June 2010

• The 'If' Word
  - Editorial
• Entertainment Ready
  - The biggest change to our outdoor settings is colour
• Stimulating the Senses and Keeping it Real
  - Bath and body speak that won't leave you dizzy
• Hooked on Christmas
  - The silly season's stationery trends are wrapped up in traditional Christmas themes this year
• Feel Good this Father's Day
  - Men are notoriously hard to buy for – just ask any woman.
• Buy, Buy . . . Bye?
  - Getting ready to stock up for Christmas has a pre-festive warning for you

Entertainment Ready

VANESSA O'BRIEN REPORTS

The lazy, hazy days of summer promise some truly fabulous entertainment and homeware vogue, with stylish European infl uences, warm hacienda overtones, and classic Kiwi indooroutdoor practicality.

Perhaps the biggest change to our outdoor settings is colour. The Kiwi love affair with all things neutral is set to expand for the warmer months to include a vibrant addition of bright hues that refl ect the warmth and optimism of summer.

However, it's not completely au revoir to neutrals, but a look-in on complementary colourful key pieces that will spice up the longer days and warm outdoor nights. A wave of colour injection refl ects the fact that Kiwis are ready to explore outside their white palette comfort zone, says Citta Design senior designer, Imogen Tunnicliffe.

“I think we are looking for something fun after all the doom and gloom of the past few years. I have noticed a resurgence in a lot of pattern and colour, whether it be Moroccan or Mexican. I think New Zealanders are becoming much bolder, and are looking for something easy and enjoyable to lighten up their table.”

Retailers can expect to play witness to dreamy shades of azure, cobalt, ink, aqua and pistachio to refl ect sea and sky; then reds and pinks in tomato, salsa, coral, geranium and terracotta to capture sunset hues. These bright tones play nicely alongside base neutrals such as canvas, sand, corn and pure white, says Tunnicliffe.

Glassware

Glassware captures this season's colour trends and adds a touch of Kiwi practicality for indoor and outdoor use. Expect to see a wide range of chunky (but not clunky!) tumblers in shades of blue and green that look great for an intimate inside setting, and are also practical for use outside due to their weight.

Everitts' director Judith Everitt says the key shades of lily green and soft turquoise blue will be complemented by violet and soft purple in next summer's glassware. However, clean lines prevail in dinner glassware, and classic clear glass will still hold its place in formal dining. One such clean-lined glassware range is Krosno, an exclusive Polish brand that incorporates a full range of fl utes, goblets, decanters, candle holders, vases, bowls and more.

Krosno's range includes a classic collection with rounded lines in clear or light brown glass with black stems, a modern collection featuring the same colours with more curvaceous lines and simple black designs, and an avant-garde collection with straight, angular lines and designs. “If you are lucky enough to find some gorgeous hand-blown glass from Krosno in Poland, don't wait to buy it,” pipes in Everitt. “There will only be selected pieces available this summer.”

Continuing the European trend, hot tips from Messe Frankfurt's Ambiente Fair suggest that glasses designed for specific drinks will hold their popularity, and to expect more angular outlines with a masculine touch. The final polish on glassware is a penchant for bubbles – and we're not talking about champagne. Bubbled glass features in casual tumblers through to fine stemware and adds something a little extra to the overall dining setting.

Tableware

The overall look for tables this year refl ects the trends in glassware. Generally speaking, minimalistic is out and colour is in, according to Acland Holdings spokesperson Mary Louise O'Dowd. “The overall look is fun, festive and colourful.”

Judith Everitt suspects that plating may well remain white though – a theme that was confirmed at Ambiente. The trade show also indicated that rounded plates remain the staple, with light silver or gold markings making their way onto select designs.

Back on Kiwi turf, O'Dowd predicts colour will seep onto tables in other accessories such as napkins and linens. “Colourful napkins will be dominant for summer, in reds, burnt orange, blues and greens.”

Imogen Tunnicliffe also believes the lively colour palette will be visible in illustrative, Mexican-inspired imagery for aprons and tea towels, and even platters and bowls. However, it will be matched with neutrals to provide an overall look that is classy, not confused. “It's about mixing colour with plainer items. The Mexican theme is also about creams and off-white. There will be lots of texture in some lovely woven placemats, and some neutral aprons with a traditional blue stripe. It's mix and match to create an overall impression.”

The whole look is pulled together with metal-inspired accessories that can be used both indoors and outdoors. Big, silver-look solid platters and salad bowls, shaped silver and antique bronze wire lanterns and candle holders will add the finishing touch, says Tunnicliffe.

“Shaped wire lanterns look spectacular with candles burning in them at night, and shed a beautiful patterned glow on your summer table. These whimsical, fun centrepieces will be hot this summer.”

A more practical metallic table item – cutlery – will “play it safe” this season says Everitt. “People don't really want fancy; they want clean lines, maybe a little bit of pattern, but fairly safe.”

Stepping away from tableware, the final hot ticket item to look out for is traditional-shaped cups with modern imagery. Delightful cups with ornate handles are reminiscent of yester years, but sport modern graphics or hand-painted motifs. They were popular at Ambiente, and look set to hit shelves in New Zealand for spring/summer.