M.C Escher – We adore chaos because we love to produce order.

Maurits Cornelis Escher (1898-1972) is one of the world’s most famous graphic artists. He is most famous for his so-called impossible constructions, such as Ascending and Descending, Relativity, his Transformation Prints, such as Metamorphosis I, Metamorphosis II and Metamorphosis III, Sky & Water I or Reptiles.

Apart from being a graphic artist, M.C. Escher illustrated books, designed tapestries, postage stamps and murals.

He played with architecture, perspective and impossible spaces. His art continues to amaze and wonder millions of people all over the world.

In his work we recognize his keen observation of the world around us and the expressions of his own fantasies. M.C. Escher shows us that reality is wondrous, comprehensible and fascinating.

These iconic design are now available in mind blowing wallcoverings, grating us the opportunity to have a piece of M.C. Eschers creative mastery in our homes.

“We adore chaos because we love to produce order.” M.C. Escher

“He who wonders discovers that this in itself is wonder.” M.C. Escher

“The things I want to express are so beautiful and pure” M.C. Escher

“So let us then try to climb the mountain, not by stepping on what is below us, but to pull us up at what is above us, for my part at the stars; amen” M.C. Escher

 

Source: https://www.mcescher.com/about/

Marimekko – Powerful & Iconic.

Marimekko is a Finnish design house celebrated worldwide for its original prints and colours. Founded by Armi Ratia in 1951, Marimekko is said to be one of the world’s first real lifestyle brands combining fashion and home decoration into one
unique point of view.

Powerful iconic designs like Unikko, Kippis, Boo boo, together with newest designs by Carina Seth Andersson and Maija Louekari. Applying a unique taste and high-quality wallcoverings which bring joy to our everyday lives through bold prints and colours.

Marimekko is about living, not pretending; about understanding and accepting the beauty of life just as we encounter it every day.

Priding themselves in fostering a carefree environment where their talented designers and craftsmen are guided, inspired and encouraged to truly express themselves and design products that have an authentic, living soul.

A team of talented designers, each with a distinct, personal style, are spreading happiness through their designs. Young designers grow to become the Marimekko masters of tomorrow.

Designers like Maija Louekari, a Helsinki-based freelance illustrator and designer, started her career in 2003 when she won a design competition co-organised by Marimekko and the University of Art and Design Helsinki. Her winning design, the Räsymatto pattern, is now available in Marimekko’s wallcoverings collection.

“Marimekko is not about trendy fashion, with a few minor exceptions. We make lasting and timeless products. Timelessness may, however, occasionally come into fashion by chance, like now.” Armi Ratia, 1978.

Source:

https://www.jv-wallcoverings.com

https://www.marimekko.com/com_en/the-brand/design/design-philosophy

https://www.marimekko.com/com_en/the-brand

Uncovering an Urban Oasis…

As far as trends go, uncovering the rising trend of an Urban Oasis is fascinating.

We have an inherent connection to nature, yet we submerge ourselves in urban and digital lifestyles, removing ourselves further and further from natural habitats.

Our personal and natural well-being is becoming increasing important in our lives. Designers are responding to this by creating concepts of an “Urban Oasis”.

At the heart of this oasis is the calm refuge from hard, cold, industrial urban landscapes and a move to Green, restful colours used to replenish, nourish and energize our minds and bodies.

Lush, tone-on-tone green hues are used to provide a healing, therapeutic and refreshing quality to spaces and products, while textural elements that replicate or mimic nature provide a rich, indulgent feel. Dark forest greens and sages are mixed with dusty roses to add warmth.

Source:

https://www.heimtextil-theme-park.com/design-trends/#urban-oasis

 

Perfect Imperfection – A trend of today…

During Haidee Kramer’s recent visit to the Heimtextil trade show in Frankfurt, some exciting trends were presented. Two trends really seemed to intertwine gracefully, namely, Atelier & Perfect Imperfection.

The word atelier (French: [atəlje]) means a private workshop or studio of a professional artist where a principal master and a number of assistants, students, and apprentices can work together producing pieces of art or design. This return of artisanal and crafted design, ushers in a perfectly imperfect design direction.

Revisiting the craft of indigo dyeing, designers are celebrating the imperfections and graduated hues that this deep inky blue dye has to offer. They are embracing age-old crafts and processes, and translating them into product for our times.

The traditional Japanese philosophy of Wabi–sabi, is a world view centred on the acceptance of imperfection. The aesthetic is described as one of beauty that is ‘imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete’. This concept allows materials and products to ‘bear the marks of their making, embracing visible brushstrokes, stitching and joinery, a poetic documentation of their creation.’

As an outward backlash to years of generic, overly mass-produced goods, we find this trend satisfyingly bringing meaning back into our interiors.

Sources:

https://heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en/programme-events/trends.html

 

Nautical inspired – Coastal chic

You really don’t need anchors, flags or boats to create a chic nautical inspired room.

It is possible to evoke the spirit of the ocean purely by using the right colour palette and interesting stripes. Create a relaxed atmosphere for any room by creating a mood that is associated with the sight, sound and smell of the ocean.

With a simple nautical design, you can easily create the feeling that the ocean is never far away.

 

 

Bringing alchemy and art to the world of wallpaper and design.

Bringing alchemy and art to the world of wallpaper and design.

The creative exploration and mixing of 2 elements to create design and colour takes us back to Haidee Kramer’s (Founder of Dreamweaver Studios) college days where she created marble-like designs using the effects of paint and oil on water. This exact experiment can be seen today on the unmistakable Dreamweaver Studios Logo.

Today we see this same technique used in the quirky and trendy Dutch wallpaper company Eijffinger’ s (exclusive to Dreamweaver Studios in South Africa) new Reflect Collection.

These fluid and elegant designs are mesmerizing. Reflecting colour, combining matt and metallic finishes with textures. A technique and design that has definitely come full circle as trends do.