Design Trends


Design Trends: Techno vs. Retro

Homes are embracing the newest technology or digital’s nostalgic counterpoint.

BY April 3, 2015

 

 

Vinyl’s Victorious Rebirth 

Call it a digital backlash: more of us experiencing pangs of nostalgia and turning back to the way things used to be. Case in point: Hooker’s new Studio 7H Record Cabinet with turntable that delivers the beloved crackles and pops of vinyl records. The younger generation is leading the revolution, with 20- and 30-somethings contributing to more than 8 million disks sold in 2014. The walnut console’s vintage style recalls 1960s and ’70s design and also accommodates a 50-inch TV and gaming devices. $1,499 and available at Alison Craig Home Furnishings, Naples.

 

Nature’s Muse

The longing for simpler times has resulted in new furniture introductions focused on organic and natural forms like Jardin de Ville’s Forest dining chair. Designed for alfresco use and cushion-less ergonomics, the chair is accented with willowy trees. Its molded cast aluminum structure stands up to the (natural) elements. Available in four finishes, with arms or without. $770 as shown in white, Jardin de Ville at Miromar Design Center, Estero.

 

 

We’ll Always Have Paris 

Watermark Designs’ Paris collection revisits the beginnings of the Art Deco area with its 1920s-inspired faucet collection. Solid brass, a 7.25-inch spout, and clearly labeled hot and cold handles recall another era. Available in porcelain or Swarovski cut crystal handles and 40 finishes. Priced from $676 and available through the Plumbing Place, Sarasota.

 

 

TV Times

Bang & Olufsen’s new BeoVision Avant TVs offer whopping 55- and 85-inch (shown) screens and definition so crystal-clear you’ll notice a single strand of hair out of place on The Bachelorette. Offering optimized bass performance and adaptive sensory and chromatic room technology that responds to changes in lighting conditions, this brainy TV also features B & O’s iconic sound in built-in two-way speakers. Chose a motorized floor stand or wall mount. $10,000 to $25,000, Interiors by Design West, Naples.

 

 

The Lunchroom Revisited 

Reminiscent of the school cafeteria—without the lunch ladies—the Retro Lunchroom table features industrial styling and a vintage makeover. The iron and wood table features six wood stools that swing out from the iron base. $5,299.99 and an online exclusive at premierhomeandgifts.com.

 

 

Retro Repurposed

Designers and retailers attending a recent High Point furniture market were so obsessed with Universal’s old mail slot cabinet, used as a showroom prop, that the company introduced its Moderne Muse collection’s Sommelier’s hutch last fall. Inspired by Parisian flea markets and Chelsea antique shops, the hutch and wood-framed zinc surface sideboard offer plenty of storage for special vintages, silverware and dishes. True to the original mail slot design, the hutch offers tabs for recording wines. Shown in a light bisque finish. $3,375 for both pieces at Matter Brothers Furniture, Naples or Fort Myers.

 

 

Stylized Showering 

Never take cold showers again. Moen’s ioDigital interface technology controls water temperature and flow with electronic precision and reacts quickly to maintain your preferred settings—even during a dreaded toilet flush elsewhere at home. Available for vertical spas, showers and Roman tubs, it’s also easy to program—just like presetting a radio station (remember those?). The vertical spa can also be turned on from bed; LED lighting lets you know it’s ready. The ioDigital is powered by a retrofitted electronic valve and can be programmed to pause while shampooing or shaving. Starts at $1,600. Available at Broedell Plumbing Supply, Fort Myers.

 

 

Fully Loaded 

Twin Star’s new console brings the party to the TV. Part of the brand’s Enterprise Collection (hello, Captain Kirk), the all-inclusive unit is decked out with a Bluetooth sound bar, beverage cooler and plenty of storage. $1,899 this fall at El Dorado Furniture, Fort Myers.

 

 

Vintage Vanity 

Exposed pipes and an aged-brass finish lend a retro flashback look to Stone Forest’s Renaissance console. Top the four-legged Palmer stand with your choice of carved block Carrara or Calacatta marble. $7,455 as shown with honed Carrara and stand. Lavatory set sold separately. Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, Naples.

 

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