Mid Century Modern

I love looking for inspiration from the design ages, especially around the 70s, 80s and 90s. I find that these decades were really funky and retro, which is what I'm all about. One of the major architects/ interior designers of the mid century modern look was Paul Rudolph.

I love the fact that during the mid century modern era, things were very modern and sleek, however still having a cheeky edge to it, using ridiculous finishes and fabulously obscure ideas. Rudolph's designs were very modular and modern, using colour to funk up spaces.

Rudolph was said to have designed the original bachelor pad. The sleek lofty pad below epitomises the stereotypical bachelor living space. The space is very minimal and modern with only the necessities and no clutter, however ample space and high ceilings.

It's interesting to see how the mid century modern style look has evolved and still quite popular today. Much of what we know as the 'modern' look stems from this period where it all began.

Trending Materials 2015

To follow on from my previous blog post, I spoke only a little about whats relevant material wise in interior design 2015. I must say that most of the trending materials coming up in interiors, really do stem from the fashion world. I feel that Fashion truly dictates trends in all creative areas.

One day we see Rihanna wearing a white mesh paneled dress, and the next day you’ll see white mesh accents on buildings, in stores, restaurants... you name it.  Mesh also doubles up as a practical hanging solution for instance in retail display.

       

I always look to fashion for interior design ideas. It makes complete sense if you think about it. We has humans match our surroundings, we incorporate our image with the places we go to, where we hang out and what we do.The mesh look doesn’t stop there, we’ve also seen a lot of the grid pattern popping up around the place. This is evolved all mesh patterns, whether its perforated metals, or a tiling layout, if you look close enough you’ll see it everywhere.

  

Whats also trending up there with mesh, grids and white is the incorporation of cheap woods like OSB sheething/chipboard and our old trusty plywood. Currently I feel that lightwood plywood is turning over a new leaf. One of the cheapest materials around, which makes it possible for all of us to enjoy!  Plywood is being used everywhere. Corporate settings, trendy coffee shops and plently of pop up stores have subscribed to the new look. It really adds to the nude feel a lot of us fashion trenders will relate to. White on white on grey on baise. Very Swedish inspired if you ask me. 

It’s not just plywood cladding or shopfitting, it’s the use of old crates and of course the most popular trend atm, the re-purposed pallet. Using junk truly is inspiring, it makes you feel better about your environment and it helps you save a buck or two.

PNY Burger Restaurant

This is the epitomy of my design style, if I could wear it, I would. New Burger restaurant 'PNY' is situated in Paris, Marais.

Candy Colours in pastel blue and pinks offset by brilliant green leaves in cute planters really give this burger restaurant a fun and childlike spirit.This Place is so fresh and inviting, it would probably eliminate any guilt eating a greasy burger might produce!

It's always so interesting how fashion influences interior design. In this restaurant, its the mesh material used around the space that makes me think of Milan Fashion week 2014.

Peeling away paint to expose fleshy concrete walls add a rough touch to this playful interior accentuated by hanging lightbulbs with brass fittings. 

Fun graphics on the walls are a great touch, and form part of the colour scheme and matching lightwood timber floors.

So, if you are looking for a meat binge, or perhaps feel the need for a pick me up in Paris, this Burger joint is the place to be!