Hint of Mint - Color Caffeine

Our Color Caffeine series is mellowing out for the summer for a selection of palette inspirations inspired by our more ethereal side. Colors, such as this week's Hint of Mint, are paler, serene and calming. Just like a warm, weathered porch floor, these hues are a wash of color over white that go great with summer!

For our entire collection of Color Caffeine palette inspirations - visit our Flickr Photostream.

The Hip New Student Desk from NeoCon 2010

Steelcase and IDEO partnered to re-think, re-invent and re-purpose the traditional student desk for the new generation of learners in school and college today. The Node student chair is easily moved from place to place, thanks to caster wheels and backpack storage takes a heavy load off the backs of students. Assembled in less than 30 seconds - without tools - the Node desk is a colorful, sleek and savvy addition to today's classroom.

NeoCon 2010 - Texture

An interesting direction for fabric and surfaces at NeoCon 2010 was the up-trending use of texture, raised patterns and unique surface materials. Knoll featured a new take on contract furnishings and seating with the use of a highly textured fabric applications adding depth and dimension to their designs. For a video recap of our NeoCon Trade Fair coverage - visit the Sphere Trending YouTube Channel.

Color Caffeine - Goldenrod

It's time for another installment of color palette inspiration - this week's hue of interest is a unique shade of rich & vibrant goldenrod. For all our palette inspirations, make sure to visit our flickr photostream!

A Shot of Color from NeoCon 2010

Here's a sneak peek into the vivid and intense colors found at NeoCon 2010...

This "freshly roasted" shade of yellow is warm, rich and inviting and was key on fabric and leather applications. Looking for more shots of invigorating color? Visit our flickr photostream!

Red Gum Wood - NeoCon 2010

NeeCon is always our favorite mid-summer show with it's great colors, innovative designs, smart materials and unique exhibitors. This year was no exception and (other than getting stranded at the airport thanks to a storm...) we had a fabulous trip.

One of the most interesting finds in the materials category was the bold use of Red Gum Wood, with it's unique eye-catching grain and variegated look, used by two different exhibitors in a natural clear coat finish. Definitely a new direction that adds a touch of texture and interest for surfaces, tabletops and seating. Stay tuned.... More from NeoCon 2010 is in the way!

Haworth: Halcon:

Color Caffeine - Curry & Charcoal

As promised - our Color Caffeine series is back for a summer-long installation of weekly color and palette inspiration. To kick things off we chose a stunning combination of an intense and vivid curry green hue paired with a soothing and cool charcoal grey. As always, you can find the entire collection (and larger size images!) of current and previous color palette inspirations on our flickr photostream or right here on the blog. For more details on color and product innovation services, you can contact us through our website.

Color Shot - Robust

Happy Monday! We're kicking off the week with a new color feature in our Color Caffeine series - Color Shot. A quick burst of inspiring color that is sure to get your creative juices flowing, Color Shot will appear here on the blog and in our flickr photostream. This week we're featuring the aptly named "Robust" palette of deep and saturated brights that are inspired by fashion and are influencing home decor with bold strokes of glossy color appearing on furniture and furnishings.

Loft Living - Chattanooga

Chattanooga, Tennessee - This city is a happening, hip and unique town attracting the Gen Now consumer in new and inventive ways. With a distinctly urban vibe and a steadily growing downtown with restaurants, art and culture, nightlife and shopping - this is the place to see and to be seen in Tennessee. Creative loft living and inventive condo communities are appearing across town and we found so many architectural details, such as exposed brick walls, industrial lighting, open staircases and oversize windows that speak to the authentic living environments desired by the consumer seeking an urban experience. Enjoy!

Green Outdoor Living Spaces

The use of greenery to define outdoor living spaces is a "growing" trend with living walls, terraces and privacy gardens continuing as a key element. The Green Street display at Cersaie featured fun, unique and innovative ways to use garden greens to make a personal statement for outdoor spaces:

Innovative Outdoor Living Spaces - Green Street Cersaie

It's another lovely Friday and all thoughts are leading to enjoying the outdoors, how to relax and entertain friends and family. At the Cersaie Tile and Bath show in Bologna, Italy last fall an entire Green Street display outdoors demonstrated how tile could be used to innovate living spaces for your backyard and garden. Here are a few of our favorite ways to dine, relax and lounge on some very long lasting and maintenance-free outdoor furniture pieces!