In some of the images illustrating yesterday's post there were fragments of shells embedded in the sand. Let’s move from that effect, but think about glistening and radiant gold and metallic accents integrated in other materials, from fabrics to hard surfaces for interior design purposes.
These luminous elements infuse spaces and wardrobes with a touch of beauty and fun, elegance and sophistication, luxury and playfulness and have an enduring allure that goes beyond trends and eras.
In interior design, metallics have been transforming living spaces for decades, from the opulent glamour of Art Deco times to the sleek minimalism of modern design.
Formica is continuing to rediscover its vintage patterns to celebrate its anniversary and one example of metallic accents can be found in the company's history.
In 1952 Formica pioneered indeed the industry's first gold-flecked series - "Sequin": this offering featured a layer of sparkles over a solid-colored paper, adding a touch of glamour to interiors. Other laminate companies soon launched similar versions of laminates that incorporated glitter sparkles.
The success of the Sequin series led to further expansion in 1959, with three pastel shades added to celebrate the gold rush anniversary, one of them a pink one (Camellia Sequin - perfect for the current Barbiecore mania).
Over the years, Formica's innovation continued: in 1962, Raymond Loewy + Associates designed Silversnow, featuring small silver sparkles on solid colors. In 1964, in-house Formica laminate designer Lorraine Elton drew inspiration from cracks in the concrete floor of the Winton Place Formica plant to create the Spindrift pattern.
In the early 1970s, the Gold Gossamer pattern, delicately filigreed, joined the collection, while 20 years ago, in 2003, the Authentix Metal collection made its debut, featuring copper, brass, stainless, and aluminum shades that brought shimmer and subtle shine to interior design. The collection also included four finishes, with punched and quilted options adding extra reflection to horizontal applications.
In 2022 the design team unveiled the innovative White Pearl Cascade pattern: this design featured white pearl pigments applied during the traditional paper-making process. This contemporary pattern had a subtle sparkle with shimmery ribbons that ensured each piece had a one-of-a-kind effect without repeat patterns.
So, today we have learnt that metallic sparkles can add that much needed radiantly uplifting mood to a design, but, please, fashion and design students out there, note how Lorraine Elton moved from the cracks in the concrete floor of an industrial plant as inspiration.
Can you find in urban environments surrounding you any interesting cracks that can inspire you textures, surfaces or even knitwear concepts?Try and spot them in the most unlikely places around you while walking around and try to imagine how they could be transformed with metallic accents. Last but not least, don't forget to ponder on how to recreate shiny and dazzling effects with eco-friendly materials.
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