Design Guide Online Editorial

Light wood finishes, chairs upholstered in vintage grain sacks and dark leather in the central seating area contrast with pastel pillows and custom finished armoires at A. Hooper & Co., a Fort Worth fashion boutique, designed by Gibson Gimpel Interior Design. Farrow and Ball "Elephant's Breath" wall and ceiling color creates a soft ground to showcase the colorful spring fashion on display.

The New Year offers an opportunity to breathe new life into tired spaces. With trends toward lighter and softer palettes on the rise, designers are invigorating this new look by pairing these soft palettes with modern, saturated, bright colors. From the 2012 Spring Fashion Runway shows, to fabrics and paint colors, inspiration can be found in novel and unexpected color combinations. High contrast natural tones and textures mix with industrial materials and finishes to add drama to the design.

A vintage buffet was transformed with a fresh, high-gloss coat of Sherwin William's "Overt Green" to create a visual pathway to lead customers through the space. Original windows flood the shop with natural light and the original exposed brick adds texture and dimension.

“One of the key concepts for 2012 is moving beyond traditional colour groupings like ‘pastels’ or ‘brights’ or ‘neons’ or ‘neutrals.' … We present an important colour story for spring/summer 2012, mixing unusual colour families like pastel with neon brights. As consumers grow in confidence and use increasingly unusual and bold colours in the home, we think there will be a revived interest in using paint in place of wallpaper. Colour will be injected into the home via decorative accessories, emulsion and textiles to add a distinct personality,” according to Trend Bible, a design blog in the UK.

                                                                           Gaultier          BCBGMaxazria            J. Crew                 Rodarte

Collections by Gaultier, BCBGMaxazria, J. Crew and Rodarte hit the 2012 Spring runways with soft pastels, neons and brights leading the way.

Fabric houses are showcasing bold new palettes to transform rooms with color, such as Lee Jofa's Big Bloom, Trina Turk's outdoor line for Schumacher and Mulberry's Samba Stripe (shown above)

Playing with new color palettes can be a great way to expand the soft colors and industrial finishes, that have recently become popular, into a daring and sophisticated design scheme. Take a risk this year and infuse your spaces with whimsical color combinations by adding a small bright element, such as a pillow, or a larger statement by painting a signature piece of furniture a lively, saturated hue and mix with grays and pale pastel shades for an unconventional, modern effect.

 About the Designers:

Gibson Gimpel Interior Design is the award-winning team of Emily Gibson, ASID, RID and Allison Gimpel, allied member ASID. Our collaborative approach to design creates spaces with beautiful aesthetics and comfortable livability. We personally guide our clients through each project, from inspiration and installation, to ensure quality and excellence.     

• Gibson Gimpel Interior Design's blog

Related terms: Accessories, Art, Art Restoration & Appraisals, Bath & Plumbing, Designers, Doors and Windows, Fabrics, Kitchens, Pillows and Trim, Remodeler, Rugs & Carpets

by: Gibson Gimpel I...