the exhibitors at the Expo. The Conference is held over three days, with a back-to-back speaker programme that features a wide range of designers, artists, social entrepreneurs, ad gurus, filmmakers, culinary masters and this year even a scent expert!
We are practically bouncing up and down in our seats from excitement! Keep your eyes peeled as we will be soaking up all the design goodness and posting regular feedback and play-by-plays! YAY!
Images from the 2011 Design Indaba Conference and Expo
For those of you unfamiliar with Design Indaba, it’s THE event on the South African design calendar which includes the design conference, expo and other design festivities. To further explain the significance of this annual design celebration find below a few excerpts from the proverbial “horse’s mouth”, i.e. The Design Indaba website…
Highlights of the Design Indaba Expo 2010.
“Presenting the very best of South African creativity, Design Indaba Expo is a showcase of exceptional design across all disciplines, including advertising, architecture, craft, décor, film, fashion, graphic design, interior design, jewellery, new media, publishing, product design, visual media and more. Every year sees a more sophisticated interpretation of what South African design is.
Setting a high professional standard, each exhibitor is pre-approved by a curatorial panel of industry experts, ensuring that you will only see bespoke designs of the highest quality on the Design Indaba Expo floor.
In 2010 the core Design Indaba Expo, showing more than 280 exhibitors, including 80 first-time exhibitors and 40 Emerging Creatives, drew well over 35 000 visitors, including 379 journalists and 427 buyers – one third of which were international.“ - designindaba.com
Images from the 2011 Design Indaba Conference and Expo
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So why all the fuss?
1. Design Indaba Expo is your all-in-one creative stop, recognising and celebrating local creative work across all fields.
2. All designs are quintessentially South African – no derivatives, no imports.
3. An influential contingent of local and international buyers consider Design Indaba one of their key shopping destinations, creating a platform for productive trade relationships.
4. On the Design Indaba Expo floor you can catch all-day fashion shows, short films and Pecha Kucha presentation, chat to the designers or simply browse the gorgeous creations on display.
5. Design Indaba Expo coincides with Design Indaba Conference, resulting in a week of creative rejuvenation.
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Images from the 2011 Design Indaba Conference and Expo
THE DESIGN INDABA EXPO takes place from the 2nd – 4th MARCH 2012 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Opening Hours:
Friday 2 March: 10h00 – 20h00 (On-site tickets sales close at 19h00)
Saturday 3 March: 10h00 – 20h00 (On-site tickets sales close at 19h00)
Sunday 4 March: 10h00 – 18h00 (On-site tickets sales close at 17h00)
Price:
Adults: R60
Pensioners and Students: R40
Scholars and Children: R30
Kids under 10: free!
Info & images via the Design Indaba website (be sure to check it out for more info)
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St Leger & Viney Presents Design Focus
South African luxe fabric house, St Leger & Viney, is hosting an exciting international lifestyle trend event at the University of Johannesburg on the 28th of March. The event, called “Design Focus“, will feature local and international design industry leaders including none other than international interior design legend, Nicky Haslam.
“This event presents a rare opportunity to interact with, and be inspired by, one of the world’s most revered and appreciated designers. Nicky Haslam is known for his high-end design, commissioned by rocks stars and royalty alike. His style is ever changing, yet always distinguishable for its charm, and with his decades of experience no one marries a historical sensibility with a modern contemporary outlook quite like Nicky Haslam. Nicky is as renowned for his timeless interiors as his for informative and witty presentation style. We are confident that he will stimulate, educate and inspire you with his humour and knowledge.“
Other speakers include David Walker of the impressive UK fabric & wallpaper houses Sanderson & Zoffany; José Angel Climent of the luxury textile group, Lizzo Designs in Spain; as well as Philippe van der Merwe of Tonic Design and Jamie Clyde, the CEO of SLOW Lounge.
Whether you are an architect, designer, decorator, or just an enthusiast, Design Focus is sure to be both inspirational and educational and not to be missed! When else in your lifetime are you likely to see Nicky Haslam in the flesh?! SO exciting!
For more info check out the event details: here, or contact Anna Keep at (011) 444 6722.
Related articles
- Shinan: Nicky Haslam brings his glamour to Toronto (arts.nationalpost.com)
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2011 Trend Watching – Part Three
By Marica
Throughout this week we have been chatting about the various trends we have observed in 2011. We kicked off Part One with our favourite Décor Style Trends and discussed our most-loved Colour Trends in Part Two. Today, in Part 3, we continue our Trends 2011 discussion with a look at our favourite Pattern trends of the past year…
Pattern Trends:
Pattern, textile and other surface designs play a larger role in the establishment of interior design & decor trends than we think. It is also no secret that current Fashion Trends have some influence on future Décor Trends. Since Pattern makes bold visual and stylistic statements, it is one of the first elements decor gleams from fashion (after style, of course). Where in the minimalist contemporary trend of the previous 5 years pattern was rarely used, interiors are now filled with gorgeous pattern.
Geometrics:
For the past year everywhere we looked we saw geometric patterns – fabrics, rugs, decor pieces, even in elements of furniture design. This funky change in pattern was a breath of fresh air to the tired trends of yesteryear that contained mostly organic shapes (that is if it contained pattern at all).
The beauty of these trending geometric patterns is that they can take up an array of shapes, forms, scales and cultural influences. For instance – we saw a lot of chinois-inspired lattice, links and brickwork geos; some beautiful and bold nautical stripes; Greek Keys; Moroccan Quatrefoils; Tribal African Geos; and even beautiful rustic Navajo geometrics.
The most popular geos of the 2011 were a lot less complicated – bold chevron and thick herringbone patterns and solid triangles – most of course, in bright daring colours or contrasting black on white.
And while most bold patterns have a definite contemporary vibe, they also signify a return to tradition as most of the geos are historical significant. You know what they say – trends are cyclic and bound to repeat (hopefully with a contemporary twist).
Truly my favourite trend of the past year and happily still going strong – we are going to see a lot more geos in 2012. It’s definitely hip to be square…and triangular…and rectangular…
Toile:
Toile has been around for centuries (from the 18th century to be exact) and this highly detailed pattern has always been a favoured addition to traditional and classic interiors. Usually consisting of a white or off-white background on which a fairly intricate scene is printed in a single colour. Toile patterns generally tell a story in pastoral themes such as a couple having a picnic by a lake, fisherman in their boats, or farmers working the fields.
Toile has however received a contemporary revamp in the past couple of years that has boosted it to trend. Now, not only limited to fabrics anymore – we see beautiful toiles on wallpaper in surprising and bold colours. Gone are the boring black/brown on white prints – think pink, shocking pink! With this trendy adaption Toile can now look stunning in even a funky cotemporary interior.
Florals:
The floral trend is back in full force – and it’s probably got the nostalgic trend to thank for it! Entering mainstream trends a year or two ago (although florals has always been on the backburners), the runways are now an explosion of florals in all shapes and sizes.
Bright 80s prints, dainty romantic florals in pastels, big florals in watery brushstrokes, and beautiful vintage prints all provide just the right amount of whimsy. I’ve even seen some interiors that took a rather “Victorian” approach in their use of florals – that is to say florals EVERYWHERE…and bizarrely enough I quite liked it.
Ikat:
Ikat patterns were hot, hot, hot last year. Essentially a dyeing technique, and similar to the tie-dying process, it is originally produced in several pre-Columbian Central and South American cultures. The technique has however been adopted by many eastern countries. Ikat weaving styles vary widely and many design motifs may have ethnic or symbolic meaning.
One of the main reasons why Ikat enjoyed so much popularity in the past year (other than the fact that it’s deliciously ethnic) is once again bold use of colour. Exotic tie-dye patterns in hot pink, deep blue and bright orange – beautiful! I however think that Ikat has a “shelf-life”, we best enjoy it while we can.
Oh, there are still a good handful of trends we really enjoyed this past year, but since we don’t want to bore you with a long spiel, here in closing are a few images of some other favourites…
Other Favourites…
Use of Typography
Illustration and sketching
Chinoiserie
Animal prints - especially birds and rabbits
.
Related articles
- 2011 Trend Watching – Part Two (thedesigntabloid.com)
- 2011 Trend Watching – Part One (thedesigntabloid.com)
- Décor Dictionary: Hollywood Regency Style (thedesigntabloid.com)
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2011 Trend Watching – Part Two
By Marica
Yesterday we discussed some style trends we observed in 2011, highlighting our favourites. Today we’ll be looking at our favourite 2011 colour trends…
Colour Trends:
At the beginning of 2011 various berry colours did the rounds - luscious shades of purple, red and pink. Pantone’s colour of 2011, Honeysuckle Pink, probably had a large role to play in the berry-coloured trend. Since the trend is to draw our inspiration from nature in terms of colour, it comes as no surprise to find that the rich, warm and comforting colours of berries have unfolded onto the artist’s palette. The colour red hit the stage of fashion and design a number of years ago. And like most things that evolve, so too has the tones of red. This evolution has moved from being bold striking reds, to the more gentle tones of berry, cherry, pink, purple – and the most awesome part of it all, is that these same colours are boldly and effectively, being coupled with teal blue, deep aqua blue, chartreuse yellow, grey and black. Adding exciting and adventurous flavours that allows the man-in-the-street to dabble with colour in a manner not seen for a long time.
Another awesome colour trend was the use of sunny yellow. I’m instantly drawn to the warm, friendly colour. We observed a good few beautiful yellow interiors - most often paired with another trending colour - grey. The predominant trend is to use pops of yellow as accent colour and the contrasting grey as a neutral base. Splashes of yellow adds some instant sunshine and statement to an interior as the use of such a bright yellow is quite bold. The combo of warm (yellow) and cool (grey) really complements contemporary interiors.
A colour trend that is still going strong, is my much-loved shades of blue. Blues of all shades and hues has been trending this past year – strong cobalt, bright ultramarine, deep indigo, sea-foam, aqua, turquoise, robin’s egg. Jeez, thinking of all the beautiful inky blues is making me all excited, lyrical even! Rose also agrees that this blue trend was by far her favourite colour trend of 2011 – lets hope it sticks around for another year or ten…blue is timeless.
There is one of the past year’s colour trends that Rose and I really had to get used to – the all-white phenomenon. Hugely popular, we now see it in every other interior – white walls, white floors, splashes of accent colours and textures. Our problem, you see, is that we view walls and floors as an integral part of “layering” – an interior with white walls and floors is therefore missing “layers”. Rose and I have however grown to love this fresh and open style of decorating (when somehow refined) – it must be the Scandinavian influence.
Towards the end of 2011 we saw gradual migration towards fresh spring colours - especially corals and salmons, usually paired with aqua and turquoise blues. I found the introduction of the coral and salmon hues quite surprising and unexpected. I can remember telling Rose “I will never like those – it’s just another name for shades of (dreadful) peach!“ Luckily, I soon changed my mind – I can honestly say that the coral-aqua combo is one of my favourite colour trends of 2011. This pastel-coloured trend is also said to be one of the strong colour trends of 2012.
Stick around for Part 3 of our 2011 Trends report where we discuss the past year’s pattern trends…
So, what colour trends did you notice in 2011? We would love to hear about your favourites colour!
Related articles
- 2011 Trend Watching – Part One (thedesigntabloid.com)
- Colours that don’t “do it” for me… (thedesigntabloid.com)
