FUTURE FLIGHT TREND REPORT :: Social Snaps

Over two hundred and fifty trend hunters descended on the International School of Colour and Design to listen to three fascinating presentations at their annual trend event – Future Flight. Below are some social snaps from the event.

FUTURE FLIGHT TREND REPORT :: The reactive palettes

Each year iscd hosts an industry trend event to release their observations on what colours and design styles will mould and shape our homes in the future. If this years predictions are anything to go by, we can expect an African influence to our homewares, sculptural futuristic forms in lighting, strong bold geometric styles to our buildings and the resurgence of water and sky colours and shapes.
iscd do not have a crystal ball! As trend observers we see our role as one of provoking you as designers to think about what we have found and what we see around us and for you to then use these ideas in your work as you see fit। Individuality and creativity are essential to new design, so the last thing we want is for designers to be slaves to fashion – just inspired by it!

A strong black and white geometric theme is appearing, we think as a contrast and reaction to the delicate, illustrative patterns that have heralded the decorative style that replaced minimalism a number of years ago. However it is a combination of vivid hues and neutrals that give the Geometrix style its contemporary look. Strong, bold lines and shapes are appearing on packaging, fabrics, furniture and building facades. A happy trend that will gain momentum in the younger markets.

Optimism and a mood of celebration is reflected in the Vivid Trend. Bright clear colours give a surprising lift to the built environment in particular, but throughout the design world, a vivid rainbow is predicted. This is partly as a reaction to a recent neutral period when white, grey and reduced colours dominated and partly a desire for economic recovery and a happier world. Shiny surfaces and glossy fabrics reflect this mood as does the increased use of lighting and transparent colour.

A new and different theme that is well overdue is our Galactic Palette. The new Space Age is upon us with sharp design features and an unusual range of colours from warm grey to blush pinks in textures as diverse as shiny metals and lush velvets. Sculptural forms in lighting and home wares, repetitive modular shapes and shimmering surfaces will give a futuristic mood to interiors and fashion in particular, but across the design world, the space age is here.

For more information on these trends please contact iscd through creativity@iscd.edu.au

FUTURE FLIGHT TREND REPORT :: The natural palettes

Each year iscd hosts an industry trend event to release their observations on what colours and design styles will mould and shape our homes in the future. If this years predictions are anything to go by, we can expect an African influence to our homewares, sculptural futuristic forms in lighting, strong bold geometric styles to our buildings and the resurgence of water and sky colours and shapes.

iscd do not have a crystal ball! As trend observers we see our role as one of provoking you as designers to think about what we have found and what we see around us and for you to then use these ideas in your work as you see fit। Individuality and creativity are essential to new design, so the last thing we want is for designers to be slaves to fashion – just inspired by it!

Greenscape is more than a range of green hues। It is a natural palette। Greenscape includes concepts around growth or new sprouts, new ideas and social issues. Areas such as sustainability, recycling and environmental care in design have now been fully integrated into our way of life and are here to stay. So the future will be more about maintaining this awareness and enhancing the ways we protect the world and our resources. In terms of colour design, Greenscape is about a green mood, a feeling for freshness, vitality and growth and evoking natural textures in a variety of ways. It does not mean using bright grassy greens, but working with subtle colours from this palette as shown in this fabric range released at Premiere Vision that incorporates a soft grey green and mustard citrus. It is unusual to find green as a dominant colour in exterior design, but on this fascinating building, a range of yellow greens are embedded within metallic sculptural forms giving an exciting appearance.

Freshwater offers a clean, new palette of cool colours that range from denim to lilac. A refreshing change, this theme represents both water and sky elements in our third natural palette. But as well as offering a new blueness, freshwater also integrates design elements of ripples, curls, waves and woven threads into fashion, fabric and graphics. Combined with white, these blues work well with previously neutral interior environments and continue to enhance the French Provincial and Hamptons Whitewash styles.

Another natural palette, Earthenware offers a strong textured range of colours evoking warmth and safety in a rich palette across all areas of design। Burgundy, terracotta, aubergine, chocolate and mauve are appearing in decorating fabrics, fashion and product design. From a sociological point of view the earth colours give a grounded, nurturing mood. Design elements included in this trend are a wide range of textures, use of natural materials and an emphasis on recycled products. An African style is evident in new textiles, fashion and home wares and Retro design is alive and well, particularly in graphics and furniture.

The three reactive palettes will be released shortly। For more information on these trends please contact iscd through creativity@iscd.edu.au

WE LOVE :: ETCETERA etc.

Friend of iscd, Sibella Court will be signing copies of her new book ETCETERA ETC on Thursday 29 October 2009 from 3.00pm til 6.00pm at the Murobond Artatmon store. See you there!

iscd Industry Insider :: Laminex Contour Fine Edge

These exciting new products that Laminex have or are just about to be released on to the market!
Finedge Contour Doors
Laminex informed iscd that they have invested in some new technology that enables them to make doors and panels with a 3mm radiussed edge - almost square edge, but softer. .

The look is sensational, the colour range is 68 decors and the doors and panels are easy to clean....Form...Function and Fashion

INSPIRATION :: Hirzberger Events - Digital Wallpaper

iscd :: IN THE MEDIA

some of the International School of Colour and Designs most recent appearances in the news. Be sure to look out for us. NorthSide Courier featuring our Relationship Manager Elodie Bilanycz 'Q&A' September 2009

Award winning graduate Suzanna Maybury featured with her 1st Prize Rug Design 'Zan 2' in Design Quarterly magazine.

Spring Feature for iscd Open Day on Saturday 10 October 2009, 10am at North Sydney Campus. RSVP essential.

WE LOVE :: Collections by Colour

The perfect rainy day activity, or for the visual artist interested in mixed media. take inspiration from this budding Colour Designer, and create installations using objects around the home.

WE LOVE :: Cushions that travel

These passport pillows from Blissliving Home will add impact and instantly update any interior.

iscd Industry Insider :: Designer Rugs collection launch

iscd industry partner Designer Rugs has collaborated with Greg Natale to create a collection of strong, colourful rugs. The collection includes six exciting, highly individual designs.

The rugs are a creation of Greg's passion for repeat patterns. The range is also part of his philosophy of integrating decoration and design. Inspirations behind each design range from Greg's travels, passion for other cultures and everyday life.
All rugs by Greg Natale are made from 100% New Zealand wool, stock size is 200 x 300 cm. All designs can be custom coloured and sized to suit any application including wall to wall carpet and hall runners.
Suitable for residential and commercial applications.

make sure you take a look!

Sydney Architecture Festival - Monday 5 October 2009

Why not head into the city of Sydney on the Monday of the long weekend and enjoy the harbor cities architecture?

The Sydney Architecture Festival is a joint venture between the Australian Architecture Association, Australian Institute of Architects (NSW Chapter) and the NSW Architects Registration Board। Our organisations have common ground in our efforts to create a better understanding of architecture. The Sydney Architectural Festival aims to:

· enable the community to participate in and enjoy the history and architecture of Sydney

· engage children and young people in design experiences through competitions and group activities

· contribute to community engagement in relation to the challenges of achieving a sustainable built environment

· promote Sydney’s cultural identity as a contemporary city of quality architecture

· develop partnerships with organisations engaged in activities relevant to our primary objectives of celebration: developing the community’s appreciation and enjoyment of good architecture and education: communicating the importance of good design in achieving a sustainable, healthy and culturally rich built environment.

iscd was invited to be involved in the festival informing and inspiring about the importance of colour in the built environment. iscd will be running workshops throughout the festival.