STYLE NV - TREND - New Minimalism

I'm on a diet this summer. The Slimmer's World slogan "A Moment on the Lips is a Lifetime on the Hips" constantly resonates in my head and this fact, that there is a reaction to every action, holds true in trends.




Interiors in the 90s were still pale and minimal; IKEA told us to 'Chuck out the Chintz' and opt for simple sparse interiors. Decoration was minimal; only items that were graphically aesthetic and functional could remain on show. but slowly, we began to decorate. First there were retro analglypta wallpapers, then technology moved on so intricate laser cut prints could be cut, a whole plethora of patterns exploded, vintage became in vogue, colour got confident and before you knew it, minimalism was out and eclectic craft was in.



And the cycle needs to turn again, but we learn from what preceeds us and whilst STYLE NV predicts a return to minimalism, we are not asking you to paint your entire flat white, quite the opposite infact.



Colour blocking is a major trend right now on the catwalk and perfect for new minimalism. It's strong, simple and modern. The idea is that you mix two or three very bright plain colours together for a strong, vibrant and modern look. saffron, teal and magenta or jade, poppy and lemon.

http://www.stylenv.co.uk/blogs.php?path=blogs.read&id=84

STYLE NV REVIEW - The Piccadilly Community Centre

We said our goodbyes on the island, half way across Piccadilly. My friend, on her way back to work, pointed at a building and remarked that this was the best art installation she'd ever seen. She was pointing at a community centre. On the outside of the building, A giant ‘CHEQUES CASHED’ banner was hanging, an old fashioned charity box stood to the side next to a dead bouquet of flowers and a distinguished candle in a glass jar. Surely she must mean a gallery space on the first floor or something? "No V" she said "it's a massive interactive art installation, this guy has completely transformed the whole building into a community centre, you've got to have a look". It looked intriguing, why not, I thought.

http://www.stylenv.co.uk/blogs/blogEntry.cfm?b=78

STYLE NV - FLOWER POWER - The Hydrangea

Half way through the year and no doubt most of those New Year’s Resolutions have died a death, and whilst June may not always be the sunfest we’d like, it does give us the most daylight hours, which in turns means flowers in abundance. It is hard to choose which flower should be named Flower of the month in June, but maybe the hydrangea has the edge.


Country, rustic and the very epitome of the wording ‘blooming’, hydrangeas burst out in June; they remind me of those vintage 60s swimming caps that old ladies wear! What STYLE NV loves best is that one hydrangea can even be an entire flower arrangement; stick a stem in an old medicine bottle or a old baked beans tin (this is real Constance Spry territory here) and instantly you have a cute arrangement. Hydrangeas scent is subtle, so fake hydrangeas work really well.

http://www.stylenv.co.uk/blogs/blogEntry.cfm?b=74