If an autumn chill is setting in and impending gray winter skies are getting you down, try spicing things up with a hot retro vibe. For some time now, manufacturers have been resurrecting and reinventing appliances, accents, and accessories in bright shades and curvy patterns reminiscent of the mid-20th century. A splash of color here or a throwback centerpiece there could be just what your clients need to feel groovy again.
Bounce Back
Harkening back to its launch in the 1950s, Formica has resurrected its lively Boomerang laminate collection in funky colors including skylark (powder blue), aqua, coral, and charcoal. The collection had been taken out of circulation during the late ’90s, but was updated and reintroduced after the maker saw an increase in requests when home restorations boomed in the early 2000s. The new collection takes advantage of modern printing techniques to create the boomerang-shaped graphic known so well. Formica.800.367.6422. www.formica.com.
Italian Ambiance
The Bellissima SO adjustable chandelier features a polished steel frame surrounded by hand-blown glass diffusers. The Mod design alternates milk-white concave diffusers with convex satin glass in amber and red. The luminaire mounts to a standard 4-inch junction box and requires a 24x40 W T4 G9 double-loop lamp (not included). The fixture measures 26.7 inches in diameter, 13.7 inches in height, and suspends up to 98.4 inches from the ceiling. Studio Italia. 305.621.9602. www.sid-usa.com.
Tile Style
An influential textile designer, Alexander Girard has channeled his inspiring mid-20th century creativity into a collection of vibrant and whimsical carpet tile rugs for Flor. Each rug in the La Fonda del Sol consists of six graphic tiles that can be used together or combined with the maker’s other Flor tile styles, such as Take a Ribbing and Toy Poodle. All Flor tiles are square and measure 191/2 inches on a side. Visit the Web site for product details and information about benefits for industry professionals. Flor. 866.281.3567.www.flor.com.
