January 31, 2008
Recycled Aluminum Bark Vases @ VivaTerra. Bark is really hot right now. Seriously. The idea of bringing the outdoors in has been a décor trend for a couple of years now, but in 2008, the textural and whimsical aspects have become more prominent. Nothing says nature like bark – or any type of forest imagery for that matter. However, it’s vital to restrain yourself when incorporating these natural elements. Remember that it’s more about making a fun and graphic statement, rather than a literal one. Otherwise you’ll end up with a dark, depressing, wood-filled 70’s rec-room – and I’ve seen enough of those in residential basements to last a life time. If you’ve got the January 2008 issue of Canadian House & Home Magazine, check out page 66 for the “Forest” scheme, cited as one of the Top 10 Trends of 2008 for the home. They don’t have their article on-line, but Toronto’s popular lifestyle show, CityLine on CityTV, recently covered these trends and has some photos of the “Forest” theme here. It’s a good example of the trend, though I’d probably eliminate one of those tables. Restrain, design lovahs, restrain… Back to the eco.hip vases featured above: Artisans have taken recycled aluminum and craftily molded it into shape, carefully capturing the authentic look of birch — right down to its delicate paper-like texture and intricate veins. Another successful case of modern meets organic in the world of eco.chic.

Recycled Aluminum Bark Vases @ VivaTerra.

Bark is really hot right now. Seriously. The idea of bringing the outdoors in has been a décor trend for a couple of years now, but in 2008, the textural and whimsical aspects have become more prominent. Nothing says nature like bark – or any type of forest imagery for that matter. However, it’s vital to restrain yourself when incorporating these natural elements. Remember that it’s more about making a fun and graphic statement, rather than a literal one. Otherwise you’ll end up with a dark, depressing, wood-filled 70’s rec-room – and I’ve seen enough of those in residential basements to last a life time.

If you’ve got the January 2008 issue of Canadian House & Home Magazine, check out page 66 for the “Forest” scheme, cited as one of the Top 10 Trends of 2008 for the home. They don’t have their article on-line, but Toronto’s popular lifestyle show, CityLine on CityTV, recently covered these trends and has some photos of the “Forest” theme here. It’s a good example of the trend, though I’d probably eliminate one of those tables. Restrain, design lovahs, restrain…

Back to the eco.hip vases featured above: Artisans have taken recycled aluminum and craftily molded it into shape, carefully capturing the authentic look of birch — right down to its delicate paper-like texture and intricate veins. Another successful case of modern meets organic in the world of eco.chic.