hospitalitystyle.com

(January 2012) posted on Fri Jan 06, 2012 EST

Like fashion designers, hospitality vendors are seeing the need to finish off a space.

By Mary Scoviak

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With the current proclivity toward major statement pieces—a whole curved wall, dangling fountains of lights or glass—there’s no question that design today brings the drama. But, like a haute couture ensemble, the whole statement can feel just a bit intimidating without the little details to personalize it. That’s where this week’s eye candy selection comes in. The fashion references are obvious in some of them—you’ll see echoes of lace and filigree patterns—but all of them share the intricacy and refinement of high-fashion extras.

And, these piece run the gamut of aesthetics. Peter Harrison Design’s Divergence table has sweeping lines that meld Art Nouveau curves and innovative fastenings. The steel cables that sweep between the table’s legs are made from material designed for sailboat rigging, a touch that also incorporates the industrial trends of recent years.

Playing with unexpected combinations of material and pattern isn’t a new trend, but the delicate twisting design in Beaufurn’s Groovy chair serves as a refreshing change to the often-utilitarian concept of a polypropylene stacking side chair. Just like every outfit needs its jewelry, every space needs its striking accent piece—even if that space is outside or in a high traffic area.

The accessorizing theme continues even onto the walls. Fap Ceramiche’s Cielo has a Rococo elaboration that adds a flourish while  the Italian company's complex design recalls ancient Asian porcelain.Curvilinear patterns and the handling of rigid materials in fluid shapes is a key point in design and fashion. Wildwood’s latest collection, Decorum by Mary Murray Taylor features the Curves accent table. The silver loops around the edge instantly call to mind today’s ethereal high-fashion baubles. In the end, whatever trend or look these pieces embrace, it’s another reminder of how strongly design is unified across applications—whether you wear it or sit on it. How does high fashion influence your work? We’d love to know.