Soft sandy beaches, sparkling seas, tropical sunsets: Summer never ceases to inspire the world of design with its natural beauty. Designers look to nature for inspiration, and its patterns and textures continually inspire trends that become future classics: from shells to birds and trees to coral, all are popular design motifs that resurface each season. But this summer, it's all about cane.Cane has emerged as the "motif of the moment," says Don Raney of Civility Design in Chicago, Ill. His design partner, Jaymes Richardson, agrees: "It's been around for hundreds of years, and everything old is new again," he says. "It takes people back to a different era, that transition from Mid-century to Hollywood Regency." Here's why cane is making a comeback:
- As a material, jointed cane is sturdy, eco-friendly and simply gorgeous. Its organic appeal adds warmth and dimension, from the color tone to the smooth, slim reeds and joints. The exaggerated geometric shape is also being done with resins, metals and other materials other than reeds, says Richardson. "By doing it in metals there's a more durable factor to it."
- The material is versatile and can be used in cane furniture, blinds, lighting and even a textured wallpaper. If you're looking for cane furniture, try these stores: Tonic Home, Paris Hotel Boutique and Mecox Gardens.
- With geometric patterns in style — from chevrons to checks — the graphical weave of diamond-patterned cane is in high demand. "It's not the new Greek key or the new chain link, but it is just as popular," Raney says. A simple fabric trim in this pattern can transform drapes, lampshades or pillowcases, not to mention using the textile as wall art.
So, how do you decorate with this hot motif?
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