I learned about the new state of luxury when I recently attended the design event at the DC Design Center sponsored by Veranda Magazine, The Art of Design 2009 Awards & Redefining Luxury.
The lecture started with a brief film about the Design Awards Recipients: Q Collection (green interior design), Peter Pennoyer (architect), Jason Phillips (furniture design), Todd Reed (jewelry design), with the individual winners discussing their creative process and design philosophy. This was very inspirational as the awards crossed sectors of all types of design and I was fascinated listening to how each designer receives and produces their creative ideas. The idea of exceptional craftmanship, attention to detail, service and meeting consumer high expectation were of common importance to each winner. The second part of the event showcased top interior designers: Barry Dixon, Anthony Cochran (of Q Collection), Philip Gorrivan and Susan Zises Green discussing their definitions of luxury and how it’s not what it used to be in our current economic times.
Here are the definitions of the new state of luxury, as described by the designers, that I think accurately describe the state of our economic market. I think these ideals have always been there but our culture had drifted away from these premises with too much excess. Now, we are getting back to the basics and enjoying simplicity — in design with high value and meaningful consumption:
• Luxury is personal; it’s not one size fits all. Luxury is custom. Luxury must be comfortable and integral to how we live. (Barry Dixon)
• Luxury depends on what state you’re in in your life. It means different things to different people, but the common denominator is that we all live in this world and this tough economic time together. Luxury can be indulgent but is mindful. (Susan Green)
• Luxury is less about making a statement and more about what is intangible. Luxury means detail, quality, feeling good and withstanding the test of time. One fail-proof color combination designers use is celadon and brown. (Philip Gorrivan)
• Luxury uses products meant to last, a return to more classic taste and timelessness. (Anthony Cochran)
• Good design is sustainable by definition. (Barry Dixon)
• Using what you have, “making it work,” pulling it together to reflect the personal, using items that reflect on one’s history and tradition, not wasting items that have significance are ideals from the Great Depression that have great value today, in our current time and culture. (Barry Dixon)
• Typically human behavior reflects on the nostalgic when times are scary. (Barry Dixon) This may be why there is a resurgence in vintage.
• Modern Design means a more global approach, particularly since the world feels smaller with connection through technology. Therefore, luxury has to do with design that is universal, subtle and lends a sense of hospitality and welcoming. (Barry Dixon)
• Luxury can be space, light, color and view, a room to think, breathe and relax that is comfort, achieved by mixing high and low. (Barry Dixon)
• Luxury can have a sense of patina and age — that appreciation of the past — in a new home. This can be achieved by repurposing, e.g. moldings to accessories. (Barry Dixon)
• Comfort is the true hallmark of luxury. (Susan Green)
• Luxury uses alchemy of design, a mix of high and low that can be simple but with color, has a visual experience and therefore, leaves a memorable impression. Simplicity. (Philip Gorrivan)
I couldn’t help but think that the premise of Casart Coverings has with all this in mind: Keeping things simple; using a practical product that has long lasting durability but allows flexibility and creates a personal space of comfort that doesn’t overwhelm by competing with personal furnishing, but instead, leaves a lasting impression that is inviting and can be customized.
— Ashley
Leave a Reply