Going global

June 18, 2012

By Yanic Simard

WHAT IS IT?
Global influence is all about infusing cultural elements into your design. This can be costly if you’re looking for authentic pieces, but the trick is to do it in moderation. Bright and vivacious is what the international trend offers, with an energetic colour scheme that breathes new life into the home.

ON THE RUNWAY
The influence of global design first appeared on the runway in 2009 when Ralph Lauren and Givenchy showed off multi-coloured garments with ornate gold jewelry, and the trend has lingered in home décor since then and is stronger now more than ever.

COLOURS
Brown earth-toned hues paired with lively shades of blue, green and yellow will burst through, offering bold personalities to furnishings and accessories.

Paint Colour Choices
Benjamin Moore 2023-30, Sun Porch
Behr, 510B-6 Blue Jewel
C.I.L. 958 Fresh Lime

TRENDING COUNTRIES
Two specific looks are really hot right now – Caribbean and Indian influences. These two looks are completely different in terms of style but are both doing very well in the marketplace.

WHERE IS IT?
These ethnic styles creating a statement are invading wallpaper, tile and fabric, creating a chic cultural look.

Top Shop Picks
Wallpaper Graham & Brown
Tile Anne Sacks
Fabric Kobe

POPULAR PATTERNS
Ikat became huge this year, you can find one to suit any home’s décor from tone-on-tone to contrasting brights, and next year you’ll start to notice Batik patterns making their way in!

MATERIALS
Bone inlay is really stylish right now – you can find it in small doses like on keepsake boxes, or in larger items such as dressers and headboards. Also be on the lookout for distressed mango wood.

SHOPPING
There is nothing like actually taking
a trip to the country that your décor is inspired by and picking up pieces there – instead of purchasing typical souvenirs like coffee mugs, umbrellas and key chains, pick up a set of sconces, a sculpture or a hand painting. Items from afar always make for conversation pieces but if you actually went there yourself and got it, it makes for an even better story – especially if you can talk to the individual who made it.

Shopping
Internationally, Locally!
Haveli Home
“New, reclaimed, recycled
and vintage furniture, home accessories and textiles from
the Indian subcontinent”
2871 Dundas Street West  Toronto, ON

Kuda Imports
“Unique reprieve from the ordinary. Boasting an over 20,000 square
foot showroom, Kuda offers select furniture from Indonesia, China, India and Thailand.”
340 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON.

Yanic Simard
Yanic is the design editor of New Condo Guide and principal designer of Toronto Interior Design Group. Specializing in residential and commercial projects, Yanic often applies his signature high/low and old/new combination techniques in developing his unique designs. He has created designs for clients in Toronto, Montreal and Miami, and appears as a regular guest expert on Citytv’s CityLine. tidg.ca • facebook.com/yanic.simard • twitter.com/yanicsimard

Filed under: FROM THE EXPERTS

Tags: Caribbean, decor, global, India, international, style, trends, yanic simard