Conservatism in times of uncertainty not only affects our wallets and values- but even how we approach color.Shades of chino, khaki and softer  neutrals are key while new neutral color combinations bring a safe haven to décor.The average footprint of the American home is decreasing, which means more attention to space planning, color choices and placement.

An offset to the chaos of the world, VERSATILE will grow stronger as a trend that brings a sense of order and serenity to our home environments. It appeals to all generations but particularly Gen X and Gen Now – the new and move-up home buyers.

The Story:

Ian, a 30 – 45 year old single male is nothing if not organized.  His tidy apartment has a place for everything. After a long day of crunching numbers at his investment banker job, Ian’s home is a  haven where soft, minimal color and simple lines offer rest and relaxation.

Don’t call it boring – he is known to throw in a punch or two of color.

He knows the value of a dollar so Ian is more likely to save up and buy quality items that he knows will last.  He favors sturdy finishes like rope and metal that have an almost military grade feel. Classic stripes and olive shades are also welcome additions to his home.

An avid reader, Ian’s loves curling up with a good book – or finding inspiration in the latest Ikea or CB2 catalog. Books and magazines fill his space and act as a design feature. Growing up he learned to cook with his mother and has continued to enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, where he finds his sense of adventure, surrounding himself with strong yet subtle textures as varied as the recipes he prepares.

For Ian, fashion and technology are both accessories to enhance his lifestyle and he couldn’t live without either one.
An early adopter, he has the latest version of every gadget that will make his life easier from an espresso machine to an ipad.

More Inspiration:
This return to basics does not mean mundane design; fashion designers such as Calvin Klein and Michael Kors are icons of clean, American sportswear collections. Muji, CB2, and Ikea all exemplify a beautiful but basic approach to design that will live for a long time.