TREND WATCH-September 2010

by Deborah Chatfield

Out with the old, in with the Autumn

A marriage of glass and brass, the Lantern Pendant designed by Stephen Burks glows like a harvest moon on a clear September night. Hot molten glass is blown directly into an oversized mesh structure, containing it like a net. The lamp is available in a variety of translucent colors and is part of a collection of lamps designed by Burks and manufactured by Mattermade. mattermatters.com

Paper, cardboard, and papier-mâché aren’t just for art class anymore: introducing the Paper Table from Matter. Designed by Studio Job and manufactured by Moooi, the table is made of paper, cardboard, and honeycomb panels. This cardboard flat-pack furniture collection is an ode to classical style and to the material itself. mattermatters.com

 Not only do rectangular trays from Rock Flower Paper add a touch of fun and function to any serving situation, they now also feature the work of Maine artist Susan Williams. Her dramatic Graphite Tree tray is a beautiful example of form meets function. Williams (who is also the creative director of Swans Island Blankets) says, “My paintings are based on observations, memories, and idealisms and how they are affected by time, change, and distractions. The sensory worlds of my landscapes are delineated by margins much the way a daydream is impinged upon by an appointment.” swansislandblankets.com, rockflowerpaper.com

Give your room new life with a work of art to walk on by Maine artist and designer Tim Van Campen. His use of color and design perception makes his rugs a big hit with designers, while his fine art background offers insight as to why his rugs are simple yet sophisticated. Available through Michaelian and Kohlberg showrooms, there is a design for every aesthetic. vancampen.net, michaelian.com

Kravet is announcing a new collection of fabrics from high-profile interior designer Thom Filicia, best known for his work on television shows such as Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Dress My Nest, and Tacky House. His new fabric collection for Kravet introduces a style that he calls “fresh, modern, and accessible.” The collection features prints and weaves in both timely and timeless patterns and colors. kravet.com