Runway to Room: Spring Fashion Pops Into the Home
From streaks of nude to shots of neon, color joins shimmer, menswear, cable knits and more in the spring 2012 runway collections
Design disciplines are linked, often sharing a common language and aesthetic. So fashion runways are a great source for sussing out what's next in home décor.
But every season brings new ideas and trends that tempt us to buy more and change what we've already got. Aside from the cost, constantly following new trends can make us feel perpetually behind the times. Instead of feeling inadequate, let little changes (a pillow here, a throw blanket there) make a big impact. There are ways to stretch what you've already got or add to it with inexpensive fill-ins to create interiors that are at once classic, on trend and not prohibitively expensive.
Aside from the ultraglam evening wear lines, beautiful, flattering, wearable garments were what I noticed most in this year's springs fashion shows. Many of the looks translate to interiors, and I suspect we'll be seeing them in the coming year's home décor offerings. Without overspending or overhauling, take a few of these gestural cues from the runway to spruce up your home for the season.
But every season brings new ideas and trends that tempt us to buy more and change what we've already got. Aside from the cost, constantly following new trends can make us feel perpetually behind the times. Instead of feeling inadequate, let little changes (a pillow here, a throw blanket there) make a big impact. There are ways to stretch what you've already got or add to it with inexpensive fill-ins to create interiors that are at once classic, on trend and not prohibitively expensive.
Aside from the ultraglam evening wear lines, beautiful, flattering, wearable garments were what I noticed most in this year's springs fashion shows. Many of the looks translate to interiors, and I suspect we'll be seeing them in the coming year's home décor offerings. Without overspending or overhauling, take a few of these gestural cues from the runway to spruce up your home for the season.
Nude. Not so much neutral, which is nothing new, but nude. Think soft pink à la Calvin Klein. Painting is the easiest way to make a big change without too much fuss, but introducing a little pink in the form of a chair cover or lampshade, as seen in this design, will instantly update a look.
Flowers. Florals appear on the runways every season, so this isn't exactly a trend, but it sure is an easy way to brighten up your home — and make it smell delicious. Go bold and buy some flowers in colors you never thought you'd use or like. They're not permanent, and I've never heard anyone say they regretted buying gorgeous fresh-cut flowers.
Neon. Neon is the name of the game for you fearless color lovers out there. Here's your chance to use yellow, orange, red, blue and green at the same time, as Marie Claire notes. If you don't want do make it the focal point as in this kitchen, frame a jazzy piece of fabric you love, make a unique seat for a stool or a piano bench — the world is your oyster when it comes to injecting a little pizzazz.
Subtle shimmer. Mirrored furniture hits us over the head. (There's a time and a place for it, but it's generally not subtle.) The metallics I saw trotting down the runway were soft and sweet and added just a dose of edge to outfits.
You can do the same at home. If you're in the market for a new rug, consider mixing wool and silk. The silk will introduce a light shimmer. If that's too spendy, a silky lampshade, pillow or bedskirt will do the trick. Marc Jacobs let a little shimmer peek out from under casual solids to add just a bit of sheen.
You can do the same at home. If you're in the market for a new rug, consider mixing wool and silk. The silk will introduce a light shimmer. If that's too spendy, a silky lampshade, pillow or bedskirt will do the trick. Marc Jacobs let a little shimmer peek out from under casual solids to add just a bit of sheen.
Leather, military and menswear. Something we're about to see even more of is menswear translated for interiors. There's a softness in toughness.
Think leather, tweed, structure and layers, as Ralph Lauren does. Or take a cue from Michael Kors by incorporating just one element, such as a leather trim tape on curtains or a herringbone throw.
Think leather, tweed, structure and layers, as Ralph Lauren does. Or take a cue from Michael Kors by incorporating just one element, such as a leather trim tape on curtains or a herringbone throw.
Cable knits. Blankets, throws, toss pillows, ottomans, you name it. Cable knits are popping up everywhere, and don't expect the excitement to dwindle with endorsements from rock stars such as Oscar de la Renta. They're cozy for the winter and easy to pull off come summer.
More:
Straight from the Runway: Orange and Pink
From the Runways Home: Pastel Springs Back
More:
Straight from the Runway: Orange and Pink
From the Runways Home: Pastel Springs Back