NEON SIGNAGE

in , , , ,

Signage is impactful- as usually the first thing a guest or passerby sees, signage can entice, dispel, awaken and define. What a better way to do this, than with neon?

Neon signage, with it characteristic reddish-orange glow, awakens fond memories of 1950's diners and bowling alleys. And that's exactly why it is still being used today- it is memorable. The ability to write and demonstrate in glowing, bright colors is quite attractive to any brand, contemporary or midcentury. Any other colors besides the reddish-orange, is actually a different type of inert gas or element, creating a whole spectrum of colors depending on gaseous mixtures and electric current.

We see it today in lots of applications: brand names and logos, unconventional text and phrases, a back-lit glowing effect and often encased in metal lettering to resemble vintage marquee lettering. A new trend taking the neon scene, is typography created from custom bent glass tubes filled with a gas. See the Nike sign below- a demonstration of typography at its finest, conveying brand values through a specific campaign.

RECREATE: explore different branding techniques using neon signage, especially custom typography and shapes. Or scout some antique malls and incorporate vintage signage into a bar scene for a nostalgic vibe.

TRANSITIONAL FLOORS

in , , ,

As we all know, finishes and materials have the opportunity to make a critical impact on a space and surroundings. They provide a tactile and palpable experience on all planes, and the details involved can enrich or hinder the material. We have seen transition strips used in commercial and healthcare spaces, producing awkward ends and beginnings of materials. Below, we have explored celebration of the transition, instead of hiding it. It's all in the details, my friends.

Transitions between materials can produce organic, patterned lines where two materials meet. A wooden floor is custom cut to accommodate hexagonal tile, forging a new, sensual median line in the space. The change from wood to ceramic tile also denotes a change of program: for example, an entry way, kitchen, dining or bath to a lounge or dry area. 

The subject in the space participates in the change as well: the sound of high heels tinkering along the ceramic until they hit warm wood, an echo of pots and pans in the kitchen versus the muted conversation in a living area, the neatness of bathroom tile changes to a cozy nest of a bedroom hardwood. This experiential transition also translates to color and texture, such as a lime green to bright white in a bathroom area, or a warm, light wood to a cooler wood in the kitchen. This change in color helps users consider the spaces intuitively: the start to a more private bath area, or a "stay-out-of-the-way" kitchen area.

Another transitional trick is light. Light is a medium that should be fully integrated into the designs from the beginning. Light can either mask or highlight a transition. Below, we see a back lit stair which shifts the main tile into a stepped wood bathtub area. The light not only provides a cautionary warning to the users of the step up, but also blurs the line between two hard materials.

Transitions are evolving, from organic patterns to light and color to experiential participation.

BLACK FIXTURES

in , ,

Black is an iconic, timeless, classic color. The little Black dress. Black is the new Black. Black tie. It appears endlessly in fashion and is somehow always being reinvented. However, when designing space, black is something to be used sparingly. It is used as an accent or focal point instead of an entirety. This is because, among other things, overwhelming use of black in space makes space seem small, uninviting, and dark. Black has been something to be avoided in many eras and fields of interior design.

We are now seeing black resurfacing in interior design. One of the ways black is appearing in design now is in fixtures and hardware. It can stand out in a bright space and ground another. With hardware and fixtures tending to come in just a handful of finishes and colors, this emergence of black is welcomed. Also in commercial spaces it is important for a designer to take product maintenance into account. Bathroom fixtures, accessories, and hardware are items that thousands of users may touch throughout the designs lifetime. A black finish is a great low maintenance option where less cleaning and upkeep will be required and the fixture will appear new and fresh for a long time.

GRAYSCALE GEOMETRIC TILE

in , ,

As designers with an eye for detail, we tend to look to the ground for inspiration. Floor details give an insight to the design and precision of the space. A recent trend in floor detailing is geometric tiles, usually in ceramic or concrete form. Grayscale tile is perfect for a clean backdrop to allow other pops of color or material in the space, whether it be a cafe, private bathroom, spa or entryway. The geometric shapes, however, add another layer of detail to the otherwise flat surface. 

In a cafe in Paris, geometry is an overwhelming theme, with a triangular wood bar top and hexagonal floor tiles. The hexagons are glossy black, offsetting the warm wood. Grayscale geometric tile is in. Shapes and patterns we have seen include hexagons, parallelograms, abstracted florals, herringbone, tweed, and more. These patterned shapes carry the eye through the space, without overwhelming in color. See below for specifics.

RECREATE: in any room, big or small, geometric tile can be that subtle impact, without overpowering the senses.