COLOUR ME BEAUTIFUL!

Decorex Durban & Hirsch’s Kitchen & Bathroom Faire:

Decorex Durban & Hirsch’s Kitchen & Bathroom Faire will be blazing into Durban again in March next year. Until then, and in an attempt to sustain all budding and professional designers in the city, the team has sprung into action and identified some of the latest trends emerging in Europe and the United States.

The colour palette for 2009 has turned away from solid panels of colour to a more varied approach which features elements from the same tonal families. While 2008 trends are still in force, they have undergone a subtle transformation to reflect various global movements - the dominant earthy hues have matured into a more meditative state, featuring cool blues and greens, with a touch of indigo and violet. Another exciting trend for next year is that of global fusion, an eclectic blend of colours influenced by traditional folklore and local markets. Think jewel colours, spice tones, richly embroidered Indian saris and the sensory delights of the Marrakech markets.

The eco-friendly movement is still gaining momentum, with a strong focus going forward on natural, simple colours. The inspiration here is on purity and the dramatic interplay of light and shadow. The palette consists of soft greys, toasts and corals and offers a sharp contrast to the embellishment of the solar hued trend of mandarin orange, fuchsia red and wineberry that is still very popular. Mustard and plum are also out in force and are carried through the décor in homes internationally in soft furnishings and finishes.

Safari chic has re-emerged but with an understated and elegant touch, featuring toned-down and washed-out animal prints combined with organic colouring and textures. Vintage is still strong with antique pieces being revamped with fun, colourful and bold fabrics lending an eye-popping element to Regency and Chippendale chairs.

The glamour of yesteryear’s Hollywood starlets has been reinvented in the bedroom, with classy and elegant shimmer finishes and mirrored furniture artfully blending Neo-Classic, Asian Baroque and Art Deco into a sumptuous and decadent sensual experience. Soft furnishings are also displaying a distinct ethnic slant, with inspiration being found in Shwe-Shwe fabric and Masai Mira body painting.

Asian lacquer furniture and metallic patinas are cutting a broad swath in design circles and this chic, stylish trend is complimented by the bright and vibrant colours of India and Africa. The influence of New England is also becoming popular – this trend invokes shots of bright colour mixed in with rustic worn neutrals and shabby chic. Matt black and high gloss white has not lost its impact and is highlighted by a new trend in kitchens of combining these with frosted glass finishes and patterned glass lighting featuring snowflakes and delicate flowers. Metallic accents and metal grillwork, together with fleur de lis and stripes, are the motifs and highlights of choice.

These trends have been spotted at prominent trade shows in Las Vegas and London and are sure to be pivotal influences at the show in March 2009 – where a ‘new fusion’ theme of Eclectic & Charming will highlight the best that the Durban design scene has to offer.

With Plascon as main sponsor and SABC3 as media partner, the show is to be held again at the International Convention Centre. As the Director of Decorex, Melanie Robinson, says, “The trends flowing into South Africa at the moment are very exciting - and we are perfectly suited to this wave of combining cultural influences to create unique and inspiring homes!” Don’t forget to pick up the latest copy of Plascon COLOUR for more COLOUR tips, tricks and inspiration.

Creative inspiration drawn from the rich, free spirit of Durban is what makes this year so exciting. Cairey Slater, general manager exhibitions, says “The Decorex experience is a playing field where differences are celebrated and where it’s more about the mix than the match. Combining local material with the sophistication of international trends has resulted in a collaboration of true design diversity. Decorex Durban & Hirsch’s Kitchen & Bathroom Faire 2009 brings an echo of Durban’s colourful vibrant cultural and warm cheer mixed with an affluent colonial seaside adventure.”

Decorex Durban & Hirsch’s Kitchen & Bathroom Faire takes place from March 19 to 22 at ICC Durban. Tickets R40. More information from Hunt PR on 031 566 1777 or email: kirsten@huntpr.co.za