The Look: Clean, Geo and Modern

Happy New Year! For this first post of 2017, I wanted to focus on the idea of a fresh start. And there’s nothing like a clean, modern look to symbolize a new beginning. I’ve also been wanting to bring in a wider variety of sources here at Mirror80, from ’80s graphic design to retro advertisements. In that spirit, I’m kicking off the new year with a post that looks to the past for inspiration yet creates a vibe that is undeniably modern…

Let’s start with some sources, shall we?! At the top of the post, we see a geometric design from Wilsonart laminate, which appeared in a 1986 ad featured in International Collection of Interior Design. The yellow fabric is a pattern called TamTam by Inez Svensson, featured in 1980s Fashion Print by Marnie Fogg.

And here are the sources from the clean-lined, geo montage above…

pastel Spliced Cushion: Arro Home; Black and White Colorblock Pillow: Consort; Memphis-Milano table light: from Drimmer (by Aldo Cibic), featured in The Lighting Book by Deyan Sudjic; Tut Pyramid Object: CB2; green stair-step graphic design motif: featured in The Best of Store Designs; Geo Milk Jug in Mint: Made Modern (by Normann Copenhagen); geometric fabric: photo via Art People NY, from International Collection of Interior Design; sleek Benson Table: Code Showroom; Pitagora lamp: featured in The Lighting Book by Deyan Sudjic (by Martinelli Luce)

To get the look, you can mix retro pieces with modern finds. The key is to keep the designs clean-lined and sleek. Color-blocked fabrics and geometric shapes work well. You can also mix pastels with brighter hues. The ’80s carpet above is a wilton weave by Tisca-Tiara, featured in International Collection of Interior Design. Mixing in a hefty dose of black can also be effective, as shown by this New York City apartment designed by Steven Holl, featured in International Collection of Interior Design:

Don’t be afraid of color. This towel display sums it up with an unexpected blend of salmon, yellow and turquoise, displayed on a TorqueFusion acrylic and steel shelf by DesignLab (featured in The Best of Store Designs):

As we begin a new year, I often find it helpful to pull myself out of the usual routines and reconnect with the basics: healthy food, exercise, rest. For me, design is right in there with these essentials. By surrounding myself with visual reminders that keep me more in the moment (and less on automatic pilot), I find that the quality of my life increases. Do you have similar feelings about design? Wishing you and yours an amazing 2017… XOXO, Kate