Well, back in January, I had an entirely different anticipation for how 2020 was likely to play out. What a phenomenal spiral into chaos – wow! The shock and the shift, all the pivoting and pursuits that we’ve all been managing have left us investing in the adjustments and setting aside our quarterly Form Follows Fashion posts. We had them all ready to share before the world went wacky. So, we’re gonna play the COVID Card here and distribute the full set of 3 seasons we’ve all endured in this virus’s plight to destroy us. Grab your coats and coffee for our first edition in our series of three we’re calling our COVID 3-Pak, sharing with you what we were seeing for Winter 2020 taking place back in January. Next, don the mask and sanitizer while we address the fashions back in Spring 2020 from our utopian visions of the long-ago realm of 2019. We’ll finish it off owning the state of the planet with our observations for Summer 2020 before it’s too late to call it the present season. We’ll be back up and running on time for Fall 2020, duck and cover for the holidays, then see you on the other side for whatever 2021 has for us all. Enjoy the escape we’re offering here and reach out when you’re ready to redirect the vacation funds to the dream house goals you’ve set. Because we’re at the ready to bring it to life.
It’s Boring Without Natural Complexities
Even though the world seemed to stop this year, it didn’t. On the contrary, the world created beauty from the boring and we’ve spent our time curating this somewhat surprising collection. This winter, we specifically saw beauty spring from boring in the form of color—beige. That’s right, we’re talking about the color that is often referred to as the embodiment of boring and basic. But if you’re still thinking that, then I am here to change your mind about beige, my friends!
In the fashion world, we were exposed to the range of possibilities belonging to our neutral shade: from flowy linen and flax fabrics draped upon models to solidity in the leather and canvas structured into heavy panels, beige has got it all! On people and on walls, the principles are all the same. Beige can give a rough texture and an unfinished feel, but this isn’t a bad thing; the neutrality lends itself to a weightless and carefree energy that opens up a WORLD of possibilities. Trust me.
Firstly, let’s talk movement. A neutral palette gives you the freedom to focus on the shapes and the lines created by light or art or furniture. Rather than being about the color, your space can become more about the movement, both physical and spiritual. And your space should be all about the movement! At Miller Interior Design, our goal is to create for our clients their own space where they can pleasantly present who they are thrive there. The neutral nature of beige creates an interior where every difference stands out, every pattern and every shape has something to say—just as every person has something different to say in every home.
Ok, ok. So maybe you’re saying: “Keith, white does the exact same thing. Why beige?” We love white and we love the clean canvas it creates! But hear me out. Beige is more than just a color or a shade or a blank canvas. Beige is warmth. Beige is welcoming, natural, and sometimes even familiar—meaning beige could be exactly what you’re missing! Inventing your space requires a welcoming familiarity that soothes your mind and relaxes your soul, so, if beige will do that for you, why not give it a go?
But, hang on! With a monochromatic design, you now have possibilities of blending styles without overwhelming your senses. For example, here, we find modern frames mixed with postmodern accents and antique paneling details. The simplicity in color scheme makes complexity possible elsewhere. And, no matter the measure of simplicity you require, it is our nature as complex beings to find ourselves drawn to at least a little complexity somewhere in our immediate surroundings.
Obviously, I could go on for a while about the promising qualities of beige, which I won’t. But seriously, this Winter 2020 design season really took us back to basics—in the best way! It was all about the return to the natural, the original, and the unrefined (yessss! we love a natural diva!).
Beige isn’t just a color, it is a texture, a feeling, a warmth, an idea. And guess what… It is your honor and responsibility to yourself and your household to initiate that return and free us to create that feeling for you!
So, give beige a break because it’s back, baby! Take a look at some of our past work to see where beige is in play and keep an eye out for more since you now know that we’re all trying to be friends again with beige.
A Refreshing Exposé into the Impact of a Singular Hue
If you’ve read my post on our Winter 2020 Form Follows Fashion trends, you’ll quickly notice that everything about this post is very different. But I believe that a different approach is needed for each color, each trend, each layout, and each person. The art is in tailoring the method for every unique experience! And with that individuality, we try to bring life to every person and space with which we come in contact; so, investigate further with me and perhaps 2020’s spring designs will speak to your personal uniqueness.
Strength in Progressive Expressions
This summer, we saw an upturn in the modern, avant-garde style in fashion. These pieces contained harsh lines, sturdy structure of the garment, and, often, they appeared a little severe. Even some of the “tamer” pieces produced some strong looks. Structured sleeves, dresses made of metal, models whose gowns had a giant hole cleverly pierced through their layers! Models walked down the runway, sometimes looking like houses and buildings: these garments had taken a page from the book of architecture. The fashion seemed to represent and pay homage to the more progressive architectural styles!
