Three Layer Cake

The Circle

When I was talking about trends

with Grace at design*sponge , she was skeptical

about the circle.  I believe, however, that interiors are moving

away from rigidity and linearity toward the circular element in patterns, shapes,

and experiences (360 degree experiences like Douglas Mont’s Dodecahedron speaker

system presented at Salone Satellite gives listeners true surround sound, despite the non-circular

name).  Like the elements of nature that are being introduced into the home on fabrics and upholstery,

the circle (and the dot/sphere in varying sizes) has gained favor as a building block in two and three

dimensions, both decorative and structural.  Reminiscent of celestial bodies, by its very nature,

the circle is smooth, soothing, easy.  It can be lighter (when empty) or heavier (when filled).

  The simple dot, raised or flat, introduces texture and also color to a homogenous field,

offering an additional element of personalization.  Those who haven’t gone

completely for the full circle have opted to soften their

collections with the introduction

of curves.

 Aldo Cibic designed the Ring side table (right) for Paola C ., available also in a square version (but still composed of rings).

Tai Ping Carpets and Nani Marquina both enhace the sensory experience of a fine carpet under foot by using raised “dots” (right) on their carpets named Dots and Topissimo (left) respectively.  Intro photo Bristle from Tai Ping Carpets.

 



Patricia Urquiola uses the circle to provide the structure for the arms on her Smock sofa, by Moroso .

Edra redresses Tatlin with sparkling silver fabric to keep pace with colors off the runway and to catapult Tatlin’s circular seating arrangement back into the spotlight.

Osborne and Little (Volante, left) and Jim Thompson (Amazon Lily, right) both use the circle with interlocking elements to attract the eye.

Vidmar Boehm uses the circle in his Orbis, an original interpretation of the clothes hanger.  Presented at Salone Satellite 2006.

Photo Credits:  From Producer websites / Official press images