Iridescence in a Home Near You

The iridescent style is having a moment. A crazed moment! From makeup to fashion, it is quickly infiltrating interior design under a variety of names –  holographic, rainbow, and unicorn. Even Starbucks is jumping on the bandwagon by naming a hot pink and blue swirled frappuccino ‘unicorn’. Perhaps you’ve heard of it. There is something about the trend that captures your heart – from memories of chasing rainbows as kids to that of the 70’s disco ball era when all was permitted and the funkier you looked, the better.

Metallic pieces catch your eye but after years of gold, silver, copper, and even rose gold, it’s time for something new. Contemporary designers are using rainbow tinged acrylic and glass to create out-of-this-world decor while others are bringing out the ombre-sheened pillows and oil-slicked flatware for a more bewitching of-this-world design. You may be a little intimidated of bright, rainbow colors but there is a way to incorporate some more subdued pieces into your home to keep it elegant and streamlined. And there’s no time like the present, right? The coming sunshine screams for pops of color.

On the Walls
Art is one of the quickest ways to update your home. If you feel your walls are blank lately, art will fill them (and you!) up. The full spectrum of colors will liven up the room with energizing hues that will also provide a conversation starter. There are many directions to go with this from intricate glass installations, to beautiful iridescent copper mirrors, to even repurposing antiquated CDs in creating your own mosaic.
A piece named 'Ordered Chance' by Chris Wood

A piece named ‘Ordered Chance’ by Chris Wood

There is a way to use tile and wallpaper in a luxurious way as well. Think accent walls or backsplashes! The colors can really enhance a segment of your kitchen or the corner where your shower is situated. In the case of accent walls, you can choose a dominant color to enhance the other colors already in your room.
Kitchen backsplash made by Original Style

Kitchen backsplash made by Original Style

As Furniture
Any iridescent furniture piece will really be the star of the show. The Prismania chair below is a chair that will make jaw drops. At one point, you can barely see it but if you take another step, you can see all the colors of the spectrum.
Prismania Chair by Elise Luttik

Prismania Chair by Elise Luttik

While contemporary glass tabletops often come across cold, a glass with warmer toned shifts will infuse warmth into the room (or light up a dark room!). The sleek, kaleidoscopic glass of the following coffee table meets black marble in an angular design. When placed against light color backdrops, Grande Editions’ table creates a color sense similar to that of stained glass.
Grande Edition Table

Grande Edition Table

As Glass Partitions 
Why even use a glass partition? It’s an easy way to divide up a room without sacrificing natural light (which we wait so longingly for in the Pacific Northwest). Like I’ve mentioned before, the colors in the iridescence infuse a warmth and feeling that would be missing from an otherwise colder room. Perhaps even adding a touch of whimsy.
Bathroom design by Tom Dixon

Bathroom design by Tom Dixon

Lighting from the Stars
Speaking of whimsy, this iridescent pendant light fixture is designed to look like a permanent soap bubble. Its inspiration was that of children blowing bubbles. As with a real soap bubble, the colors, transmission, and reflection change based on perspective and light. It took two years of research and experimentation to make it as realistic as possible.
IRIS crystal pendant light by NEO/CRAFT

IRIS crystal pendant light by NEO/CRAFT

Accessories
If you’re loving this trend, but aren’t ready to spend hundreds (or even thousands for furniture), there are budget-friendly options! You can now find throw pillows in a variety of hues and textures to add an iridescent pop to your couch, chairs, and bed.
Iridescent-like pillows by Kevin O'Brien

Iridescent-like pillows by Kevin O’Brien

Another idea is a themed summer party! Make your next dinner party even brighter with oil-slicked flatware. There are even cups and wine glasses that have a rainbow sheen to them that can be found in sets at Crate and Barrel and Urban Outfitters for under $50.
Electroplated Flatware Set by Urban Outfitters

Electroplated Flatware Set by Urban Outfitters

One thing’s for sure – this trend is going to be HOT this summer and it doesn’t stop here. How far would you take it in your home?

 

Cheers,
Tami
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