FURL Lighting Collection by MARZ Designs + CHRISTEL H. Design Studio

A minimalist lighting collection designed in collaboration with Christel Hadiwibawa of CHRISTEL H. Design Studio

A unified collection of three, origami inspired, wall lights will be unveiled at DENFAIR this year in June. 

The ‘FURL’ collection is the result of a collaboration between MARZ Designs + CHRISTEL H. Design Studio who joined forces to create a set of signature indoor-outdoor wall lights, having noticed a gap in the market for elegant and contemporary wall lights that offered alternative display configurations to appeal to both residential and contract lighting specifiers.

The FURL lighting range explores simplicity and material experimentation in its purest form. Inspired by expressing common materials in unusual ways, the light imitates the softness of a paper fold through the manipulation of a hard material. The design accommodates an energy efficient LED light source in the fold of the material, visible through a small aperture which creates a soft ambient light and a sense of curiousness.

The FURL fixtures are made from folded sheets of metal rolled over to imitate the softness of paper. The lights emit diffused light from their open edges and through a laser cut incision that references the original shape of the metal sheet. The result is a fixture that not only creates an ambient light, but is also an eye-catching wall feature that becomes a considered element in an interior or exterior design scheme.

Derived from three classic shapes – Square, Triangle and Circle, the lights can be installed in a number of configurations: as a single stand-alone wall light; as a unified formation using a single shape or as combination of all three.

The collection is available in White or natural brushed Brass, with custom finishes also available on request.

Suited to both interior and exterior applications.

FURL - CIRCLE

Designer - Coco Reynolds and Christel Hadiwibawa

Made in - Sydney, Australia

Material - Aluminium or Brushed Brass

Maximum Voltage and Wattage: DC12V / 10W

Lighting: LED Tube Strip with heat sink housing, PVC diffuser and end caps - Globe included

Overall Dimensions: 380mm x 190mm x 70mm (H x L x D)

Weight: 1.5kgs

Warranty: 12 months

FURL - SQUARE

Designer - Coco Reynolds and Christel Hadiwibawa 

Made in - Sydney, Australia  

Material - Aluminium or Brushed Brass 

Maximum Voltage and Wattage: DC12V / 10W 

Lighting: LED Tube Strip with heat sink housing, PVC diffuser and end caps - Globe included 

Overall Dimensions: 380mm x 165mm x 70mm (H x L x D) 

Weight: 1.5kgs 

Warranty: 12 months 

FURL - TRIANGLE

Designer - Coco Reynolds and Christel Hadiwibawa 

Made in - Sydney, Australia  

Material - Aluminium or Brushed Brass 

Maximum Voltage and Wattage: DC12V / 10W 

Lighting: LED Tube Strip with heat sink housing, PVC diffuser and end caps - Globe included 

Overall Dimensions: 490mm x 210mm x 70mm (H x L x D) 

Weight: 1.5kgs 

Warranty: 12 months 

Marz is an Australian industrial design studio that develops premium lighting and accessories. Founded in 2010, the Marz aesthetic is inspired by the beauty of raw materials and simplicity of natural lines and geometric shapes. Our philosophy is contemporary in aesthetic, underpinned with a respect for traditional techniques and an assurance of quality and functionality. Taking cues from mid-century design and modernist keynotes, Marz is committed to producing timeless yet contemporary pieces that live and grow with you.

Australian designed, Australian made.

Founded by Coco Reynolds.

For more information please visit marzdesigns.com

PANTONEVIEW HOME + INTERIORS 2018

INSPIRING AND EXPRESSING COLOR:

Defining the Essential Trends

In our world of over communication, excessive information and endless connectivity, we have become option saturated. Distilling the complex universe of color concepts into eight distinctively designed palettes, PANTONEVIEW home + interiors 2018 will help you stay well ahead.

With Pantone’s desire to inspire and ensure you are on the right color path, Pantone’s key color stories for 2018 break free from traditional thinking: colors are revitalized, hues are mixed in novel combinations, and new color directions express a fresh approach that satisfies the consumers’ need for newness.

This book is paired with 75 forecasted Pantone cotton standards for soft home applications.

PANTONEVIEW home + interiors 2018 offers inspiration, key color direction and suggested color harmonies targeted towards interior design and home furnishings, including housewares, decorative accessories, bedding, bath, toys, ooring, indoor and outdoor furniture, paint, oral and food design.

Looking at color as the catalyst that can de ne the space and create the magic and the mood, PANTONEVIEW home + interiors is segmented by color trend with each story broken out in the following way:

1) Introduction
Each palette is introduced with a written overview of the trend and a supporting visual that sets the tone and highlights some of the key colors in the trend palette.

2) Inspiration Photos
Then follows four pages of photos which visually display the lifestyle concept or inspiration from which the trend story evolved and developed, as well as visuals of products and end-uses where the trend colors are applied. Color harmonies are displayed within these photos as are key palette descriptors.

3) Harmonies
Located within the photo pages is a printed color card of the trend palette along with the individual palette rationale, key color directives and color harmonies. Color harmonies show which colors should be mixed together and in what proportion or measure.

4) Summary Page
Highlighting additional insight and directions, a summary page concludes the forecast with a comprehensive color overview and a look at other factors in uencing the forecast.

5) 2018 Colors by Color Family
Printed color card displayed by color family provides a quick color overview.

6) 2018 Key Color Direction – NEW FEATURE
Written and visual overview highlighting key colors and concepts to take forward for product, interior design and visual merchandising.

Format

• 12” x 18” oblong format; soft-cover, wire-bound book
• 75 Forecasted Pantone cotton standards separated into palettes
• Printed color card highlighting color direction by color family
• Forecast imagery, separated by palette and color family, available via download
• Includes PANTONE Color Manager Software

Color

• Overarching forecast theme
• Eight individual palettes supported by trend story, inspirational imagery, color harmonies and palette key words
• Each trend palette contains four to five color harmony options
• Topline look at key finishes, textures, and patterns
• Printed color card displays forecast colors by family
• Written and visual overview highlights key color concepts
• CMYK values for each of the 75 forecasted colors

For those designing in plastic:

PANTONEVIEW home + interiors 2018/ Plastic Standards additionally includes large PANTONE Plastic Standards Chips of each of the 75 forecasted colors in a carousel organiser.

This PANTONEVIEW home + Interiors format comes with 75 forecasted plastic standards in a spinning carousel arranged by palette.

PANTONE® and other Pantone trademarks are the property of Pantone LLC. PANTONE Colors may not match PANTONE-identi ed standards. Consult current PANTONE Color Publications for accurate color. All trend information © Pantone - http://www.pantone.com

Kasthall’s Rug Collection: Arrival of Origin

Kasthall’s Design Studio Refines Design Legacy and Creates Momentum Going Forward

For the 2017 collection, Kasthall’s design studio has put particular emphasis on future development with the company’s design legacy as its point of departure. The theme of the 2017 collection is "Arrival of Origin". One of the news is within hand tufted rugs. Kasthall combines LOOP-technology with a new three-dimensional technique for tufting, using the best of traditional craftsmanship. Showcasing the new technology are the first two releases of the collection – the hand-tufted Field and Madison rugs.

Since the start in 1889, Kasthall has been an innovative design company that creates trends rather than following them. The idea behind this year’s collection is to highlight Kasthall’s design origins as well as its ability to look ahead and develop new crafting techniques. Kasthall has been developing the LOOP technique for some years now, making a more three-dimensional expression in tufted rugs possible in the 2017 collection. 

In this collection, Kasthall experiments with creating patterns by applying different heights of bouclé, showcased in the two new releases: the Field and Madison rugs. The surface in the higher bouclé adds a new expression, creating shadows that subtly enhance the three-dimensional look and feel. The rugs are framed with a cut edge, adding a stylish and playful touch.

Prior to the color selection, Kasthall looked into its existing color archive of weaving yarn consisting of 116 different shades of color. Weaving yarn is thicker than traditional tuft yarn and gives a more robust impression. 

The color choices for the 2107 collection were inspired by pure material such as paper, clay and chalk. The Field collection blends Paris Blue, Rouge, Almond, Porcelain Pink and Blond.

All images courtesy of Kasthall.

About Kasthall

The historic company Kasthall designs and manufactures exclusive rugs for private and public environments. Since it was founded in 1889, the company has had its own manufacturing facility in Kinna, western Sweden. Over the years, Kasthall has become one of the leading international design companies in textile flooring and today, most of its sales are outside of Sweden. Kasthall continues to develop its products with an extraordinary understanding of design and innovation, invaluable craftsmanship, a focus on sustainability, and by always delivering unique rugs of the highest quality to the global interior design world. 

For more information, visit www.kasthall.com

MINI LIVING "Forests" Installation by Asif Khan

MINI at the London Design Festival 2016

At the London Design Festival 2016, MINI is collaborating with Asif Khan, whose installation MINI LIVING "Forests" explores three interpretations of these "spaces between spaces".

In cities like London and New York, affordable places to live are in short supply. House/flat shares or one-bedroom apartments that fall within a reasonable budget offer barely enough room for our everyday needs. At the same time, the world of work is also undergoing a period of change as workplaces go mobile and self-employment blooms. These developments have led to "third places" – those that lie between work and home – growing in importance. At the London Design Festival 2016, MINI is collaborating with Asif Khan, whose installation MINI LIVING "Forests" explores three interpretations of these "spaces between spaces". They are each designed to encourage specific uses: relaxation, getting together or productivity. The design of the three spaces uses plants to improve city living.

"As an urban brand, MINI is well aware of the challenges affecting cities and of the complex ways in which mobility, architecture and the people who live in cities interact," explains Esther Bahne, Head of Brand Strategy and Business Innovation at MINI. "The MINI LIVING 'Forests' installation reflects our understanding of the 'creative use of space' when it comes to shared urban areas. And it sees us continuing the conversation on future city living which we started with the 'MINI LIVING – Do Disturb' installation at this year’s Salone del Mobile in Milan.”

The city as an extension of our personal space.

Third places already provide important contact points in our modern urban society. They are places where we meet and relax, or places offering certain services, which are generally privately owned and food/drink-related. Freelancers, for example, often use cafés as offices and restaurants as meeting rooms. As a result, these venues do not fulfil their purposes as such, instead merely performing add-on roles. And many are not open to all or places you can make your own. At the London Design Festival, MINI and Asif Khan are putting forward an alternative approach to third places as we currently know them, creating spaces which can be accessed by the public, used as desired by each visitor and tailored to the needs of our urban society. What makes this fascinating is their focus on “activating” potential spaces in the city, at the same time as offering its population new ways to use them. "Increasing urban density around the world requires us to find new creative avenues for utilising the space we have and the potential it offers," says Oke Hauser, Creative Lead for MINI LIVING. "The invigoration of our public spaces and the way they link in with our private spheres provide particularly broad scope for re-thinking our cities and our approach to urban planning."

MINI is using the motto "Your Side of Town" to urge people visiting the installations to discover the city and the ways in which its spaces can be used, and to bring them to life to their own benefit.

The concept.

MINI joined forces with London-based Asif Khan, who investigated the "third places" theme by using urban greenery to design a series of installations. "My response to the theme is inspired by the Japanese concept of 'shinrin yoku', which literally means 'forest bathing'. It means every sense switches to absorb the forest atmosphere, what you hear, what you smell, even the feeling underfoot. On another level, we use plants as a tool to assert our personal space at its boundary with public space, whether on our desk at the office or at the perimeter of our home. The project brings these two ideas together for visitors to experience new sensations within the city," says Khan.

The three installations are located within walking distance of one another in Shoreditch, London, forming a network that visitors can explore and experience. Their clear material language creates a deliberate contrast to Shoreditch’s urban setting. They are all rectangular forms, with walls made from several layers of transparent, corrugated polycarbonate. The green of the plants shines through the walls and offers an early indication of the fascinating setting inside. From the inside, the materials of the walls construct a purposefully diffused connection with the outside world and, as a result, generate an intimate, private space amid the hustle and bustle beyond.

Connect. Create. Relax.

The three rooms that make up the installation differ in both external size and intended usage. Inside as well, each installation greets the visitor with a unique landscape. The Connect Space is a place for meeting up and catching up – spontaneously or pre-planned. A large table forms the centrepiece of the room, which can be used as an evening dining area, for example. The plants both allow visitors to immerse themselves deeply in the forest ambience and play their part in an extremely intense communication experience.

The Create Space offers the best possible ambience in which to focus on work; it represents an island of creativity and productivity. The flexible arrangement of furnishings inside means the space can be used in a variety of ways. One wall reveals a terraced landscape, providing the ideal backdrop for pitches and presentations, for example.

The Relax Space welcomes visitors with an abundance of plants. If offers space in which to take a step back, switch off from the hectic nature of everyday life and relax. Visitors enter via the underside of the installation. Once inside, a bench invites them to take a breather. The vertical space draws the eye upwards, prompting a change of perspective and an avenue for contemplation.

MINI's exploration of third places and the solutions that improve urban life will continue later this year with the launch of a new, long-term initiative in the U.S. A/D/O, a 23,000 square-foot (2,000+ square meter) space for design in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, will introduce a diverse programme of resources for creative professionals, including a prototyping studio, in-house accelerator and open workspace. Built for designers, yet open to the general public, A/D/O will cultivate a platform for dynamic discourse that seeks to become a prolific source of ideas for the future.

The MINI LIVING "Forests" installation is open to the public and available for use during the London Design Festival (17 – 25 September).

Location Addresses:
Vince Court, N1 6EA
Charles Square Gardens, N1 6HS
Corner of Pitfield Street and Charles Square, EC1V 9EY

Opening Times*:
17 September: 10.00 – 20.00 hrs
18 September: 10.00 – 18.00 hrs
19 September: 08.00 – 20.00 hrs
20 September: 08.00 – 22.00 hrs
21 September: 08.00 – 21.00 hrs
22 September: 08.00 – 20.00 hrs
23 September: 08.00 – 20.00 hrs
24 September: 10.00 – 20.00 hrs
25 September: 10.00 – 18.00 hrs

* All times are GMT.

All images courtesy of BMW Group - bmwgroup.com

Violet Verbena Named 2017 Color of the Year by PPG PAINTS Brand

The PPG PAINTS™ Brand Unveiled Its 2017 Color of the Year: Violet Verbena (PPG1169-5), a Grayed-off, Moody Purple with a Chameleon-like Presence.

 Violet Verbena named 2017 Color of the Year by PPG PAINTS brand (Photo: PPG PAINTS)

"Violet Verbena is at once as nostalgic as it is modern. It’s substantial in a world that can sometimes seem so temporary, luxurious in a harsh world that needs pampering, and introspective and private in an invasive world," said Dee Schlotter, senior color marketing manager, PPG. "Purple was unanimously selected as the 2017 Color of the Year by PPG’s global color experts for its distinctive qualities. We are seeing this shade of violet on the runway in fashion, and in textiles for the commercial and residential segments."

Schlotter cited a new era of consumer mindsets as part of the reason that the PPG Paints brand selected Violet Verbena as the hottest color for 2017. These new attitudes defy convention and blend ideations of gender, relationships, careers, workplaces and living spaces, she said.

“Consumers now embrace the middle ground between masculine and feminine, young and old, and work and leisure. Violet Verbena’s blending of gray and violet reflects that middle ground,” Schlotter said.

Violet Verbena serves as an ideal evolution of the bohemian, gypset (gypsy-jetset) consumer lifestyle that has been trending recently. As this type of consumer shifts in to new attitudes and experiences - they are becoming more mindful, more mystic, and more deeply involved in spiritual exploration and fascinated with cosmic exploration, she said. “Consumers are drawn to the galactic dark colors that combine deep purples, blues and grays to create an intriguing futuristic vibe,” Schlotter said.

PPG’s more than 20 color stylists around the world, each specializing in different markets, collaborate to determine styles and color trends for homes as well as electronic devices and automobiles. The company’s unique position as a color leader in multiple industries enables it to observe and translate emerging global color trends for its customers’ applications – from consumer goods to automotive, from residential to commercial to industrial design.

The PPG Paints brand’s 2017 Color of the Year is a unique violet hue with a quality that allows it to adapt to surrounding environments and complement a variety of design aesthetics. When paired with dark neutrals, the color unveils gray undertones, but when paired with whites, it reads as a purer purple, according to Schlotter. Its design appeal is similarly nuanced, she said. “Violet Verbena blends perfectly with many different surroundings, like a chameleon. It looks polished yet playful in a child’s room, and it is calming enough to be used in hospitals or other spaces that require tranquility.

"The color is a modern choice for interiors and furnishings, yet it is elegant enough to be incorporated into traditional designs,” she continued. "Violet Verbena is colorful enough to make a statement, but it can also be considered neutral with its gray undertones."

Violet Verbena is the focal point of PPG’s four global color trend stories for 2017, which center on the theme of Pendulum: earth, water, fire and air. For the first time, the PPG Paints brand includes its Color of the Year in all of its trend themes, as the prevalence of this hue allows it to live in every story. 

The four themes are:

HOURGLASS: A classic palette with a contemporary spin, this theme represents the earth element, with consumers finding stability in what they know and gravitating toward designs rooted in historical relevance. The palette incorporates rich, royal hues such as PPG Paints brand colors Burgundy Wine (PPG1053-7), Old Mill Blue (PPG1171-6) and Castle Stone (PPG1128-7), blended with a healthy dose of neutrals such as Pearl (PPG1087-2) and Go To Gray (PPG1004-1), to pair beautifully with wood, marble and stone tile. The lavender hues of Violet Verbena add to the royal nature of these colors, while still blending effortlessly with greens, blues and neutrals.

ES/SENCE: This theme focuses on the element of water, purity and the premise that less is unequivocally more. In a time when many consumers are embracing minimalism, the colors in this palette evoke a sense of simplicity and relaxation. Watery blues, lush greens and soft blended tones provide a mellow, calming and refreshing mentality. Sea Mist (PPG1227-1), Ancestral (PPG1047-4), Almond Cream (1086-3) and Simply Elegant (PPG1155-3), a few of the colors in the palette, create a soft, calming ambiance and pair beautifully with soothing Violet Verbena.

IMPOWER: Centered on change powered by the fire element, this complex palette incorporates deep tones, light neutrals and everything in between. It celebrates the fact that consumers do not have to define themselves by any specific design personality, but can exist somewhere in between. Consumers drawn to this palette can pair furnishings and colors from various genres and disciplines in a decadent yet easy fusion. Bold colors of the PPG Paints brand such as Azure Tide (PPG1231-6), Cenote (PPG17-02), Red Licorice (PPG1186-7) and Crushed Pineapple (PPG1213-7) pair with muted neutral tones such as Willow Tree (PPG1112-6), Gray Violet (PPG1014-5), Silver Screen (PPG1014-3) and not-quite gray Violet Verbena.

BIOCENTRIC: This design story is representative of air and the idea that we are all connected, and the palette dazzles with space-inspired hues and saturated organics. PPG Paints brand colors Spinach Salad (PPG11-16), Blueberry Muffin (PPG1164-5) and Enchanting Eggplant (PPG13-07) give the palette an organic vibe, while Black Flame (PPG1043-7), Cavalry (PPG1041-7) and Witchcraft (PPG1037-7) offer blue-black mystery to the palette and pair beautifully with Violet Verbena. Incorporating these colors into the home gives the look of contemporary elegance and laid-back charm.

Violet Verbena and all the colors of the 2017 Pendulum color trend stories, along with 2,000 colors in PPG's palette for THE VOICE OF COLOR® system, are available at PPG Paints stores and independent retailers across the United States in the PPG Paints, PPG PORTER PAINTS® and PPG PITTSBURGH PAINTS® product lines.

To learn more about the PPG Paints brand or to find a store near you, visit www.ppgpaints.com. 

PPG's architectural coatings business in the U.S. and Canada is an industry leader in residential and commercial coatings, delivering the latest technologies and operational advancements through its strong portfolio of brands. It manufactures and sells interior and exterior paints, stains, caulks, repair products, adhesives and sealants for homeowners and professionals. Its distribution network includes more than 15,000 touchpoints through company-owned stores, independent dealer locations and all major home improvement centers across the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit PPGAC.com.

At PPG, we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and materials that our customers have trusted for more than 130 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers’ biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $15.3 billion in 2015. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com.


All images courtesy of PPG PAINTS. 

PPG Paints and We protect and beautify the world are trademarks and the PPG Logo is a registered trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.

PPG Pittsburgh Paints, PPG Porter Paints and The Voice of Color are registered trademarks of PPG Architectural Finishes, Inc.