Hope

The mood

The future is bright, with layer upon layer of soft whites. These subtle futuristic, cool, sleek whites capture the imagination and inspire you to dream. Yet this is not about creating the clinical linearity and sharp edges of the cold, harsh white of the Nineties, this is a new, 21st Century dawn for white.

Picture a futuristic, magical Narnia, where the patterns of the forest shine through the layers of ice white, drawing inspiration from the soft, organic folds of nature (the petals of flowers, the free forms of leaves, the delicacy of mystical creatures like birds and butterflies, the woven texture of a lacy cobweb).

The feel is light and airy, with an emphasis on delicate, intricate fretwork to allow light to filter through and cast ethereal, moody shadows. Here, there is a playfulness in the juxtaposition of depth and transparency, bright light and subtle dark, reflection and eternity.

It is feminine, dramatic, hypnotic and exciting, seemingly filled with endless opportunity, where dreams are limited only by your imagination and fantasies become reality.

Using the palette

Use these vanilla and chalky off whites, misty greys and muted slates together in a mix of matt and gloss to create layered shades of white, building up a sense of depth, texture and pattern, often only illuminated when shafts of light strike the most subtle of detail.

Grey Steel 3
Golden Jasmine 2
Night Jewels 6
Chalk Blush 3
Vanilla Mist 3
Java Cream 4
Potters Clay 4
 

Creating the look

The airiness and bright light of Hope adds luminosity, with luscious white painted floors and clean moulded materials like fibreglass, plastic and resin which adds a constructed yet fragile feel.

Technology makes this look feel futuristic and alive - the simplicity of line and the perfection of perforated detail belie the technical complexity of the construction of such pieces. Add some elegant, ethereal touches as well: porcelain lends an added textural dimension, opaque yet other-worldly.

Use cut glass, crystals and delicately etched tableware - their faceted reflections add a different scale to the delicacy, as do pleated or lacy fabrics which bring another layer of intricacy and interest.

Try the flicker of candlelight to transform this mood from day to night, introducing yet another layer of shadow, colour and vitality.

Credits

  1. Pendant light from Heals, 020-7896-7555
  2. Tord Boontje until Dawn curtain, glass lanterns
    from Pedlars, 01330-850400 pedlars.co.uk
  3. Table from Ilva, 0845-2458285
  4. Chair from Habitat, 0870-4115501
  5. Table lamp from Ikea, 0845-3583363
  6. Glamour screen from Kelly Hoppen @ BHS, 0845-1960000
  7. White cutwork bench from Ferrious, 0161-228-6880
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