September 1, 2016  by

Comfortably Lived In

Have we simply OD’d on all things shiny, bright and new? Or does online shopping, the glare of the computer screen and two-dimensional e-commerce make us long for the well-worn, the familiar and the comfortable?
Originally published in design:retail Magazine.

1. Tactile Experiences
2. Everything Old is New
3. Juxtaposition
4. The Calming Palette
5. Street Art Interiors
6. Conscious Consumer
  1. Tactile Experiences I’m seeing a break from the streamlined, high-tech environment we’ve been captivated by for the last decade or more. Painted brick. Foiled wood. Rivets. Run your fingers over chunky sweaters, nubby jackets and silken shirts. You can’t do that on a screen.
  2. Everything Old is New Layers of history – whether in wood, stone or brick – make a fine backdrop for the new and noteworthy. Fragments from the past change context and rewrite the familiar. Old, weathered and worn is more exciting than ever.
  3. Juxtaposition Natural and industrial. Vintage and modern. Rough and smooth. The juxtaposition of styles, materials and finishes is a welcome respite from the sleek, modern and polished. We’re moving away from pristine, museum-like settings toward “hoarder chic.”
  4. The Calming Palette Neutrals and naturals soothe rather than strain. They’re pleasing to the eye and calming to the psyche. These delicate hues have the power to slow your pace. They will entice you to linger, pull up a chair and make yourself comfortable.
  5. Street Art Interiors I’m struck by the graffiti murals—intricate designs, simple stencils and scratched inscriptions—that I’ve come across recently. They add a human element to an otherwise cool, modern space and the results are exciting, surprising and entertaining.
  6. Conscious Consumerism Repurposed materials and recycled products are just the beginning. If every purchase is a choice, the conscientious consumer also asks “Where was this made?” and “How was it produced?” The handiwork of the artisan is a compelling alternative to the sleekly manufactured.
CallisonRTKL

CallisonRTKL

For more than five decades, Callison and RTKL have created some of the world’s most memorable and successful environments for developers, retailers, investors, institutions and public entities. In 2015, our two practices came together under the Arcadis umbrella, expanding our sphere of influence and the depth and breadth of our resources. Our team is comprised of nearly 2,000 creative, innovative professionals throughout the world who are committed to advancing our client’s businesses and enhancing quality of life.
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