ASK THE EXPERTS
Villi Vici
NEW LIFE Color, shape and texture are back in a big way and here’s how the pros are using it THE HOME DESIGN AND DÉCOR INDUSTRIES ARE GETTING
a lot of attention this year as homeowners — having experienced an all new way of life — are more interested in the colors, shapes and textures that they see and feel more often than ever. With the arrival of summer, another seasonal shift brings new looks and new life to different areas of the home, both indoor and outdoor. Over the last year, the monotony of home, exacerbated by monotone walls and neutral palettes, has made homeowners weary of the same old same old. Experts this season emphasize that whites and neutrals are out, and color is in in a big way. “Color is back, and I am so happy for it,” says Nicole Ruppel Jones, interior designer at Legend Interiors. “Tropical patterned fabrics are very in, along with bright, bold colors, modern geometrics and animal prints. Yellows, greens, corals and pinks were noted by several designers as the trending colors this season. Abstract artist Abigail Reller is seeing more demand for bold color in art as people are gradually branching out from soft French blue, white, and gold commissions. Reller has begun introducing neon into her work and is loving the results. “Clients are wanting to step outside of their comfort zones and incorporate lively art,” she says. “My recommendation is to combine earth tones with pops of fluorescent or neon colors — I’m loving that this sum-
86 SUMMER 2021
mer and can’t get enough.” For people on the fence about incorporating bright colors, she recommends easing into it with bright picture frames, candles or small art pieces. As a designer, Jones is seeing homeowners incorporate color by using their plants, and succulents are a popular choice. “Plants are in fact their own art little art pieces,” she says. “All green gardens have become super interesting — you can layer lime greens, evergreens, and Kelly greens to create a tailored look that has a little oomph.” Designer Grace Kaynor, who co-owns home furnishings store Sotre, agrees that using house plants indoors is both important for design and to cleanse the air. “I am doing a lot of living walls these days and even incorporating them into traditional décor, mixing them with antiques,” she says. Dried plants are also trending, according to Kaynor, with rattan and raffia making a big comeback in furniture, complementing the reemergence of jewel and earth tones. In addition to rattan and raffia, wicker is returning as a popular material for both indoor and outdoor furniture, according to Nina Borrouso, owner of Furnish. She comments that the rustic farmhouse look is starting to fade as consumers begin looking for quality workmanship over the unfinished or repurposed styles that the rustic farmhouse look is known for. With fabrics and upholstery, adding texture and warmth are key for
